Steamer De Molay, Off Cape Hatteras,
June 1,1863.
The more I think of
the passage of the Fifty-fourth through Boston, the more wonderful it seems to
me. Just remember our own doubts and fears, and other people's sneering and
pitying remarks, when we began last winter, and then look at the perfect
triumph of last Thursday. We have gone quietly along, forming the regiment, and
at last left Boston amidst a greater enthusiasm than has been seen since the
first three months' troops left for the war. Every one I saw, from the
Governor's staff (who have always given us rather the cold shoulder) down, had
nothing but words of praise for us. Truly, I ought to be thankful for all my
happiness, and my success in life so far; and if the raising of colored troops
prove such a benefit to the country and to the blacks as many people think it
will, I shall thank God a thousand times that I was led to take my share in it.
SOURCE: Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Editor, Harvard
Memorial Biographies, Volume 2, p. 204
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