After the United States had enlisted former negro slaves as soldiers to fight alongside the Northern troops for the maintenance of the integrity of the Union, so great was the indignation of the Confederate Government that President Davis declared he would not recognize blacks captured in battle and in uniform as prisoners of war. This meant that he would have them returned to their previous owners, have them flogged and fined for running away from their masters, or even shot if he felt like it. This attitude of the President of the Confederate States of America led to the promulgation of President Lincoln’s famous “Order No. 252,” which, in effect, was a notification to the commanding officers of the Southern forces that if negro prisoners of war were not treated as such, the Union commanders would retaliate. “Harper’s Weekly” of August 15th, 1863, contained a clever cartoon, which we reproduce, representing President Lincoln holding the South by the collar, while “Old Abe” shouts the following words of warning to Jeff Davis, who, cat-o’-nine-tails in hand, is in pursuit of a terrified little negro boy: MR. LINCOLN: “Look here, Jeff Davis! If you lay a finger on that boy, to hurt him, I’ll lick this ugly cub of yours within an inch of his life!” Much to the surprise of the Confederates, the negro soldiers fought valiantly; they were fearless when well led, obeyed orders without hesitation, were amenable to discipline, and were eager and anxious, at all times, to do their duty. In battle they were formidable opponents, and in using the bayonet were the equal of the best trained troops. The Southerners hated them beyond power of expression. TALKED TO THE NEGROES OF RICHMOND. The President walked through the streets of Richmond--without a guard except a few seamen--in company with his son “Tad,” and Admiral Porter, on April 4th, 1865, the day following the evacuation of the city. Colored people gathered about him on every side, eager to see and thank their liberator. Mr. Lincoln addressed the following remarks to one of these gatherings: “My poor friends, you are free--free as air. You can cast off the name of slave and trample upon it; it will come to you no more. “Liberty is your birthright. God gave it to you as He gave it to others, and it is a sin that you have been deprived of it for so many years. “But you must try to deserve this priceless boon. Let the world see that you merit it, and are able to maintain it by your good work. “Don’t let your joy carry you into excesses; learn the laws, and obey them. Obey God’s commandments, and thank Him for giving you liberty, for to Him you owe all things. “There, now, let me pass on; I have but little time to spare. “I want to see the Capitol, and must return at once to Washington to secure to you that liberty which you seem to prize so highly.” “ABE” ADDED A SAVING CLAUSE.