“Your country, although calling for your exertions, does not wish you to engage in her cause, without remunerating you for the services rendered.  Your intelligent minds are not to be led away by false representations—­your love of honor would cause you to despise the man who should attempt to deceive you.  In the sincerity of a soldier, and the language of truth I address you.

“To every noble hearted free man of color, volunteering to serve during the present contest with Great Britain, and no longer, there will be paid the same bounty in money and lands now received by white soldiers of the United States, namely, one hundred and twenty-four dollars in money and one hundred and sixty acres in land.  The non-commissioned officers and privates will also be entitled to the same monthly pay and daily rations and clothes furnished to any American soldiers.

“On enrolling yourselves in companies, the Major General commanding will select officers for your government from your white fellow-citizens.  Your non-commissioned officers will be appointed from among yourselves.

     “Due regard will be paid to the feelings of free men and soldiers.

“You will not, by being associated with white men in the same corps, be exposed to improper comparison, or unjust sarcasm.  As a distinct, independent battalion or regiment, pursuing the path of glory, you will, undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of your countrymen.

“To assure you of the sincerity of my intentions, and my anxiety to engage your invaluable services to our country, I have communicated my wish to the Governor of Louisiana, who is fully informed as to the manner of enrollments, and will give you every necessary information on the subject of this address.

         &nb
sp;                                              “ANDREW JACKSON,
                                             “Major General Commanding.”

On the 18th of December, 1814, through his Aid-de-camp, Colonel Butler, the General issued another address to the colored soldiers, who had proven themselves, in every particular, worthy of their country’s trust, and in every way worthy of the proudest position of enfranchised freemen.  To deny to men and their descendants, who are capable of such deeds as are acknowledged in this proclamation, equal rights with other men, is a moral homicide—­as assassination, which none but the most malicious and obdurate are capable of perpetrating.  Surely, surely, it cannot be, that our fellow-citizens, who control the destiny of the country, one fully advised of the claims of their brethren in adversity—­we cannot be persuaded that a people, claiming the self-respect and consideration of the American people, can be satisfied that the perils of war be encountered by them—­their