“Every thing, even to the piloting of the vessel, and the selection of the proper points for cannonading, was done by my own soldiers; indeed, the real conductor of the whole expedition at the St. Mary’s was Corporal Robert Sutton, of Company G, formerly a slave upon the St. Mary’s River; a man of extraordinary qualities, who needs nothing but a knowledge of the alphabet to entitle him to the most signal promotion. In every instance where I followed his advice, the predicted result followed; and I never departed from it, however slightly, without having reason for subsequent regret.
“I have the honor to be, &c.,
“T. W. HIGGINSON,
“Col. Com. First Regiment South-Carolina Vols.”
CHAPTER XXII—FREEDMEN UNDER FIRE IN MISSISSIPPI.
Bravery of the Freedmen.—Desperation of the Rebels.—Severe Battle. Negroes Triumphant.
While the people along the banks of the Mississippi, above New Orleans, were discussing the question as to whether the negro would fight, if attacked by white men, or not. Col. Daniels, of the Second Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, gave one side of the subject considerable of a “hist,” on the 9th of April, 1863. His official report will speak for itself.
“Headquarters, Ship Island (Miss.), April 11, 1863.