e affected; and before the
document was concluded, I motioned the Speaker that he might
give the floor to whom he pleased, as my desire to
distinguish myself in that particular tilt was over.'"

CHAPTER IV.

OFFICERS OF THE PHALANX.

The character, qualifications and proficiency of the men, who, as
officers, commanded the negro troops, may be judged by the process which
they had to undergo in order to obtain commissions. Unlike the officers
of the white volunteers (with whom loyalty and dash were the essential
qualifications) they were required to possess much more than an ordinary
knowledge of military tactics. Major-General Hunter, by whose order the
first negro regiment with white officers was organized, commencing May,
1862, had an eye single to the make up of the men who should be placed
in command of the regiments. As a beginning, Gen. Saxton addressed the
following letter to Capt. T. W. Higginson, of the 51st Reg't. Mass.
Volunteers, Beaufort, S. C., Nov. 5th, 1862:

"MY DEAR SIR:--I am organizing the First Regiment of South
Carolina Volunteers, with every prospect of success. Your
name has been spoken of in connection with the command of
this regiment, by some friends in whose judgment I have
confidence. I take great pleasure in offering you the
position of Col. in it, and hope that you may be induced to
accept. I shall not fill the place until I hear from you, or
sufficient time shall have passed for me to receive your
reply. Should you accept I enclose a pass for Port Royal, of
which I trust you will feel disposed to avail yourself at
once. I am, with sincere regard,

Yours truly,
R. SAXTON,
_Brig. Gen., Mil. Gov._"

This was an excellent selection, and Captain Higginson's acceptance
rather assured a fair trial for the men who should compose this
regiment, as well as the quality of its officers.

[Illustration: MAJOR MARTIN R. DELANEY, U. S. A.]

The first Kansas regiment which recruited in that State, commencing in
August, 1862, was also fortunate in having Colonel R. J. Hinton.

General Butler, at New Orleans, was prevented by circumstances
surrounding him at the time, from choosing among the friends of the
negro race, as was the case in the before mentioned regiments, men to
command the first and second regiments organized by him in the above
named city, in August, 1862. He was onl