are the words of the General.]
It was as severe a test as I ever saw. But they stood it, and
when my arrangements were completed for charging the works, they
moved with the steadiness of veterans to the attack. I expected
that they would fall back, or be cut to pieces; but when I saw
them move over the field, gain the works and capture the guns, I
was astounded. They lost between 500 and 600 in doing it. There
is material in the negroes to make the best troops in the world,
if they are properly trained.'

"These are the words of one of the ablest commanders and
engineers in the service. A graduate of West Point, who, earlier
in the war, had the prejudices which were held by many other men
against the negro. He has changed his views. He is convinced, and
honorably follows his convictions, as do all men who are not
stone blind or perversely wilful."[108]

Gen. Blunt in a letter to a friend speaks of the valor of Colored
Troops at the battle of Honey Springs. He says:

"The negroes (1st colored regiment) were too much for the enemy,
and let me here say that I never saw such fighting as was done by
that negro regiment. They fought like veterans, with a coolness
and valor that is unsurpassed. They preserved their line perfect
throughout the whole engagement, and although in the hottest of
the fight, they never once faltered. Too much praise cannot be
awarded them for their gallantry. The question that negroes will
fight is settled, besides they make better soldiers in every
respect, than any troops I have ever had under my command."[109]

The following from the Washington correspondent of the "New York
Tribune" is of particular value:

"In speaking of the soldierly qualities of our colored troops, I
do not refer specially to their noble action in the perilous edge
of battle; that is settled, but to their docility and their
patience of labor and suffering in the camp and on the march.

"I have before me a private letter from a friend, now Major in
one of the Pennsylvania colored regiments, a portion of which I
think the public should find in your columns. He says in
speaking of service in his regiment: 'I am delighted with it. I
find that these colored men learn every thing that pertains to
the duties of a soldier much faster than any white soldiers I