“In any position or place whatever, in which I may be instrumental in promoting the measures proposed, and be of service to the country, so that I am not subject and subordinate to every man who holds a commission, and, with such, chooses to assume authority.”
“Will you take the field?” asked the secretary.
“I should like to do so as soon as possible, but not until I have had sufficient discipline and practice in a camp of instruction, and a sufficient number of black officers to command each regiment,” was the answer given.
“Of course,” said the secretary, “you must establish your camp of instruction; and as you have a general knowledge of the qualified colored men of the country, I propose to commission you at once, and send you South to commence raising troops, to be commanded by black officers, on the principles you proposed, of which I most highly approve, to prevent all clashing or jealousy,—because of no contact to arouse prejudices. It is none of white men’s business what rank a black man holds over his own people. I shall assign you to Charleston, with advices and instructions to Major General Saxton. Do you know him?” he asked. Being answered, he continued, “He is an unflinching friend of your race. You will impart to him, in detail, that which will not be written. The letter giving special instructions will be given to you—all further instructions to be obtained at the department.”
Assistant Adjutant General of Volunteers Colonel C. W. Foster, at this juncture having been sent for, was instructed by the secretary of war to take him to his department, and make the necessary examination; there being no rejection, to prepare and fill out a parchment, with commission of Major of Infantry, the regiment to be left blank, to be filled by order of Major General Saxton, according to instructions to be given, and to report the next morning at eleven o’clock.
After the examination by the adjutant general, he remarked, “This is certainly an important and interesting feature of the war. And the secretary must expect much to be done by you, for he certainly holds you in high esteem.”
“I hope, colonel,” he replied, “that neither the honorable secretary of war nor the government will expect too much from an individual like myself. My only hope is, that I may be able to do my duty well and satisfactorily.”
“I have no fears for your success,” returned the colonel; “you have qualifications and ability, and must succeed, when your chances are such as they will now be. This is a great thing for you,” he continued, “and you have now an opportunity of making yourself anything that you please, and doing for your race all that may be required at the hands of the government.” He, attempting to thank the colonel for the encouraging as well as complimentary remarks, was stopped by him, saying, “I speak as I think and feel about it. The secretary has great confidence in you, and I simply wish to indorse it for your encouragement. There is nothing now to be done,” he continued, “but to call tomorrow, and go with me to the war department to report finally to the secretary of war, and receive your commission from his hands.” All arrangements being completed in the adjutant’s department, he withdrew.