It's
the badge of disgrace, the stigma attached, the dishonor to the
government. If it were only two cents we wouldn't submit to it, for the
difference would be made because we are colored, and we're not going to
help degrade our own people, not if we starve for it. Besides, it's our
flag, and our government now, and we've got to defend the honor of both
against any assailants, North or South,--whether they're Republican
Congressmen or rebel soldiers.' The Captain looked puzzled at that, and
asked what he meant. 'Why,' said he, 'the United States government
enlisted us as soldiers. Being such, we don't intend to disgrace the
service by accepting the pay of servants.'"
"That's the kind of talk," bawled Jim from a fence-rail upon which he
was balancing. "I'd like to have a shake of that fellow's paw. What's
his name, d'ye know?"
"Ercildoune."
"Hey?"
"Ercildoune."
"Jemime! Ercildoune,--from Philadelphia, you say?"
"Yes,--do you know him?"
"Well, no,--I don't exactly know him, but I think I know something about
him. His pa's rich as a nob, if it's the one I mean,"--and then finished
sotto voce, "it's Mrs. Surrey's brother, sure as a gun!"
"Well, he ought to be rich, if he ain't. As we, that's the Captain and
me, were walking away, the Captain said to one of the officers of the
Fifty-fourth who'd been listening to the talk, 'It's easy for that man
to preach self-denial for a principle.
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