The USCT Chronicle

Remembering the Teachers - Who Brought Thousands Out of Darkness

2012-01-26T16:35:00.000-08:00

Mary Peake taught many former slave children underneath Emancipation Oak,

on what is now the campus of Hampton University.

Source of Image: Past is Present

In the civil war years as well as the years immediately after the war, so much needed to be done to stimulate the minds of children, especially those whose status as slaves had denied them a formal education.

From the works of women like Mary Peake, of Virginia to the teachers of the Port Royal Experiment, to the countless hundreds of others who labored for years, these women deserve their place on a Roll of Honor of people who worked towards the effort of freedom through education.

Port Royal Teacher Laura Towne

Source:

Mary Peake is one of the most well known--yet she is still unknown by many. She was the daughter of a free black woman and an Englishman. She was educated in Alexandria in the 1830s at a school for blacks in the District of Columbia. At that time, Alexandria was still part of the District of Washington. She began teaching in the 1840s from her home and later, after her marriage to Thomas Peake, a former slave, she moved with her husband to Hampton Virginia.

When the Civil War burned much of Hampton, she found herself in a city among many newly freed slaves--known as contrabands. Many had taken refuge at nearby Ft. Monroe. Others had lived in the Grand Contraband Camp in Hampton, established by Gen. Butler and Union forces, when Ft. Monroe had no more room. There she found herself in a city with hundreds of children wanting to learn.

Projects emerged around the country and many organizations assisted in the process. The American Tract Society of Boston created a school primer for former slave children.

The Freedmen Spelling Book created by the American Tract Society of Boston

Even during the years of the war itself, thousands of men who had enlisted in the Union Army also set about the task of learning to read and write. So great was this desire to learn!

In Hampton, a project began with six students and then grew to dozens within a few days and Mary Peake immediately threw herself into her work. This was in the fall of 1861. She was often seen teaching children underneath a massive oak tree (now known as Emancipation Oak).

A small school structure was erected and she immersed herself into teaching over the next several months. As does happen with people often thrown into close contact, illness and disease occurs, and by winter, Mary Peake had caught tuberculosis after continuous weeks of work and constant exposure. Her illness progressed, during the winter but her constant desire was always for the children and to see that they would be taught. When she was first bedridden she was often known to still have children brought into her room and she would teach them from her bed. But eventually she could no longer teach. In February of 1862, she was finally overtaken by tuberculosis and died.

Mary Peake loved teaching and wanted to bring enlightenment into the lives and minds of the newly free slave children. Several months after her death, the black residents of the Hampton area were to hear the words of the Emancipation Proclamation read to them underneath the very oak tree where she taught new freed children of slaves. This was also the first public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Emancipation Oak, as it is known today still stands strongly on the campus at Hampton University. A few feet away from the trunk of Emancipation Oak stands a small red schoolhouse said to be the Butler School building where Mary Peake and later other teachers taught.

Butler School Stands on Grounds Next to Emancipation Oak

Source: Historical Marker Database Site

Taken by Bernard Fisher, July 2010

The devotion of Mary Peake to teaching contraband children, and her devotion to her school became a model for other Freedman Schools throughout the South.

From the teachers in Hampton to the Port Royal Experiment of the Low Country to the Freedmen Schools in Arkansas, teachers such as Mary Peake unlocked doors. The education of former slaves brought about the true ending of slavery to hundreds of thousands. Through education the shackles of bondage remained broken.

Emancipation Oak

General Burnside and Young Tom, a Contraband

2012-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

Masthead for Frederick Douglass' Monthly, August 1862

Source: Accessible Archives, African American Collection

150 years ago in the month of February, a young man paddled his way to freedom in a canoe. It was said that "in that contraband's hand, a victory was brought to the United States of America, led by Burnside."

I found this story of this young man, while looking at an issue of the Douglass' Monthly through Accessible Archives. What I discovered was the story of a young many who rowed to freedom, who was befriended by General Burnside and who shared everything he knew about the countryside, allowing the General and his staff to map the area around Newbern , and to plan a military strategy that would lead to a major victory.

There were two things that stood out for me----first, the actions of the enslaved population are indirectly revealed--the enslaved people were fleeing to the Union lines and seizing their freedom. Secondly, this one young boy had a sharp memory--enough to allow General Burnside to map the area accurately and plan a military attack.

General Ambrose Burside

Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps

Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867

Online Edition of book available through Google Books

How wonderful that I was able to see such an interesting article in the Douglass Monthly. Although his name was not mentioned, I truly wanted to find out more about this courageous lad, and if his story was recorded any other place.

