CHAPTER VI.
ROBERT JOHNSON'S PROMOTION AND RELIGION.
Robert Johnson, being able to meet the army requirements, was enlisted as a substitute to help fill out the quota of a Northern regiment.

With his intelligence, courage, and prompt obedience, he rose from the ranks and became lieutenant of a colored company.

He was daring, without being rash; prompt, but not thoughtless; firm, without being harsh.

Kind and devoted to the company he drilled, he soon won the respect of his superior officers and the love of his comrades.
"Johnson," said a young officer, Captain Sybil, of Maine, who had become attached to Robert, "what is the use of your saying you're a colored man, when you are as white as I am, and as brave a man as there is among us.

Why not quit this company, and take your place in the army just the same as a white man?
I know your chances for promotion would be better." "Captain, you may doubt my word, but to-day I would rather be a lieutenant in my company than a captain in yours." "I don't understand you." "Well, Captain, when a man's been colored all his life it comes a little hard for him to get white all at once.