A system of light punishments, rigidly administered according to the prescribed military forms, had more weight with them than any amount of angry severity.

To make them feel as remote as possible from the plantation, this was essential.

By adhering to this, and constantly appealing to their pride as soldiers and their sense of duty, we were able to maintain a high standard of discipline,--so, at least, the inspecting officers said,--and to get rid, almost entirely, of the more degrading class of punishments,--standing on barrels, tying up by the thumbs, and the ball and chain.
In all ways we had to educate their self-respect.

For instance, at first they disliked to obey their own non-commissioned officers.

"I don't want him to play de white man ober me," was a sincere objection.