This is said to be partly a geographical difference between the South Carolina and Florida men.
When the Rebels evacuated this region they probably took with them the house-servants, including most of the mixed blood, so that the residuum seems very black.

But the men brought from Fernandina the other day average lighter in complexion, and look more intelligent, and they certainly take wonderfully to the drill.
It needs but a few days to show the absurdity of distrusting the military availability of these people.

They have quite as much average comprehension as whites of the need of the thing, as much courage (I doubt not), as much previous knowledge of the gun, and, above all, a readiness of ear and of imitation, which, for purposes of drill, counterbalances any defect of mental training.

To learn the drill, one does not want a set of college professors; one wants a squad of eager, active, pliant school-boys; and the more childlike these pupils are the better.

There is no trouble about the drill; they will surpass whites in that.