Xlviii.
In his
American Conflict,
Mr. Greeley estimates the number of colored troops in the service, from first to last, at 180,000, of whom 29,298 died: the largest military
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African force we have any knowledge of in history, ever mustered into the service of any government, and the proportion of loss being very much larger than among our
White troops, of which only one in ten died in the service, while of the
Black troops, the loss was nearly one to six.
This does not look like a record of cowardice, or incapacity.
It is believed that, take their record all through, it was unsurpassed in courage, fidelity, and patriotism; while in steadiness, patience, and subordination, it was perhaps unrivalled.
Nor should another thing be overlooked, although it can be easily accounted for. It improves the manner, the spirit, and the whole bearing of
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any man to enter a military service; but the effect upon the
Black troops was still more perceptible.
Inured to obedience, and gifted with intuitive quickness and power of imitation, they became more plastic in evolution: while their former social inferiority had inspired them with an ambition they had never felt before, to improve their chances for social elevation.
There was more room for improvement, it will be said.
Granted. But herein is conceded all that is claimed by the friends of the Colored race—capacity for improvement, quickness of perception, and readiness to embrace chances.
Certainly we have no knowledge, in human records, of a case on so large a scale, of the
sudden transition of a vast community from a state of abject servitude to one of political equality. It was claimed to be a new and doubtful experiment—and it was. But the result surpassed the expectations of its best prophets.
The change was instantly visible; not only in the
Southern districts where shackles were struck off by a lightning blow, but it was seen everywhere, through the North, East, and West; in every community the negro population began to show signs of resurrection.
New ambition fired the general body.
They all seemed to act upon their good behavior, and to feel that the better they acted, the more they helped their cause.
And this ‘Hope the charmer,’ was the inspiring angel.
Vice perceptibly diminished among them.
Habits of industry, sobriety, frugality, and thrift; frequency in attending schools; tidying up of apartments, and their surroundings; better dressing of men, women, and children; a quicker sympathy with all the interests of society; grateful recognition of new kindnesses shown to them, instead of a spirit of assumption, or gratified vanity:—
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These were some of the fresh aspects which began to be seen wherever the Colored people were found; and it gave good ground for encouragement to assist them.
A new responsibility was rolled upon the whole rank and file of the body of
White society.
Even those who had been the least hopeful, not to say the most provokingly prophetic of evil omen, found themselves insensibly participating in the general feeling of sympathy and respect.
And so the five millions of
Americans of
African descent halted suddenly on their dreary and downward road, and with a ‘right about face,’ they began their ‘forward march.’
