The Maine bugle ... campaign; 1-5 Jan. 1894-Oct. 1898 - Maine.gov

RECOLLECTIONS OF APPOMATTOX. 137
open or cleared land, and a short distance to the rear of this
point was a dense woods, to which we were directed and when we
got there, a gladder sight never greeted waiting eyes than met
ours. Concealed a few yards back from the front of the woods
was a long line of troops, of colored troops, only waiting for us
to retire behind their line that they might advance without
bringing us between two fires. The sight was most cheering, it
revolutionized our feelings and our hopes ! We had no idea
that there were any infantry within twenty miles of us, and we
wondered why Sheridan did not attack with his whole cavalry
force and not let us be driven from the field. The mystery was
now solved, Sheridan proposed to end the war right there and
then ;
and that with the least possible loss of life. The colored troops
were in position ;
the Twenty-fourth Corps to their left and across
the Lynchburg road, the Fifth Corps coming into position and
the Cavalry massing on the right for a final charge. Just as we
got in the rear of the colored troops, sergeant Foster of Co. H.
who had charge of the lead horses of the third battalion, came
to inform us where our horses were and to report for orders; I
took his horse and gave him necessary instructions. I was so
fascinated with that splendid line of troops extending in the
woods to the right and left farther than I could see, I could not
leave them and, besides, I had never seen colored troops under
fire and had a great desire to witness their bearing in action.
Here was my opportunity. The great strain our cavalry bri-
gade had sustained especially in the last twelve hours, I knew
had totally unfitted both men and horse for further service un-
til they could rest and get refreshed, so that I should run little
risk of censure for a short absence from my command. The
line officers of the colored troops were all worthy young white
men who, as non-commissioned officers as privates, had been
tested in active service in other regiments, and had been recommended
for promotion, and who, after having passed a rigid
examination by a board of army officers, had been com-
missioned and assigned to duty where their services were most
needed. I stood and watchQ