So after a careful Google Search, I came across an interesting work, called, Major General Amborse Burnside and the Ninth Army Corp, published in 1867. In that book, I found a full description of the same incident reported in Frederick Douglass' publication about the young boy, Tom.

General Burnside was stationed near Hatteras, and calculating how to capture Roanoke Island. It is noted that a solution to his question rowed literally into his presence.

Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps

Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867, p 33

Online Edition of book available through Google Books

Tom proved to be a valuable aid to the officers assisting Burnside. He was able to describe the land, the location of troops on both sides and was able to assist the team of officers on the best place to land ashore.

He was therefore treated well for his assistance, and was allowed to remain among the soldiers at Hatteras.

Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps

Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867, p. 33

Online Edition of book available through Google Books

Sure enough when the regiment sailed into the harbor to begin to take Roanoke, Tom led them to the spot where they disembarked and the plans unfolded.

Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps

Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867 p. 39

Online Edition of book available through Google Books

Another book mentioned young Tom and his impact on Burnside's operation. That book is called The Outer Banks of No. Carolina 1584-1958, by author David Stick. He refers to young Tom and the topographical engineer as the two heroes that helped to capture Roanoke Island.

What happened to Tom after the war?

Did he survive the war, and live to see freedom?

Did he eventually move into the Freedman's Colony at Roanoke? No complete roster of the colony exists. But considering his relationship with the General and his staff, my hope is that he did survive the war, and begin life again and live to breathe free air in a time of peace.

Young Thomas Robinson, like hundreds of other contrabands is one of may unsung heroes of the Civil War. His desire for freedom was fulfilled and he shared his skill and knowledge of the land with General Ambrose Burnside and his actions had direct impact on a major campaign in America's Civil War. The small article published by Frederick Douglass in 1862, provided a small glimpse into how even the most ordinary actions of one person can bring about change.

The sesquicentennial anniversary of young Tom's arrival at Hatteras will take place in February and I for one shall remember him as those days approach.

Union Army Overtaking Roanoke Island

Source: North Carolina Civil War Experience

Continuing the Story--Soldiers, Contrabands and Their Freedom

2012-01-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

20th US Colored Infantry Presentation of Colors

The celebrations continue.

Last year marked the beginning of a five year campaign to commemorate the story of America's Civil War. For many Americans the Civil War stirs up emotions of another time. For some that was a time that has been romanticized. For others it is a time that was long awaited and the beginning of a transition from enslavement toa new journey of freedom.

I launched this blog a year ago today, and my goal was to simply tell a few of those stories long ignored, long forgotten, and simply buried. I was not sure if I could, but I managed to sustain it, and I dared to venture into an arena long considered a subject area for males only. In addition, the Civil War is a subject that few of people of color have as a topic of interest. But this incredible conflict which divided a nation, involved people of color--men, and women alike. This national conflict also included persons who were enslaved, and those who were anxious to be free.

Thankfully their stories are emerging more even though the circle of people who tell those stories is a small circle. In fact, although there are many websites and blogs pertaining to the Civil war but how many persons of color are telling those stories? I know of less than 20, I know of less than 10, in fact I cannot name 5.

I understand how and why there are so few Civil War blogs written by people of color. Many of us simply feel that we simply do not know enough about the Civil War to actually create and sustain a blog about it.

After all----how many us can recall the moments in high school sitting through US History dreading the time period of the Civil war and simply praying that we would get through that time period quickly?

I remember it quite well. Oh the true sense of dread! The sense of detachment, and the very real sense of shame. The shame came because there were no stories in our textbooks of heroes from the enslaved population. Our textbooks offered no stories of resistance, no stories of courage, and no stories of any efforts to win freedom. There was no one for me to embrace from the story of that conflict. The Civil War story as it was taught did not reflect me.

But little did I know that there WERE such stories! What I missed such amazing stories. A favorite for me is the story Robert Smalls who took over a confederate gunboat, and steered his way into freedom!

Robert Smalls

The Planter - Gunboat Steered by Robert Smalls

And the soldiers--there were thousands of them! And these men were fighting for their freedom!!!

What a surprise to learn that the 11th US Colored Troops were organized in my own hometown!

Image from Service Record of Soldier in the 11th US Colored Infantry

And in the local national cemetery nearby, over 100 Civil War soldiers of color are buried.

Entrance to Ft. Smith National Cemetery

All were Union Army, from multiple regiments, yet I was never taught this. (I wonder if they are taught this today--somehow I have my doubts.)

