I. THE CALL TO THE COLORS 17 II. IN CAMP 24 III. THE NEGRO OFFICER 36 IV. HOPES AND FEARS 68 V. THE LURE OF THE UNIFORM 78 VI. THE “Y” AND OTHER WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS 93 VII. THE STEVEDORE 138 VIII. THE NINETY-SECOND DIVISION 156 IX. THE NINETY-THIRD DIVISION 194 X. HOME-FIRES 241 CREDENTIALS WAR DEPARTMENT Washington February 11th, 1919. To: Officers Commanding Colored Units from Over Seas Service From: The Secretary of War. Subject: Interview. This will introduce to you Charles H. Williams, who desires to interview both colored officers and men who have seen over seas service. I desire that every practical facility be afforded Mr. Williams in carrying out the work. Sincerely, [SIGNED] NEWTON D. BAKER, Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE Washington March 7, 1918. From: The Adjutant General of the Army. To: The Commanding Generals of all Army Camps and Cantonments. Subject: Social and Religious Conditions in Communities Adjacent to Camps and Cantonments. This will introduce to you Mr. C. H. Williams, representing the Federal Council of Churches and the Phelps-Stokes Fund. Mr. Williams has been appointed to observe social and religious conditions in communities adjacent to camps and cantonments where colored troops are stationed. The Secretary of War desires that every practicable facility be afforded to Mr. Williams in carrying on his work. [SIGNED] H. P. McCAIN. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES PROVOST MARSHAL GENERAL’S OFFICE A. P. O. 706 May 17, 1919. From: Provost Marshal General, A. E. F. To: Whom it May Concern. Subject: Special Travel Permit. 1. Charles H. Williams, Associate Member, ARMY EDUCATIONAL COMMISSION, Y. M. C. A., holder of Red Worker’s Permit No. 32133, is authorized to travel in: (a) Any part of France except Alsace-Lorraine. (b) Any part of the 3rd Army Area. 2. This permit, which is valid until July 17, 1919, will be returned, upon expiration, to the office of the Provost Marshal General, A. P. O. 706. H. H. BANDHOLTZ, Provost Marshal General. [SIGNED] JOHN W. NOBLE, for By: JAMES T. LOREE, Executive Officer. [OFFICIAL SEAL] CHAPTER I THE CALL TO THE COLORS