From Memorial:

"In looking back on my army life, I feel conscious of having enlisted,

and of endeavoring to fulfill my duties as a soldier, from worthy

motives. My country was in danger from her enemies, and I wished to

help avert that danger; and if my services were of any avail in aiding

to rid that country from the great disturbing cause (chattel slavery),

and of giving to a race of human beings their freedom and manhood, I am

glad of it though this formed no part of my motive at first for becoming

a soldier.

On the whole, I never could have felt that I was in my rightful place

had I refrained from joining the ranks of the Union army."