The greatest surprise, is that some of the most amazing Civil War stories come from my own family history! It would be 3 decades after that US history high school class, before I would learn their names and learn about the amazing events in their lives. And what stories they were! Some of my readers on my family history blog, followed my story about how I found Uncle Sephus Bass who served in the 111th US Colored Infantry.

But Uncle Sephus was only one ancestor. There was Braxton Bass, (another uncle) and Henry and Emanuel Bass--both brothers who were sons of Uncle Sephus, and Thomas Bass, from the same community. On another family line there was Berry Young, there was John Talkington, and there were the Ordway brotheres, who enlisted as William Oddaway and James Oddaway.

William and James Oddaway were also names of ancestors in the US Colored Troops

There were the contrabands as well---women and children were not to be left behind when the Union soldiers came through. They followed their men. Once separated--they continued their trek to freedom! What joy--freedom!

So as this second year of this blog begins, I plan to highlight people the unknown men, and women who won their freedom.

No one should ever feel shame for those untold stories again!

I hope that others from the larger family will begin to tell their family stories of freedom. I hope that other African Americans will join the small family of writers and bloggers who dare to write about the Civil war.

What a travesty that there are less than 5 blogs honoring US Colored Soldiers and Sailors. There are many of us who descend from these thousands of men and women---and I hope that others will join me

Reflections of a Sesquicentennial Year

2011-12-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

On January 1st, 2012 it will be exactly one year since I will have launched this blog. My interest in Civil War and it's history began with my own discovery of brave men and women who were freedom seekers in my own family.

Some became soldiers.....

Some escaped as freedom seekers, to the contraband camps......

And yet others were held captive where they were enslaved, until their circumstances were changed by the war's outcome.

However, my discovery of these acts of resistance among my own ancestors and their stories needed to be told and they inspired me to create this blog.

A year ago, I was not certain if I had a year's worth of information to share. But somehow the stories came, new ideas formed and more stories emerged. I did fill up the blog each month with something to share. And I was not sure if I had many or any friends or associates who would follow my posts about the Civil War. But now--as the year ends, and I have had over 8700 visits to the page, I have been so humbled. I have had followers from authors to fellow genealogists, to re-enactors who visit the blog.

But most importantly truly I have learned so much!

I have learned the value of telling both the story of ancestors who were freedom seekers, as well as speaking about those who remained. I have learned because I have seen empowerment in the eyes of those who listened.

At events where I spoke about Uncle Sephus and his escape from Nathan Bedford Forrest, I saw the eyes lighten up from young cousins amazed at such courage of an ancestor so distant in time, but yet so close in our line.

At conferences when I shared methods of researching the history of US Colored Troops, I saw approving nods from my colleagues when they realized that they too, could explore this same chapter in their family history and embark upon their own Civil War research journey.

Now a year later, I look back at this blog which was created to honor the Sesquicentennial of the beginning of the Civil War. I know however, that as each year of the Civil War went by in the past, each year in the present will mark a new landmark year with more to commemorate.

And there is so much more to tell. I am honored therefore to tell some of their stories, and I am grateful to the Ancestors that there is such a story to tell.

So as 2012 begins, new stories emerge as well. I am humbled and I am honored to research them, to find what I can, and to pass them on.

Will We Come When They Tell Our Story?

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

There has been much discussion in recent days about the lack of interest in Civil War from the African American community.

To me, the lack of interest is merely a symptom of a larger problem. Much of it stems from a lack of knowledge, and from minimal efforts to teach, grow and learn from a rich history. But when that rich history is ignored and not taught by the very community itself, the end result can only be a misunderstanding of one's own past and this leads to blatantly low self esteem.

The Civil War---for many people of color is a story about places. There were the major battles in places like Gettysburg, Shiloh, Antietam, Bull Run. There were other incidents in places such as Pea Ridge, Jenkins Ferry, Chapin's Farm, Petersburg. Yet these are place names that mean very little to the average person of color. There are fleeting images that might come to mind (if at all) when these battles are celebrated or commemorated with flags, ammunition and fanfare.

In today's life, few African American children experience vacation trips to visit battlegrounds such as Petersburg, and should they go there on a school field trip, do they see their own faces reflected?

When the local community honors a civil war incident, there are ladies in hooped skirts, men in uniform--blue and gray, lots of flags---usually more Confederate flags---and that---to most people of color is a sign---stay away and protect the children! There is usually some period music being played at these events by a small drum and fife corps, and frankly few black parents take their children to such events. But why?

The discussion about the Civil War frequently has two arenas---one in the classroom and the other in the general public. The recent comments in the press---those questions are being asked by scholars---who don't speak to the public--in many cases they speak to their colleagues--other historians.

