ed former negro slaves as soldiers to
fight alongside the Northern troops for the maintenance of the integrity
of the Union, so great was the indignation of the Confederate Government
that President Davis declared he would not recognize blacks captured in
battle and in uniform as prisoners of war. This meant that he would have
them returned to their previous owners, have them flogged and fined for
running away from their masters, or even shot if he felt like it. This
attitude of the President of the Confederate States of America led to
the promulgation of President Lincoln's famous "Order No. 252," which,
in effect, was a notification to the commanding officers of the Southern
forces that if negro prisoners of war were not treated as such, the
Union commanders would retaliate. "Harper's Weekly" of August 15th,
1863, contained a clever cartoon, which we reproduce, representing
President Lincoln holding the South by the collar, while "Old
Abe" shouts the following words of warning to Jeff Davis, who,
cat-o'-nine-tails in hand, is in pursuit of a terrified little negro
boy:

MR. LINCOLN: "Look here, Jeff Davis! If you lay a finger on that boy, to
hurt him, I'll lick this ugly cub of yours within an inch of his life!"

Much to the surprise of the Confederates, the negro soldiers fought
valiantly; they were fearless when well led, obeyed orders without
hesitation, were amenable to discipline, and were eager and anxious, at
all times, to do their duty. In battle they were formidable opponents,
and in using the bayonet were the equal of the best trained troops. The
Southerners hated them beyond power of expression.

TALKED TO THE NEGROES OF RICHMOND.

The President walked through the streets of Richmond--without a guard
except a few seamen--in company with his son "Tad," and Admiral Porter,
on April 4th, 1865, the day following the evacuation of the city.

Colored people gathered about him on every side, eager to see and thank
their liberator. Mr. Lincoln addressed the following remarks to one of
these gatherings:

"My poor friends, you are free--free as air. You can cast off the name
of slave and trample upon it; it will come to you no more.

"Liberty is your birthright. God gave it to you as He gave it to others,
and it is a sin that you have been deprived of it for so many years.

"But you must try to deserve this priceless boon. Let the world see that
you merit it, and are able to maintain it by your good wor