"The slaves are free".

Monday, April 21, 1862

Only a short time ago, the camp was greatly depressed. The news of the fall of Fort Pulaski, and all of the other very bad news of late has plunged us into dispair. Our whole nation is about to go up and we are stranded here digging earthworks and pulling picket duty. For God's sake, let us fight. We cannot lose this war had have it be said that all we did to help win our freedon from despotism was work a spade. This is not honorable.

More news has come in. Hunter has freed the slaves in his command which is South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, or at least those areas which are ocuppied and polluted by the tread of his infernal minions. Our depression has largely given way to anger. If someone will give us the order, we will attack them with our bear hands. No quarter will be asked. No quarter will be given. Raise the black flag and keep it there until the only Yankees left here are the dead.