took the field, so that the date of the organization of the
first regiment of colored troops was in September, 1862. Col. Higginson,
says in his volume:

"Except the Louisiana soldiers mentioned,--of whom no
detailed reports have, I think, been published,--my regiment
was unquestionably the first mustered into the service of
the United States; the first company mustered bearing date,
November 7, 1862, and the others following in quick
succession."

Save the regiments recruited in Kansas, South Carolina and New Orleans
during the year 1862, nothing was done towards increasing the negro
army, but in January 1863, when the policy of the Government was changed
and the Emancipation Proclamation foreshadowed the employment of negroes
in the armed service, an activity such as had not been witnessed since
the beginning of the war became apparent. Many officers without
commands, and some with, but who sought promotion, were eager to be
allowed to organize a regiment, a battalion or a brigade of negro
troops. Mr. Lincoln found it necessary in less than six months after
issuing his Proclamation of Freedom, to put the whole matter of negro
soldiers into the hands of a board.[17] Ambition, as ambition will,
smothered many a white man's prejudice and caused more than one West
Pointer to forget his political education. This order was issued:

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
_Washington, D. C._, January 13th, 1863.

BRIGADIER GENERAL D. ULLMAN, Washington, D. C.

SIR:--By direction of the Secretary of War you are hereby
authorized to raise a Brigade of (four regiments) of
Louisiana Volunteer Infantry, to be recruited in that State
to serve for three years or during the War.

Each regiment of said Brigade will be organized as
prescribed in General orders No. 126, series of 1862, from
this office.

The recruitment will be conducted in accordance with the
rules of the service, and the orders of the War Department,
and by the said department all appointments of officers will
be made.

All musters will be made in strict conformity to Paragraph
86 Revised Mustering Regulations of 1862.

I am, Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant,
THOMAS M. VINCENT, _Asst. Adjt. Gen'l._

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

_Washington, D. C._, March 24, 1863.

BRIG. GEN