One of the most joyous days of my life, was that in which the first Negro regiment marched through the streets of Boston, after having been reviewed on the Common. That was the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth, which made such a noble record afterwards. This was in May, 1863. Four flags were presented to it, one by young colored ladies of Boston; a national ensign presented by a society of colored ladies; another by ladies and gentlemen friends of the regiment; and another flag by relatives of the late Lieut. Putnam. One of the emblematic banners had inscribed on it: “Liberty, Loyalty and Unity.” This regiment did noble service for their country. General Strong said of the Negro troops that charged on Fort Wagner: “The Fifty-fourth did well and nobly, only the fall of Colonel Shaw prevented them from entering the fort. They moved up as gallantly as any troops could, and with their enthusiasm they deserve a better fate.” Generally the Negro troops acquitted themselves most creditably as soldiers. Stanton, Secretary of War, said of them at Petersburg: “The hardest fighting was done by the black troops. The parts they stormed were the worst of all. After the affair was over, Gen. Smith went to thank them, and tell them he was proud of their courage and dash. He says they cannot be exceeded as soldiers.” There were in all 178,975 Negro soldiers in the United States Volunteers, and of these 38,847 were killed, wounded and missing. They took part in 449 battles. Besides the large military force there were 150,000 Negro laborers in other departments. When Cincinnati was threatened with an invasion, 706 colored citizens volunteered to construct military roads and fortifications, and were known as “The Black Brigade of Cincinnati.” Many of the members afterwards entered military service. Had I space I might speak of the brilliant achievements of Robert Small and others on the sea. Of William Tillman the _New York Tribune_ said: “To this colored man was the nation indebted for the first vindication of its honor on the sea.” The Negro has two elements in his nature which render him specially susceptible to civilization and patriotism, namely, the religious sentiment and music. Without these there cannot be an exalted patriotism. During the Rebellion the colored people of the South had as by a sort of inspiration an impression that they were going to be freed. They sang and prayed with that idea before them. They believed that “Father Linkum” was to be their Moses, and they would soon be set at liberty. Under the influence of this they were patient and hopeful. They prayed for the success of the Northern army, and their songs were inspired by the love and hope of freedom.