n out foraging. Early
one morning, just as we were about to resume our march, a
Kentucky lieutenant rode up to me, saluted, and said he had
some runaway negroes whom he had arrested to send back to
their masters, but as he was ordered away, he would turn
them over to me. At that time a reward could be claimed for
returning fugitive slaves. I took charge of them, and
assuming a stern look and manner, enquired, 'Where are you
going?' 'Going to the Yankee army.' 'What for?' 'We wants to
be free, sir.' 'All right, you are free, go where you wish.'
The satisfaction that came to me from their heartfelt
'thank'ee, thank'ee sir,' gave me some faint insight into
the sublime joy that the great emancipator must have felt
when he penned the immortal proclamation that set free four
millions of human beings.

"These men afterward enlisted in my regiment, and did good
service. One day, as we were on the march, they--through
their lieutenant--reminded me of the circumstance, which
they seemed to remember with lively gratitude.

"The six companies at Bridgeport were kept very busily at
work, and had but little opportunity for drill.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, however, considerable
progress was made in both drill and discipline. I made
earnest efforts to get the regiment united and relieved from
so much labor, in order that they might be prepared for
efficient field service as soldiers.

"In January I had a personal interview with General Thomas,
and secured an order uniting the regiment at Chattanooga. We
entered camp there under the shadow of Lookout Mountain, and
in full view of Mission Ridge, in February, 1864. During the
same month Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas, from Washington,
then on a tour of inspection, visited my regiment, and
authorized me to substitute the eagle for the silver leaf.

"Chattanooga was at that time the headquarters of the Army
of the Cumberland. Gen Thomas and staff, and a considerable
part of the army were there. Our camp was laid out with
great regularity; our quarters were substantial, comfortable
and well kept. The regiment numbered a thousand men, with a
full compliment of field, staff, line and non-commissioned
officers. We had a good drum corps, and a band provided with
a set of expensive