Chapter X: The Black Flag

The Phalanx acquiring a Reputation--No Blacks Paroled--Gen. Grant's Letter to the Confederate General Taylor--Jefferson Davis' Proclamation respecting Negro Soldiers--Mr. Davis' Third Annual Message--Action of the Confederate Congress--Negro Soldiers Captured by the Confederates receive Punishment--Retaliation by the Federal Government--Refusal to Exchange captured Negro Troops--Order from President Lincoln in relation thereto--Report of the Congressional Committee in regard to Barbarities Inflicted upon captured Union Prisoners--Report of the Congressional Committee in regard to the Fort Pillow Massacre--Testimony given--Sketches of Prison Life--Schemes for Escaping from Confederate Prisons--Life in Libby Prison--The Effect of the Fort Pillow Massacre on the Black Soldiers--Their Desire to Retaliate--Correspondence between Gens. Forrest and Washburn--A Confederate Account, written in 1883--A Confederate Account of Price's Cross-Roads--Heavy Fighting--Gallant Conduct of the Federal Cavalry--The Rout of the Federal Force--The Phalanx Saves the White Troops from Capture--Gen. Sturgis Criticised 315

CHAPTER XI.--THE PHALANX IN VIRGINIA.

Transfer of Negro Troops from the West and South to Virginia--Preparations for a New Campaign--9th Army Corps passing Through Washington--Army of the Potomac--Battle at Bailey's farm--Siege of Petersburg--Digging a Mine--Phalanx Troops preparing to lead the Assault--Disappointment--Explosion of the Mine--Terrible Slaughter--Failure of the Attempt to Take the Redoubt--New Movement Against Richmond--New Market Heights--Capture of Petersburg--Fall of Richmond--Appomattox--Surrender of Lee 377

Chapter XII.--THE ROLL OF HONOR.

Phalanx Soldiers who received Medals of Honor from the United States Government for Heroism 463

CHAPTER XIII.--THE ROSTER OF THE BLACK PHALANX.

Complete list from the Government Records, as far as can be obtained, of Negro Military Organizations in all branches of the Service, with their Chief Commanders--Battles--Dates of Organization and Dismissal 464

CHAPTER XIV.--THE CONFEDERATE SERVICE.

Preparation in the South for Hostilities--Early Organizations of Battalions of Free Negroes--Review of Troops in New Orleans--Employment of Negroes in Constructing Fortifications--Early Enacting of State Laws authorizing the enrollment of Negroes for Military Service--The Appearance of a few Negro Troops announced by the Press--Apparent Enthusiasm of some Blacks--Effect on the Negroes of the Change in Northern Policy--Necessity for Negro Troops--Strong Opposition throughout the South--Letters from Gen. R. E. Lee urging the Organization of Black Regiments--Exciting Debates in the Confederate Congress--Passage of the Negro Bill--The Clerk's of the War Department Record--Letter from Jefferson Davis--Enlistment began, etc. 481

PART III.

_MISCELLANY._

CHAPTER I.--THE PHALANX AT SCHOOL.

Efforts of Negro Soldiers to Educate themselves--Studies pursued in the Army--Officers acting as Teachers--Contributions to Educational Institutions 503

CHAPTER II.--BENEVOLENCE AND FRUGALITY.

Personal Economy practiced for Benevolent purposes--Contributions to the Lincoln Institute as a Monument--Magnificent Contributions to the Lincoln Monument--Some figures in reference to the Freemen's Bank 508

CHAPTER III.--BIBLIOGRAPHY.

List of Publications made use of 517