memorable an epoch in
our history. We were not too exalted to mingle with them in
the affray; they were not too humble to join in our
rejoicings.

"Such, we think, is the universal opinion of our citizens.
We conversed with many yesterday, and, without exception,
they expressed approval of the invitation which had been
extended to the colored veterans to take part in the
ceremonies of the day, and gratification at seeing them in a
conspicuous place in the procession.

"The respectability of their appearance, and the modesty of
their demeanor, made an impression on every observer, and
elicited unqualified approbation. Indeed, though in saying
so we do not mean disrespect to any one else, we think that
they constituted decidedly the most interesting portion of
the pageant, as they certainly attracted the most
attention."

It was during the rebellion of 1861-65 that the author saw one of the
colored drummer boys of that column beating his drum at the head of a
negro United States regiment marching through the streets of New Orleans
in 1862.

The New York battalion was organized and marched to the reinforcement of
the American army at Sacket's Harbor, then threatened by the enemy.
This battalion was said to be a fine looking body of men, well drilled
and disciplined. In Congress Mr. Martindale, of New York, said, in a
speech delivered on the 22nd January 1828, before that body:

"Slaves or negroes who had been slaves were enlisted as
soldiers in the war of the Revolution: and I myself saw a
battalion of them,--as fine martial looking men as I ever
saw attached to the Northern army in the last war
(1812),--on its march from Plattsburg to Sacket's Harbor,
where they did service for the country with credit to New
York and honor to themselves."

As in the dark days of the Revolution, so now in another period of
national danger, the negroes proved their courage and patriotism by
service in the field. However, the lamentable treatment of Major
Jeffrey[10] is evidence that these services were not regarded as a
protection against outrage.

In the two wars in which the history of the negroes has been traced in
these pages, there is nothing that mitigates against his manhood, though
his condition, either bond or free, was lowly. But on the contrary the
honor of the race has been maintained under every circums