[Spoilers] A few questions about Unforgiven [1992]

So, I just watched Unforgiven. I thought it was a great movie, but I have a few questions.

1)What was the point of English Bob? I thought he was a great character, but after being introduced, he is immediately emasculated. I suppose it was to show Little Bill's violence, but didn't they do that when he beat up Will Munny? That whole sequence could have been left out in my opinion and the film would have been the same.

2)Why is Ned's skin colour never mentioned? In that time period, being black would have obviously brought up some great difficulties, and yet the whole subject of race is completely avoided. Ultimately it doesn't affect the film overmuch but I thought it was a bit anachronistic.

Any thoughts?