TO THE MEN OF COLOR
"Soldiers! From the shores of Mobile I collected you to arms; I invited you to share in the perils and to divide the
glory of your white countrymen. I expected much from you, for I was not uninformed of those qualities which must
render you so formidable to an invading foe. I knew that you could endure hunger and thirst and all the harships
of war. I knew that you loved the land of your nativity, and that like ourselves, you had to defend all that is most dear to you.
But you surpass my hopes. I have found in you, united in these qualities, that noble enthusiasm which impels to great deeds."