the loyal States have furnished
during this rebellion, I have no hesitation in saying, is
the best that the world has ever seen. Such men deserve to
have officers to command them who have been educated to the
military profession. But few men are really fit to command
men who have not had such an education. In default of this,
as a sufficient number of such men cannot be found in the
country, the number has to be made up from the best
available material. In order to ascertain whether or not the
aspirant possesses the proper knowledge and capacity for
command, it is necessary that he be examined by a board of
competent officers. The fact that the life and death of the
men of the regiment is intimately connected with the
competency of its officers, is not sufficiently appreciated
by the community.

'The Board for the examination of officers of colored troops
over which I preside, considers three things as
indispensable before recommending a candidate, viz.: A good
moral character, physical capacity, true loyalty to the
country. A person possessing these indispensable
qualifications is now submitted to an examination as to his
knowledge of tactics and capacity for command.

'The following grades are entertained, viz.:

Colonel--1st, 2d and 3d Class.
Lieut.-Colonel--1st, 2d and 3d Class.
Major-- "
Captain-- "
1st Lieut.-- "
2d Lieut.-- "

and the recommendations for appointment made according to
the applicant's merits.

'We have endeavored, to the best of our ability, to make
this recommendation without partiality, favor or affection.
We consider alone, in making our awards, the ability of the
person to serve his country in the duties appertaining to
the office. If, in the opinion of the Board, the person is
not possessed of sufficient knowledge or capacity to fill
either of the above named to the advantage of his country,
he is rejected, notwithstanding any influence he may be able
to bring to bear in the case. Let it be remembered that zeal
alone is not sufficient; but what we require for a good
officer is zeal combined with knowledge. No ordinary man can
properly fill the office of colonel of a regiment. To
acquire that knowledge of tactics a