viting you to partake of the perils and glory of your
white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you; for I was not
ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an
invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger
and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. I knew well how you
loved your native country, and that you, as well as ourselves had
to defend what man holds most dear--his parents, wife, children and
property. You have done more than I expected. In addition to the
previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found among you
a noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great things.

"Soldiers! The President of the United States shall hear how
praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the
representatives of the American people will give you the praise
your exploits entitle you to. Your General anticipates them in
applauding your noble ardor."

Many incidents are on record of the gallantry of Negro soldiers and
servants also serving as soldiers, in the war with Mexico. Colonel Clay,
a son of Henry Clay, was accompanied into the thick of the battle of
Buena Vista, by his Negro servant. He remained by his side in the fatal
charge and saw Clay stricken from his horse. Although surrounded by the
murderous Mexicans he succeeded in carrying the mangled body of his
master from the field.

It has been stated and the evidence seems strong, that a Negro saved the
life of General Zachary Taylor at the battle of Monterey. The story is
that a Mexican was aiming a deadly blow at the General, when the Negro
sprang between them, slew the Mexican and received a deep wound from a
lance. The Negro was a slave at the time, but was afterwards emancipated
by President Taylor.

Upwards of 200,000 colored soldiers were regularly enlisted in the
Federal army and navy during the Civil war. President Lincoln
commissioned eight Negro surgeons for field and hospital duty. Losses
sustained by the Negro troops amounting to upwards of 37,000 men, are
shown to have been as heavy in proportion to the numbers engaged, as
those of the white forces.

The record of the Negro troops in the Civil war is one of uniform
excellence. Numerous official documents attest this fact, aside from the
spoken and written commendations of many high officers. Their bravery
was everywhere recognized; many distinguished themselves an