NOTEBOOK

One hour and 30 minutes. Just right. Left out the Duel.

Splendid big negro soldiers; obedient, don't desert, don't
get drunk; proud of their vocation, finest and pleasantest
soldiers—and Pond says great in battle. Some of these
have been in the service ten and fifteen years, and my
escort 24 years. They all have the look and bearing of
gentlemen. The earliest ones were not educated and could
not perform clerical duties; but the later ones can; been
in public school. As a rule the army can't sing the "Star-
spangled/' but Burt ordered these to be taught, and they
can sing it.

The band, all colored but leader, made beautiful music.

Ceremony of fetching the colors. All uncovered when
the colors passed by—I did, after first blunder. Another—
was asked to throw away my cigar when the colors ap-
proached.

Chaplin (colored) is a commissioned officer, approved
by the Senate. Is saluted like other officers.

Goodwill. They take a pride in it. / think the negro
has found his vocation at last.

Clark's Fork of the Columbia—green water and lovely.
Never saw a green stream in America before. Following
this perfectly lovely stream all of the afternoon.

Portland, Ore., Aug. 9. Splendid house, full to the
roof. Great compliment to have a lofty gallery packed
with people at 25 # as intelligent and responsive as the
others. Floor and dress circle full too, many standing,
and the sign up early: "Standing Room Only/'

Everywhere he was welcomed, and had
crowded houses, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle—the
returns rolled in.

Aug. 15. Young boy came to interview me this morning.

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