Warning
The following article contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. This, unfortunately, includes the title.
However, the article is provided unedited for its historical content and context.
It is important to note that this article reflecting Civil War era attitiudes about blacks is from a Northern newspaper.
Nigger Regiments.
May 22, 1863, The New York Herald
The process of transforming the […..] into a military auxiliary of the white soldier is being actively carried out by our republican generals. In Tennessee Adjutant General Thomas has, it is stated, already raised twelve black regiments, whilst in Louisiana General Banks has enrolled fifteen. In the District of Columbia Secretary Stanton has got together some twelve hundred darkeys, who are being organized in a regiment bearing his name and wearing regulation beards in imitation of their patron. It is refreshing to watch these embryo heroes strutting up and down Pennsylvania avenue, and aping the port and gait of their illustrious prototype. In Massachusetts, the Mahomet of the new Hegira, Gov. Andrew, after scouring not only the State, but the States, for upwards of six months, in search of nigger volunteers, has at last succeeded in getting together a regiment of them, which he is busy drilling under the shadow of Bunker Hill Monument. By the 1st of June we will probably have from forty to fifty of these nigger regiments in the field, each of which will, no doubt, in due time, furnish its quota of Toussaint L’Ouvertures. Great things are expected from this new principle of military amalgamation. Whether it will change […..] Ethiopskin” to white or convert the white man’s skin to black remains to be tested. The experiment would have a fairer chance, perhaps, if a few of our strong minded women were apportioned to each brigade. In other respects it promises to be attended with beneficial results. The free niggers of the North are, as a general thing, lazy, worthless fellows, and two or three years of military training cannot fail to improve their moral and industrial status. Those from the South will be easier to break in, thanks to the discipline of the overseer. Who knows, after all, but that the salvation of this great nation is to be found in the nigger element? In the utter lack of military genius which prevails in the republican ranks, we may yet be glad to trust our fortunes to the guidance of some ebony Caesar.