t, whenever we should evacuate the
bluff, a note should be left behind, stating that he was a prisoner. The
other, a very young man, and a member of the "Rebel Troop," a sort of
Cadet corps among the Charleston youths, came to me in great wrath,
complaining that the corporal of our squad had kicked him after he had
surrendered. His air of offended pride was very rueful, and it did
indeed seem a pathetic reversal of fortunes for the two races. To be
sure, the youth was a scion of one of the foremost families of South
Carolina, and when I considered the wrongs which the black race had
encountered from those of his blood, first and last, it seemed as if
the most scrupulous Recording Angel might tolerate one final kick, to
square the account. But I reproved the corporal, who respectfully
disclaimed the charge, and said the kick was an incident of the scuffle.
It certainly was not their habit to show such poor malice: they thought
too well of themselves.

I recall with delight my conversation with this captured boy, he was
such a naive specimen of the true Southern arrogance. For instance:--

"Colonel," said he, respectfully, "are there any gentlemen on board the
steamboat where I am to be placed?"

I told him that such a question sounded strangely from a captured
private soldier.

"Perhaps it does," said he wistfully, "and I know my position too well
to offend an enemy. I only wished to know"--and here he paused,
evidently trying to find some form of expression which could not
possibly disturb the keenest sensibilities--"if there is likely to be
any one on board with whom I can associate."

This was carrying the joke rather too far. I told him that he would find
United States officers on board, and United States soldiers, and that it
was to be hoped he would like their society, as he probably would have
no other for some time to come. But the characteristic feature of the
thing is, that I do not believe he meant to commit any impertinence
whatever, but that the youth rather aimed to compliment me by assuming
that I appreciated the feelings of a man made of porcelain, and would
choose for him only the most choice and fastidious companionship. But I
must say that he seemed to me in no way superior, but rather quite
inferior, to my own black soldiers, who equalled him in courage and in
manners, and far surpassed him in loyalty, modesty, and common sense.

His demeanor seemed less lofty, but rather piteous, when he implor