ally
charged to look well to our flank, to avoid surprise.

"The 2nd Colored Brigade, under Colonel Thompson, of the
12th U. S. C. I., was on my right, and participated in the
first days' charge upon Overton's Hill, which was repulsed.
I stood where the whole movement was in full view. It was a
grand and terrible sight to see those men climb that hill
over rocks and fallen trees, in the face of a murderous fire
of cannon and musketry, only to be driven back. White and
black mingled together in the charge, and on the retreat.

"When the 2nd Colored Brigade retired behind my lines to
re-form, one of the regimental color-bearers stopped in the
open space between the two armies, where, although exposed
to a dangerous fire, he planted his flag firmly in the
ground, and began deliberately and coolly to return the
enemy's fire, and, greatly to our amusement, kept up for
some little time his independent warfare.

"When the second and final assault was made, the right of my
line took part. It was with breathless interest I watched
that noble army climb the hill with a steady resolve which
nothing but death itself could check. When at length the
assaulting column sprang upon the earthworks, and the enemy
seeing that further resistance was madness, gave way and
began a precipitous retreat, our hearts swelled as only the
hearts of soldiers can, and scarcely stopping to cheer or to
await orders, we pushed forward and joined in the pursuit,
until the darkness and the rain forced a halt.

"The battle of Nashville did not compare in numbers engaged,
in severity of fighting, or in the losses sustained, with
some other Western battles. But in the issues at stake, the
magnificent generalship of Thomas, the completeness of our
triumph, and the immediate and far-reaching consequences, it
was unique, and deservedly ranks along with Gettysburg, as
one of the decisive battles of the war.

"When General Thomas rode over the battle-field and saw the
bodies of colored men side by side with the foremost, on the
very works of the enemy, he turned to his staff, saying:
'Gentlemen, the question is settled; negroes will fight.' He
did me the honor to recommend me for promotion, and told me
that he intended to give me the best brigade that he could