June 12, 1863, Corinth Chanticleer (Corinth, Ms)
Last Sunday we visited the camp of the First Alabama Negro regiment, and were highly gratified with the appearance of the camp, and the soldierly looking men. We look for big things from those hitherto unfortunate men, who have now, for the first time in their lives, an opportunity to solve the vexed question, whether they are men, or merely automatons, as many have asserted.
The first Alabama is officered as follows:
Col. Alexander–formerly Chaplain of the Western Sharp Shooters, Lieut. Col. Irvin, formerly Captain in the 7th Iowa, and Major Lowe, formerly Captain of the 9th Ill. Inft.–Surgeon Wesley Humphrey, formerly Asst. Surgeon in the 57th Ill., and Adjt. Gen. Haskins.
These men are all well qualified for their positions, and what is better than all, they are heart and soul in the cause.