[280]
My own observation, confirmed by the testimony of all the engineer officers who had the immediate superintendence of the work, proves that the blacks, as a rule, did a greater amount of work than the same number of whites; but the whites were more skilful, and had to be employed on the more difficult part of the work, comprising about one fifth of the whole.
We found the black soldier more timorous than the white, but in a corresponding degree more docile and obedient, doing just what he was told to the best of his ability, but seldom with enthusiasm.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. B. Brooks, Major, A. D. C., and Assistant Engineer. Major-General Q. A. Gillmore, Commanding Department of the South.
