When in 1814 New Orleans was in danger, the free colored people of Louisiana were called into the field with the whites.  General Andrew Jackson’s commendatory address read to his colored troops December 18, 1814, is one of the highest compliments ever paid by a commander to his troops.  He said: 

“Soldiers!—­when, on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake of the perils and glory of your white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy.  I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign.  I knew well how you loved your native country, and that you, as well as ourselves had to defend what man holds most dear—­his parents, wife, children and property.  You have done more than I expected.  In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found among you a noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great things.

“Soldiers!  The President of the United States shall hear how praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the representatives of the American people will give you the praise your exploits entitle you to.  Your General anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor.”

Many incidents are on record of the gallantry of Negro soldiers and servants also serving as soldiers, in the war with Mexico.  Colonel Clay, a son of Henry Clay, was accompanied into the thick of the battle of Buena Vista, by his Negro servant.  He remained by his side in the fatal charge and saw Clay stricken from his horse.  Although surrounded by the murderous Mexicans he succeeded in carrying the mangled body of his master from the field.

It has been stated and the evidence seems strong, that a Negro saved the life of General Zachary Taylor at the battle of Monterey.  The story is that a Mexican was aiming a deadly blow at the General, when the Negro sprang between them, slew the Mexican and received a deep wound from a lance.  The Negro was a slave at the time, but was afterwards emancipated by President Taylor.

Upwards of 200,000 colored soldiers were regularly enlisted in the Federal army and navy during the Civil war.  President Lincoln commissioned eight Negro surgeons for field and hospital duty.  Losses sustained by the Negro troops amounting to upwards of 37,000 men, are shown to have been as heavy in proportion to the numbers engaged, as those of the white forces.

The record of the Negro troops in the Civil war is one of uniform excellence.  Numerous official documents attest this fact, aside from the spoken and written commendations of many high officers.  Their bravery was everywhere recognized; many distinguished themselves and several attained to the rank of regularly commissioned officers.  Conspicuous in Negro annals of that time is the case of Charles E. Nash, afterwards a member of congress.  He received a primary education in the schools of New Orleans, but had educated himself largely by his own efforts.  In 1863 he enlisted in the 83rd regiment, United States Chasseurs d’Afrique and became acting sergeant-major of that command.  At the storming of Fort Blakely he lost a leg and was honorably discharged.