The other arena is the public arena. And it is from the public arena where one finds many Civil war enthusiasts---re-enactors, living historians, local preservationists. But---most of those faces are not faces of color. At many public events where local celebration occur--there is a lot of fanfare. Guns, cannons, and flags. Especially the one flag that represents terror to many people. It brings back 20th century horror, and terror, and its very origins from the Civil War are enough to just say stay away and let folks have their 19th century party.

But then in 1989, came the movie Glory, a film which told a story of some brave men from Massachusetts, who became soldiers. But a child from Arkansas, or Mississippi, or Louisiana, or Alabama, the film has no connection to those men.

In Arkansas as Civil War celebrations emerge, from Pea Ridge to Jenkins Ferry, yet when the story of Jenkins Ferry is told, quite often but it is often told without mention of the Kansas Colored Infantry---later known as the 83 US Colored Infantry that fought at that battle.

Historical Marker from Jenkins Ferry State Park

Do the children of Louisiana learn about the 39 regiments of US Colored Troops that were organized there? All children should know this--no other state in the union produced so many regiments!!

Historical Illustration of Black Soldiers at the Battle of Port Hudson, Louisiana

How many children in Mississippi know about the amazing contributions of black Union soldiers in the Vicksbug Campaign? Several thousand black men were involved---but are the children both white and black, that live along the Delta taught this?

Historical Marker Denoting the Seige of Vicksburg

A Rare Battle Monument Honoring Black Soldiers at Vicksburg

The stories go on and on. But for the average person, and the effects of the war are still told from side only.

There are countless stories told about Union armies raiding small southern towns. One reads about the effects upon the town--good folks who lost property. Yet---some of the property lost consisted of human property. And their ownership of human beings as property has yet to be addressed---and this is what keeps so many who descend from that human property so silent. There has been no mention of the wrongness of it all. But these things did happen and yes, slaves were part of the property of the good folks. Their enslavement was morally wrong and their freedom was never celebrated. It was hushed, not mentioned and buried.

And even less known are the stories of the contrabands the ones who seized their freedom. And truly, the heart of the story of liberation was the story of the thousands who made it to the Union lines---on foot, by wagon, horses, mules and in some cases later taken by train to settlement camps----because they had the courage to free themselves.

But the story told that prevails is a romantic story of Tara and Gone With the Wind. For most people of color, Gone With the Wind is a horrible story--and nothing more than a slave owner's love story. Even decades after World War II ended, Hollywood would never make a movie of a Nazi love story--yet America and so many Americans dream of life in the good ole days and often see themselves as Scarlett, and long for Rhett Butler and love that movie! The people who were victims of Scarlet and her social class are depicted as caricatures, merely presented for laughter. The pains suffered of the people enslaved by Scarlett, are not visible, not shown and their personalities are shallow at best.

Until the larger story of human beings who resisted, are told, until the stories of those who eventually succeeded are told, and until they are presented as people with a history worth telling, the lack of interest in this Civil War story will continue.

Library of Congress Image of Contrabands Arriving at Union Lines

How can this be taught well? Has a curriculum been established to teach this portion of Civil War history?

Not as yet. Therefore, as the sesquicentennial celebrations continue---and they will continue till 2015---the silence of many will continue. This silence is rooted in the burying of the story of what happened to so many.

My question is, will we come when they tell our story?

At least some are beginning to ask the right questions, and I have hope that things might change.

Remembering Andrew Jackson Smith - Medal of Honor Winner At Honey Hill

2011-11-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

In 1863 when the call went out to form black regiments, the call was so great in New England that enough recruits were present to form two black regiments from Massachusetts. Thus the 55th US Colored Infantry was formed. This would be sometimes called the sister regiment to the famous 54 Massachusetts Colored Infantry depicted in the movie Glory!

The men came from everywhere. From Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York they enlisted eagerly. After being drilled and trained, they were sent to North Carolina, then Morris Island where they would work for many weeks in the trenches.

On his massive website Lest We Forget, historical researcher Bennie McRae describes how this regiment became quickly demoralized when it was learned that they were not to be paid the same as white soldiers. The typical pay was $13 per month for volunteers. Black soldiers, it was decided would be paid $10.00 per month. When they learned of this, they were immediately upset that their lives were valued less that the lives of white soldiers. They refused the pay of $10 and demanded to be treated equally as they had been guaranteed.

Mr. McRae reported:

"Governor Andrew pressed the issue of a supplemental pay act and this law passed the Massachusetts Legislature on November 16th. On December 11, 1863, Major Sturges, paymaster for the state and Mr. Edward W. Kinsley, a Boston merchant arrived at the camp on Folly Island to offer the men the difference between the $10.00 a month, and the promised $13.00...but the men respectfully declined it. “They felt that their manhood was at stake. They were regarded as good enough to be killed and wounded, and to work in the trenches side by side with white soldiers, so they said they would wait until they got their dues.”

