Pvt. Harold Green:
Some of us was in the 2nd Kansas Colored. We fought the rebs at Jenkins' Ferry last April, just after they'd killed every Negro soldier they captured at Poison Springs. So at Jenkins' Ferry, we decided weren't taking no reb prisoners. And we didn't leave a one of 'em alive. The ones of us that didn't die that day, we joined up with the 116th U.S. Colored, sir. From Camp Nelson Kentucky.
Abraham Lincoln:
What's your name, soldier?
Pvt. Harold Green:
Private Harold Green, sir.
Cpl. Ira Clark:
I'm Corporal Ira Clark, sir. Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry. We're waiting over there. We're leaving our horses behind, and shipping out with the 24th Infantry for the assault next week on Wilmington.
Abraham Lincoln:
How long have you been a soldier?
Cpl. Ira Clark:
Two year, sir.
Abraham Lincoln:
Second Kansas Colored Infantry, they fought bravely at Jenkins' Ferry.
Pvt. Harold Green:
That's right, sir.
Cpl. Ira Clark:
They killed a thousand rebel soldiers, sir. They were very brave. And making three dollars less each month than white soldiers.
Pvt. Harold Green:
Us 2nd Kansas boys, whenever we fight now we-
Cpl. Ira Clark:
Another three dollars subtracted from our pay for our uniforms.
Pvt. Harold Green:
That was true, yessir, but that's changed-
Cpl. Ira Clark:
Equal pay now. Still no commissioned Negro officers.
Abraham Lincoln:
I am aware of it, Corporal Clark.
Cpl. Ira Clark:
Yes, sir, that's good you're aware, sir. It's only that-
Pvt. Harold Green:
You think the Wilmington attack is gonna be-
Cpl. Ira Clark:
Now that white people have accustomed themselves to seeing Negro men with guns, fighting on their behalf, and now that they can tolerate Negro soldiers getting the same pay - in a few years perhaps they can abide the idea of Negro lieutenants and captains. In fifty years, maybe a Negro colonel. In a hundred years...the vote.
Abraham Lincoln:
[short pause] What will you do after the war, Corporal Clark?
Cpl. Ira Clark:
Work, sir. Perhaps you'll hire me.
Abraham Lincoln:
Perhaps I will.
Cpl. Ira Clark:
But you should know, sir, that I get sick at the smell of boot-black, and I cannot cut hair.
Abraham Lincoln:
I've yet to find a man who could cut mine so's it'd make any difference.
Pvt. Harold Green:
You've got springy hair for a white man.
Abraham Lincoln:
[chuckling] I do. My last barber hanged himself. [Green laughs] And the one before that. Left me his scissors in his will.
