over there under fire.' After the fight, as we marched into
town through a pouring rain, a white regiment standing at
rest, swung their hats and gave three rousing cheers for the
14th Colored. Col. Streight's command was so pleased with
the gallantry of our men that many of its members on being
asked, 'What regiment?' frequently replied, '51st Colored.'

"During the month of August we had some very hard marching,
in a vain effort to have another brush with Wheeler's
cavalry.

"The corn in East Tennessee was in good plight for roasting,
and our men showed great facility in cooking, and marvelous
capacity in devouring it. Ten large ears were not too much
for many of them. On resuming our march one day, after the
noon halt, one of the soldiers said he was unable to walk,
and asked permission to ride in an ambulance. His comrades
declared that, having already eaten twelve ears of corn, and
finding himself unable to finish the thirteenth, he
concluded that he must be sick, and unfit for duty.

"PULASKI, TENN.--September 27th, 1864, I reported to
Major-General Rousseau, commanding a force of cavalry at
Pulaski, Tenn. As we approached the town by rail from
Nashville, we heard artillery, then musketry, and as we left
the cars we saw the smoke of guns. Forest, with a large body
of cavalry, had been steadily driving Rousseau before him
all day, and was destroying the railroad. Finding the
General, I said: 'I am ordered to report to you, sir.' 'What
have you?' 'Two regiments of colored troops.' Rousseau was a
Kentuckian, and had not much faith in negro soldiers. By his
direction I threw out a strong line of skirmishers, and
posted the regiments on a ridge, in good supporting
distance. Rousseau's men retired behind my line, and
Forest's men pressed forward until they met our fire, and
recognizing the sound of the minie ball, stopped to reflect.

"The massacre of colored troops at Fort Pillow was well
known to us, and had been fully discussed by our men. It was
rumored, and thoroughly credited by them, that General
Forest had offered a thousand dollars for the head of any
commander of a 'nigger regiment.' Here, then, was just such
an opportunity as those spoiling for a fight might desire.
Negro troops stood face to face with Fores