Helena Ark Apr 7th (1863 forth the manner in which the war would be carried on in the future. He informed us that all the negroes were to be armed. This was unwelcome news to veteran soldiers, as they did not desire that the negro should share the honor of our many hard fought battles in the eleventh hour, then make it a pretense for his future advancement in society. And further the aged veteran commanded us, in the name of the President, that we were to liberate all negroes, male and female, within our power. Gen's Prentiss, Washburn &  Hovey made some appropriate remarks to the soldiers, in addition to Genl. Thomas. The meeting had a good affect generally And I believe it would be wise for Gen's and Col's to make speeches, at least once a month, to their commands. It cheers the men up, and has a tendency to strengthen their faith in the cause in which they are engaged. To day we met Gen'l Hovey on the parade ground above Helena. After drilling a short time he formed us in a hollow square
