As the war progressed , James rejoined the army .
As the war progressed , James accepted the promotion of lieutenant - colonel and was appointed to recruit an African American regiment , the 1st North Carolina Colored Infantry ( 35th Regiment , United States Colored Infantry ) .
As the war progressed , James rejoined the army and accepted the promotion of lieutenant - colonel and was appointed to recruit an African American regiment , the 1st North Carolina Colored Infantry ( 35th Regiment , United States Colored Infantry ) .