For months, the government refused to settle the pay issue, and morale among the soldiers of the 55th began to detiorate, meanwhile---they continued to serve as soldiers. Their service on Folly's Island and other detachments was still going on though the issue of equal payment continued. Finally word came in August of 1864 that it was finally decided that all colored troops were to receive equal pay from January 1, 1864 forward.

Again, Mr. McRae succinctly describes the time when the soldiers received all of their back pay:

For the regiment, October 7th turned out to be a banner day, the day they were all finally paid off. The process took three days to complete and when it was finally completed the men had sent home to their families the amount of over $60,000. As well, “it is not known that in a single case any man present with the regiment failed to repay his debts.”

The morale was boosted among all of the men after payment and the following month, they would all find themselves to be tested in a major battle--the Battle of Honey Hill. Among the hundreds of men in the 55th, was a young Kentucky born man Andrew Jackson Smith. He was a slave of Elijah Smith of Kentucky and when the war broke out, Elijah Smith had planned to take Andrew and other male slaves into battle with him into the Confederate war front. But Andrew had no desire to follow his master to the confederate battle front and so he and another slave took flight on foot. They made their way 25 miles on foot, till they reached the Union line and presented themselves to the Union soldiers encamped there. He connected with an Illinois regiment where he was wounded near Shiloh. After recovering, he was still determined to enlist in the Union Army as a soldier.

He was mustered into the 55th Massachusetts and was serving in the regiment when they were ordered to Honey Hill, SC. While crossing a swamp the unit came under very heavy fire from the enemy. The color barrier was hit and mortally wounded.

Smith rushed to the side of the color barrier, took up the colors and carried them throughout the rest of the battle. He was exposed to the enemy but never lost the colors and never let them fall. In spite of the heavy fire under which he found himself, the colors of the 55th Massachusetts did not fall, thanks to the actions of Corporal Smith. He was later promoted to Color Sergeant two months later.

After the war, Andrew Jackson Smith returned to Kentucky, purchased land there and remained. In 1916, many year after the famous battle, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor but it was denied.

However, in 2001 a mere 137 years after the battle of Honey Hill where he earned the medal it was finally awarded to him posthumously by President Bill Clinton, in 2001.

His descendants received it at a White House ceremony. A marker has also been erected reflecting this honor and it is placed on the road near the cemetery where he is buried.

November Reflections of US Colored Troops

2011-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

A Montage November Engagements of US Colored Troops

I am continually amazed at how much the US Colored Troops were engaged in battle during each month after they were mustered into service.

As November comes to a close, I was looking over a list of military engagements that involved black soldiers and the geographic as well as military diversity was interesting to note and I decided to share my observations on this blog.

The Bureau of US Colored Troop was organized in 1863 and the recruitment of black men into the Union Army was rapid. The month of November was a busy month in both 1863 and still in 1864 as well. However, as early as November of 1862, the organization of black Union regiments had begun.

Black Union Army Regiments organized in the month of November

-Battery C - Louisiana (November 6, 1863)

-Battery F - Tennessee (November 23, 1863)

-6th US Colored Cavaly - Kentucky (November 1, 1864)

-9th US Colored Infantry - Maryland (November 11, 1863)

-10thUS Colored Heavy Artillery - Louisiana (Novermber 29, 1862)

-10th US Colored Infantry - Virginia (November, 18, 1863)

-13th US Colored Infantry - Tennessee (November 19, 1863)

-14th US Colored Infantry - Tennessee (November 16, 1863)

-23rd US Colored Infantry - Virginia (November 23, 1863)

-75th US Colored Infantry - Louisiana (November 24, 1863)

-87th US Colored Infantry - Louisiana (November 26, 1863)

-93rd US Colored Infantry - Louisiana (November 23, 1863)

-110th US Colored Infantry - Alabama (November 20th, 1863)

-120th US Colored Infantry - Kentucky (November 1864)

The month of November would also prove to be a month in which many black soldiers were to become engaged in battles and skirmishes. Some were small skirmishes involving as few as one company and otheres were much larger such as Honey Hill and Bermuda Hundred that would involve hundreds of soldiers. But from the Gulf of Mexico, to Virginia, the battle for freedom continued.

