There was something of extreme interest taking place when this photograph
was taken at Corinth. With arms stacked, the soldiers are gathered about
an improvised stand sheltered with canvas, listening to a speech upon a
burning question of the hour--the employment of colored troops in the
field. A question upon which there were many different and most decided
opinions prevailing in the North, and but one nearly universal opinion
holding south of Mason and Dixon's line. General Thomas, at the moment
this photograph was taken, was addressing the assembled troops on this
subject. Some prominent Southerners, among them General Patrick Cleburne,
favored the enrollment of Negroes in the Confederate army.
[Illustration: LEADERS OF A GALLANT STAND AT STONE'S RIVER