"Aide-de-Camp and Ass't. Eng. Dept. of the South."
[Reply in Full No. 2.]
"Morris Island, Sept. 16th, 1863.
"Major T. B. Brooks, Ass't. Engineer Dept. of the South.
"Sir: I have the honor to state that I received from you a circular of inquiry respecting the comparative merits of white and black soldiers for fatigue duty, requesting my opinion as derived from observation and actual intercourse with them, on several specified points, which I subjoin with the respective answers.
"I. 'Courage as indicated by conduct under fire.'
"I have found that the black troops manifest more timidity under fire than the white troops, but they are at the same time more obedient to orders, and more under control of their officers, in dangerous situations, than white soldiers.
"II. 'Skill and appreciation of their duties with reference to the quality of the work performed.'
"White soldiers are more intelligent and experienced and of course more skillful than the black ones, but they have not generally a corresponding appreciation of their duties. As a consequence I have found in most cases the work as well done by black as by white soldiers.
"III. 'Industry and perseverence with reference to the amount of work performed.'