[
48]
understanding that they were to be on precisely the same footing as all other
Massachusetts troops.
In my opinion they should be mustered out of the service or receive the full pay which was promised them.
The paymaster here is inclined to class us with the contraband regiments, and pay the men only $10. If he does not change his mind, I shall refuse to have the regiment paid until I hear from you on the subject.
And at any rate I trust you will take the matter in hand, for every pay-day we shall have the same trouble unless there is a special order to prevent it.
Another change that has been spoken of was the arming of negro troops with pikes instead of firearms.
Whoever proposed it must have been looking for a means of annihilating negro troops altogether, I should thinkāor have never been under a heavy musketry fire, nor observed its effects.
The project is now abandoned, I believe.
My men are well and in good spirits.
We have only five in hospital.
We are encamped near the Second South Carolina near
General Strong's brigade, and are under his immediate command.
He seems anxious to do all he can for us, and if there is a fight in the Department will no doubt give the black troops a chance to show what stuff they are made of.
With many wishes for your good health and happiness, I remain,
Very sincerely and respectfully yours,
on June 28.
After questioning him, the colonel ordered him to be taken away and shot, which was done at once.
was never taken to task for this illegal action.
Most of the troops at St. Helena had departed for
by July 3.
Fears prevailed that the colored regiments were not to take part in active