We laughed at them, as did the Commissary men, who, nevertheless, duplicated the rations already received, and sent them away happy and content.
What a glorious dinner Andrews and I had, with our half gallon of strong coffee, our soft bread, and a pan full of fried pork and onions! Such an enjoyable feast will never be, eaten again by us.
Here we saw negro troops under arms for the first time--the most of the organization of colored soldiers having been, done since our capture.
It was startling at first to see a stalwart, coal-black negro stalking along with a Sergeant's chevrons on his arm, or to gaze on a regimental line of dusky faces on dress parade, but we soon got used to it.

The first strong peculiarity of the negro soldier that impressed itself, upon us was his literal obedience of orders.

A white soldier usually allows himself considerable discretion in obeying orders--he aims more at the spirit, while the negro adheres to the strict letter of the command.
For instance, the second day after our arrival a line of guards were placed around us, with orders not to allow any of us to go up town without a pass.

The reason of this was that many weak--even dying-men would persist in wandering about, and would be found exhausted, frequently dead, in various parts of the City.

Andrews and I concluded to go up town.