You may think that I will let such men rather do as they please, but
that is not the case. I allow to treat white and black men well. But they will obey me
or be punished. I was in hopes that you and James would be in your new house.
I think you are by this time. I do not think [we] will leave here for several months,
though we may move down the river twelve miles shortly, but that will be all. Tell
Mrs. Wilson and Jane that I am not an abolitionist, but that I find black men just
as good as white men, and some a great deal better than some white men I know. We have
some strong Democrats in this Reg, but they believe in this thing. Tell Wilson we
have a copy of John Brown notoriety, he is a Captain. I wish McKelvey was here. I
believe if [he] was, I could get him in as Chaplain. I wrote to Zetty Sunday, and
James lately. I will write to Lee soon. I want stamps. Kiss Zetty and Vernon for me.
I have one man in my Co as white as I am and as straight hair. He has been a slave
all his life. I made him Corporal. Direct Lake Providence La 8th La, Infantry of
African Descent. W.M.Parkinson
