Dear Sir: — Last
week a deputation from my Philadelphia committee visited Washington to confer
with the Government in relation to colored troops. Most prominent in the conference
was the question of “pay and bounty the same as white troops.”
To-day they send to Washington a memorial setting forth
their reasons for asking that colored troops be placed in every way on the same
footing as white. You will see by reference that the conscription law makes no
difference in pay, and the committee think that should control the earlier
legislation.
* * * * * * * * * *
My heart bleeds for our gallant officers and soldiers of the
54th. All did their duty nobly. I am told that three companies of the 54th
saved the Maine regiment engaged in the battle.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
George L. Stearns.
SOURCE: Preston Stearns, The Life and Public
Services of George Luther Stearns, p. 305-6