a job of work, he answered, with the broadest grin, "O no, Gunnel, da's
no work at all, Gunnel; dat only jess enough for stretch we."


December 2, 1862.

I believe I have not yet enumerated the probable drawbacks to the
success of this regiment, if any. We are exposed to no direct annoyance
from the white regiments, being out of their way; and we have as yet no
discomforts or privations which we do not share with them. I do not as
yet see the slightest obstacle, in the nature of the blacks, to making
them good soldiers, but rather the contrary. They take readily to drill,
and do not object to discipline; they are not especially dull or
inattentive; they seem fully to understand the importance of the
contest, and of their share in it. They show no jealousy or suspicion
towards their officers.

They do show these feelings, however, towards the Government
itself; and no one can wonder. Here lies the drawback to rapid
recruiting. Were this a wholly new regiment, it would have been full to
overflowing, I am satisfied, ere now. The trouble is in the legacy of
bitter distrust bequeathed by the abortive regiment of General
Hunter, into which they were driven like cattle, kept for several months
in camp, and then turned off without a shilling, by order of the War
Department. The formation of that regiment was, on the whole, a great
injury to this one; and the men who came from it, though the best
soldiers we have in other respects, are the least sanguine and cheerful;
while those who now refuse to enlist have a great influence in deterring
others. Our soldiers are constantly twitted by their families and
friends with their prospect of risking their lives in the service, and