Army Life in a Black Regiment Book

This is an interesting diary by the Colonel of the First South Carolina Volunteers. It spans the period from 1862 to 1864. The book was written 154 years ago and so the reader might be aghast at the condescension and tone. I found the descriptions of camp life atypical - with the exception that the Colonel was a little too enthusiastic and effusive. I suspect that his descriptions of punishments for desertion were not as light as one would believe. I also am aware that this book must be considered in light of its time in history. Another interesting piece was his descriptions of how he, the Col, attempted to test his guards one rainy night. He vowed to never do that again; it's clearly evident that he is lucky to have survived. It was also a bit humorous. I am retired military and also remember testing the guards on many occasions.
The other very interesting thing was the short shrift that the Col gave to the Emancipation Proclamation. His version of the Regimental reading quickly devolved to an incident about a man that had no interest in fighting. From a purely military point of view, only another soldier would understand that the Col was interested in courage and fidelity.
Chapter 13, the conclusion is also very interesting. The Col finally vents his frustrations at the end of Chpater 12 and into 13. This chapter is important for its straight forward writing and assessment. Gone is the vacillating between sang froid, gloom, and enthusiasm.
Lastly, I wonder how much has really changed about our attitudes toward segregation, slavery, and racism? Frankly, we don't seem to be have improved much. On the other hand why does this subject continue to devolve to such in your face divisiveness?
All in all an interesting diary that is a snapshot in time. Chapter 12, 13 and the Appendix will be useful to anyone studying the war from an academic point of view.