NEW YORK, April 20, 1861.
MR. EDITOR:—This present war arises out of the indignant protest of the North against the unreasonable and inadmissible demands of the South with regard to slavery extension; in fact, it is liberty making for the first time a decided stand against slavery. In this state of things, it seems to me extremely proper that the descendants of Africans should take a prominent part in a war which will eventually lead to a general emancipation of the race. Africans have fought well in the Revolution. There were two regiments of them, and the record of these times show that they made efficient zealous and reliable soldiers. Gen Jackson spoke highly of the colored men who fought at New Orleans. Most of our national vessels have a squad of colored sailors, who mess together, and serve the same gun, which is called the black gun[.] Officers in the navy say the black gun is always the best served. Every body knows what bravery the blacks displayed in St. Domingo.

I think that at least one fine regiment could
be raised from colored men in the North and
East. Canada would likely furnish a good
number, and I have no doubt these volunteers
would give a good account of themselves on
the field of battle. Then think of the moral
effect such a regiment would have if carried
with the rest of the forces in the very heart
of slavedom. It would form a nucleus for
the organizations of slaves emancipated by the
proclamation that will surely come from 'Old
Abe,' when the army is fairly on its march
through the South, and he begins to settle
his accounts with the rebels.

I thought best to make these, suggestions
to you who are the devoted and efficient ad
vocate of the advancement of the race—so
you might, if you think proper, give expres
sion to the idea in your paper, and develop it.

My plan would be to advertise for the for
mation of an African Zouave regiment. I
suppose a sufficient number of vigorous and
nimble fellows could be enrolled. Abolitionists through the country would no doubt fa
vor the idea, and subscribe freely to uniform
the regiment, the arms to be furnished by
the State. When you are sure of say two
hundred men, offer the regiment to the Gov
ernor of New York, or Massachusetts. Per
haps it would be better to communicate to the
Governor your intentions before taking the
trouble to enlist anybody. If he favors the
plan, you can go ahead; if he does not, it would
be useless to attempt raising a regiment that
would not be mustered with the rest, and of
course would not pay. I think myself that
before we get through with the war, every
man, black or white, able and willing to carry
a musket, will be wanted, and the Govern
ment will accept readily the services of all
those who shall offer to bring down this in
fernal confederated rebellion to an end. This
will be a frightfully bloody war; but if a race
is to be redeemed by it, it will be

IMMATERIAL.