Battles Involving USCTs in November

November 1, 1864 - Black River Louisiana, 6th USC Heavy Artillery

November 4, 1864 - Chapin's Farm, Virginia, 22nd USC Infantry

November 9, 1864 - Bayou Tunica Louisiana, 73rd US Infantry

November 11, 1864 - Natchez Mississippi, 58th USC Infantry

November 14, 1864 - Cow Creek, Cherkoee Nation, 54th USC Infantry

November 17, 1864 - Bayou St. Louis, Mississippi, 91st USC Infantry

November 17, 1864 - Dutch Gap, Virginia, 36th USC Infantry

November 19, 1864 - Ash Bayou, Louisiana, 93rd USC Infantry

November 19, 1864 - Timber Hill, Cherokee Nation, 79th USC Infantry (New)

November 22, 1864 - Rolling Ford, Mississippi, 3rd US Cavalry

November 23, 1864 - Morganza Louisiana, 84th USC Infantry

November 24, 1864 - Hall Island South Carolina 33rd USC Infantry

November 26, 1864 - Plymouth NC, 10th USC Infantry

November 26, 1864 - Madison Sta. Alabama 101st USC Infantry

November 30, 1864 - Bermuda Hundred, Virginia 19th USC Infantry

November 30, 1864 - Honey Hill, South Carolina 32nd, 35th, 54th & 55th USC Infantries

~~~~~

"Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters US, let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder, and bullets in his pocket, and there is no power on earth or under the earth which can deny that he has earned the right of citizenship in the United States."

~Frederick Douglass 1863~

Spirit of Freedom and Other Monuments to US Colored Troops

2011-11-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

This video tells the story of the Spirit of Freedom - the National Monument Honoring Black Civil War Soldiers

I attended the dedication of that monument in the summer of 1998 and was honored to witness the outpour of support from descendants of those 209,000 men whose names are inscribed on that monument as well.

The following summer, I got to see another monument honoring black Civil War soldiers. I was attending a Civil War re-enactment of the Honey Springs Battle in Rentiesville Oklahoma and was delighted to see that among the monuments erected honoring the soldiers in that battle--the 1st Kansas Colored were depicted among those who fought nobly in that battle.

Monument to 1st Kansas Colored, Honey Springs Oklahoma

Of course, I have often pointed out that many who research the history of the US Colored Troops will frequently encounter other African Americans who have no knowledge of the ties that their own families have to the thousands of Black soldiers who fought and died for their freedom. In a recent discussion about this, it was mentioned again, that this occurs possibly because there are so few images or monuments devoted to the contribution made by more than 200,000 African Americans who served in the War.

Ironically in most southern towns somewhere in or near the town square is a monument devoted to confederate dead, and ironically there are so few monuments to the Black men who lived in the same communities who fought for their freedom.

Although there are less than two dozen, the list slowly growing. I did find a site devoted to Black Civil War monuments, and have written to have the inclusion of the Honey Springs battlefield monument to the 1st Kansas Colored (that later became the 79th US Colored Infantry), however, the change has yet to be made to reflect that monument.

Yet, the site deserves to be visited, again, because so few of us are aware of these soldiers and of their history. I am including a list of the monuments that are mentioned on the Jubilo site, with a link to the sites that contain more information about the monuments honoring these soldiers.

1st Kansas Colored at Cabin Creek Battlefield, Oklahoma - Rentiesville Oklahoma

Connecticut 29th Colored Regiment - Fair Haven Connecticut

2nd US Colored Infantry, Ft. Myers Florida - Ft. Myers Florida

Kentucky African American Veterans Monument - Frankfort Kentucky

Kent County MD US Colored Troops Monument - Chestertown Maryland

Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Colored - Boston Massachusetts

Vicksburg Monument to US Colored Soldiers - Vicksburg Mississippi

1st Kansas Colored Battle of Island Mound - Butler Missouri

56th US Colored Infantry Monument - St. Louis Missouri

North Carolina Colored Union Soldiers - Hertford North Carolina

USCT National Cemetery Monument - Nashville Tennessee

West Point Monument - Norfolk Virginia

As happy as I am to see these monuments---there are so many more untold stories. Perhaps when and if they are constructed, in the future we may see monuments honoring the fallen men as well, for their price was the ultimate price for freedom. Their bravery is still unsung.

Let us not forget to

Remember Ft. Pillow.

Remember Poison Springs

Remember Saltville

And as I have an ancestors who was ambushed in battle, I hope someday in central Arkansas that some will also Remember Jenkin's Ferry.

All brave men deserve to be so honored and remembered.

Honoring US Colored Troops from Missouri

2011-10-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

