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white regiments had complained of being placed on an equality with negroes, and that it interfered with recruiting white soldiers.
There was doubtless some reason in this; but the same result might have been obtained by a smaller reduction.
The next morning some one remarked to Major Stearns that it was exceedingly hot weather, even for Washington, and his reply was: “Yes, but the fever within is worse than the heat without.”
He talked of resigning; but finally said, decisively, “I will go and consult with Olmstead.”
He found Mr. Olmstead friendly and sympathetic.
He spoke of Secretary Stanton in no complimentary terms, but he advised Mr. Stearns to continue with his work, and endure all that he could for the good of the cause,--not to be worried by evils for which he was in no way responsible.
Mr. Stearns returned to Willard's with a more cheerful countenance.
In the afternoon Judge Kelley came in with the news of the repulse of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts regiment at Fort Wagner and the death of Colonel Shaw.
There was a colored regiment in process of formation at Baltimore, and another was supposed to be organizing at Fortress Monroe.
Both were nominally under Mr. Stearns's supervision, and he inspected the former on his
1905. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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