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To the letter
Theodore Tilton added some forcible sentences.
Among other things he wrote,—
They are not willing that the Federal Government should throw mud upon them, even though Massachusetts stands ready to wipe it off. And perhaps it is not unsoldierly in a soldier, white or black, to object to being insulted by a government which he heroically serves.
The regiment whose bayonets pricked the name of Colonel Shaw into the roll of immortal honor can afford to be cheated out of their money, but not out of their manhood.
Our brigade number was changed from ‘Fourth’ to ‘Third’ on November 23.
Its colored regiments were still required to perform an undue proportion of fatigue work, and but few details for grand guards came for them.
After this discrimination had long been borne,
General Gillmore in an order said,—
‘Colored troops will not be required to perform any labor which is not shared by the white troops, but will receive in all respects the same treatment, and be allowed the same opportunities for drill and instruction.’
During the third week of November several events of interest occurred.
On the 15th the
Moultrie House on
Sullivan's Island, which had long flown a hospital flag, was torn down, disclosing a powerful battery, which opened a terrible fire on us in unison with two other works.
This, occurring at 10 P. M., it was thought might cover a boat attack, so our troops were called into line, where they remained until firing ceased.
Meanwhile from
Gregg and the ‘Ironsides’ our calcium lights swept the waters about the harbor to discover any force approaching.
Our monitor
Lehigh grounded the next morning.
Under a fierce cannonade a