By 1863, the recruitment of black men to join the Union Army was fervent. The Emancipation Proclamation issued in January 1863, was directed exclusively to the states that had seceded from the Union. Therefore border states like Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri were not included. So technically, slaves in Missouri were not affected by the proclamation. Prior to the official establishment of the Bureau of Colored Troops, fugitive slaves were not officially recruited in Missouri into the Union Army.

However, once Union Army recruitment of black soldiers had begun in earnest, slaves were no longer returned to their owners, if runaways had been found. So therefore, in Missouri as Federal forces had advanced, slaves in Missouri, like their brethren in the deep south, fled to the Union lines, and when opportunity came, they eagerly enlisted. Some were possibly inspired by the presence of black Union men as early as 1862, when the 1st Kansas Colored became involved in the Battle of Island Mound. They would become the first black soldiers to engage the enemy.

18th US Colored Infantry

Organized in Missouri at large February 1 to September 28, 1864. Attached to District of St. Louis, Mo., Dept. of Missouri, to December, 1864. Unassigned, District of the Etowah, Dept. of the Cumberland, December, 1864. 1st Colored Brigade, District of the Etowa, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. Unassigned, District of the Etowah, Dept. of the Cumberland, March, 1865. 1st Colored Brigade, Dept. of the Cumberland, to July, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, District of East Tennessee and Dept. of the Tennessee, to February, 1866.

Service--Duty in District of St. Louis, Mo., and at St. Louis until November, 1864. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn., November 7. Moved to Paducah, Ky., November 7-11, thence to Nashville, Tenn. Occupation of Nashville during Hood's investment December 1-15. Battles of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. At Bridgeport, Ala., guarding railroad until February, 1865. Action at Elrod's Tan Yard January 27. At Chattanooga, Tenn., and in District of East Tennessee until February, 1866. Mustered out February 21, 1866.

62nd US Colored Infantry

Organized March 11, 1864, from 1st Missouri Colored Infantry. Attached to District of St. Louis, Dept. of Missouri, to March, 1864. District of Baton Rouge, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to June, 1864. Provisional Brigade, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1864. Port Hudson, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1864. Brazos Santiago, Texas, to October, 1864. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, United States Colored Troops, Dept. of the Gulf, to December, 1864. Brazos Santiago, Texas, to June, 1865. Dept. of Texas to March, 1866.

Service--Ordered to Baton Rouge, La., March 23, 1864, and duty there until June. Ordered to Morganza, La., and duty there until September. Expedition from Morganza to Bayou Sara September 6-7. Ordered to Brazos Santiago, Texas, September, and duty there until May, 1865. Expedition from Brazos Santiago May 11-14. Action at Palmetto Ranch May 12-13, 1865. White's Ranch May 13. Last action of the war. Duty at various points in Texas until March, 1866. Ordered to St. Louis via New Orleans, La. Mustered out March 31, 1866.

65th US Colored Infantry

Organized March 11, 1864, from 2nd Missouri Colored Infantry. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to June, 1864. Provisional Brigade, District of Morganza, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to May, 1865. Northern District of Louisiana and Dept. of the Gulf to January, 1867.

Service--Garrison duty at Morganza, La., until May, 1865. Ordered to Port Hudson, La. Garrison duty there and at Baton Rouge and in Northern District of Louisiana until January, 1867. Mustered out January 8, 1867.Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 749 Enlisted men by disease.

67th US Colored Infantry

Organized March 11, 1864, from 3rd Missouri Colored Infantry. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to March, 1864. District of Port Hudson, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to June, 1864. Provisional Brigade, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to May, 1865. Northern District of Louisiana, Dept. of the Gulf, to July, 1865.

Service--Moved from Benton Barracks, Mo., to Port Hudson, La., arriving March 19, 1864, and duty there until June. Moved to Morganza, La., and duty there until June, 1865. Action at Mt. Pleasant Landing, La., May 15, 1864 (Detachment). Expedition from Morganza to Bayou Sara September 6-7, 1864. Moved to Port Hudson June 1, 1865. Consolidated with 65th Regiment, United States Colored Troops, July 12, 1865.

68th US Colored Infantry

Organized March 11, 1864, from 4th. Missouri Colored Infantry. Attached to District of Memphis, Tenn., 16th Corps, Dept. of the Tennessee, to June, 1864. 1st Colored Brigade, Memphis, Tenn., District of West Tennessee, to December, 1864. Fort Pickering, Defenses of Memphis, Tenn., District of West Tennessee, to February, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, Military Division West Mississippi, to May, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of West Florida, to June, 1865. Dept. of Texas to February, 1866.

