The Idlers Equaled the Effectives
During a review of General Howard’s corps on the Rappahannock, in April, 1863, President Lincoln noticed, whether his eyes were “unmilitary or not,” that a very numerous mass of men were spectators, though wearing a semisoldierly look and clothes. They were, in fact, the inevitable hangers-on of an army, the more in number, as the escaped slaves were welcomed by the soldiers, as they made them do their dirty work. The commanding general explained that they were “the cooks, the bottle-washers, and the nigger waiters.” They had come out to see the President.
“That review yonder,” returned Lincoln gently, as he smiled, “is about as big as ours!”—(By General O. O. Howard.)