vi PREFACE.

could alone allay, they appeared to appreciate the ordeal through which they were passing,
and not only their own Countrymen, but the civilized world stood and wondered as the
Colored Union Volunteer passed by to battle.

The Maryland contingent of Colored troops certainly measured up to the expectation of
the most sanguine of their friends, and the survivors today fully and gratefully appreciate
the just recognition given them by their native State in this publication, as has been evidenced
by expressions to this Commission.

Considerable difficulty and delay was experienced by the Commission in obtaining
transcripts of records from the War Department, but prompt intervention, as occasion
required, by the Senators and Members of Congress from Maryland resulted in the just
recognition of the Rights of the State of Maryland in the premises.

The Commission have fully realized the impossibility of compiling a perfect record,
more especially of the individual, and the certainty that they would unjustly be held respon-
sible for errors and omissions by Company Commanders, Mustering Officers and Department
Clerks. The Law requires the Commission to compile certain records as found and furnished,
but the Commission have assiduously and persistently invited inspection of the work in hand
as it progressed, and have thereby been able to supply, correct and supplement records in many
cases, more especially, where the individual was on detached service, etc.

The large number of names involved and the scope of the work in hand far exceeded
all expectations. The demand for the records by the Libraries and Universities, not only of
our own State, but throughout the Republic, is in excess of the supply.

As a standard publication by the State of Maryland the work has already received
hearty commendation by competent and impartial Judges both in and out of the State, and in
closing their labors the Commission who have served without compensation, feel conscious of
the fact that they have performed their duty to the best of their ability, and with the material
at their command, and will feel fully repaid by a just approval of the work accomplished.

L. ALLISON WILMER,

JAMES H. JARRETT, Commissioners.

GEO. W. F. VERNON.