SERVICE--At St. Louis, Mo., until April 27, 1864. Ordered to Memphis, Tenn., and duty in the Defenses of that city until February, 1865. Smith's Expedition to Tupelo, Miss., July 5-21, 1864. Camargo's Cross Roads, near Harrisburg, July 13. Tupelo July 14-15. Old Town Creek July 15. At Fort Pickering, Defenses of Memphis, Tenn., until February, 1865. Ordered to New Orleans, La., thence to Barrancas, Fla. March from Pensacola, Fla., to Blakely, Ala., March 20-April 1. Siege of Fort Blakely April 1-9. Assault and capture of Fort Blakely April 9. Occupation of Mobile April 12. March to Montgomery April 13-25. Duty there and at Mobile until June. Moved to New Orleans, La., thence to Texas. Duty on the Rio Grande and at various points in Texas until February, 1866. Mustered out February 5, 1866.

Battles Fought in Missouri Involving US Colored Troops

There were not many battles involving black soldiers fought in Missouri. Most of the regiments organized in the state were sent to other places such as Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. The two most significant battles in which black Union Soldiers, were Island Mound and Glascow Missouri. Those battles would involve soldiers from other states, with exception of Glascow.

Missouri Civil War Battles involving black soldiers

Glascow, Missouri October 15, 1864 involving the 62nd US Colored Infantry

Island Mound, Missouri 1962 involving the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry (re-designated as 79th US Colored)

Sherwood, Missouri May 18, 1863 involving the 79th US Colored Infantry (formerly 1st Kansas Colored)

Military Service Muster In Document of US Colored soldier of Missouri

More Missouri USCT Information

Honoring Black Civil War Soldiers Organized in Kentucky

2011-09-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Image Source

Monument erected in 1924 honoring the US Colored Soldiers from Kentucky

Source: Trails-R-US Monuments

In 1924, The Colored Women's Relief Corps, No. 8 of the Grand Army of the Republic, erected a monument honoring the actions and service of the US Colored Troops, particularly those from Kentucky. It was placed in Greenhill Cemetery in Frankfurt Kentucky. In April of this year another an historical marker honoring black Civil War soldiers of Kentucky was erected. This marker stands in Simpsonville Kentucky near the site where soldiers were killed. I have also been impressed to see that over the years there have been more efforts to honor black soldiers from Kentucky.

Source of Image: Dedication and Unveiling of Simpsonville Marker

There were many black men from Kentucky who served in the Union Army, and many served in regiments outside of Kentucky. It is said that more than 20,000 black men of Kentucky served in the Union Army from multiple states. Kentucky is an interesting state with rich African American history. The Civil War was also a time in which there was much activity involving African Americans. Black Union regiments were organized, and the slaves---many freed themselves and found refuge at contraband camps like Camp Nelson.

Contraband Camp at Camp Nelson, KY

I have learned also about the various units of Black Union soldiers that came out of Kentucky and have also been impressed to see the list of battles and skirmishes in which they were engaged. The Kentucky story has to be a rich one, indeed! I wonder how many of those soldiers had wives and children living in Camp Nelson.

I wonder too, how many Kentucky residents are aware of this unique and wonderfully rich history.

Kentucky is one of those states that gets overshadowed when USCT history is mentioned. The mention of Civil War for many brings discussion of the moving Glory, which ironically did not feature a USCT regiment, since the 54th Massachusetts Colored was part of the regular army, and USCTs were volunteers.

Nevertheless, these men of Kentucky's soil deserve to be mentioned and singled out for their bravery.

Black Union Regiments Organized in Kentucky

5th US Colored Cavalry, October 1864

6th US Colored Cavalry, November 1864

8th US Colored Heavy Artillery April 1864

12th US Colored Heavy Artillery July 1864

13th US Colore Heavy Artillery June, 1865

72nd US Colored Infantry April 1865

100th US Colored Infantry, May 1864

107th US Colored Infantry May 1864

108th US Colored Infantry, June 1864

109th US Colored Infantry, July 1864

114th US Colored Infantry, July 1864

115th US Colored Infantry, July 1864

116th US Colored Infantry, June 1864

117th US Colored Infantry, July 1864

118th US Colored Infantry, Oct 1864

119th US Colored Infantry, January 1865

120th US Colored Infantry, November 1865

121st US Colored Infantry October 1865

122nd US Colored Infantry December 1864

123rd US Colored Infantry December 1864

124th US Colored Infantry January 1865

125th US Colored Infantry February 1865

USCT's on Parade and On Film

2011-08-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to see some film footage of the US Colored Troops as they marched in a Civil War Veteran's page. There are not many veterans who were enlisted men with the US Colored troops to be found whose images are captured on film. But thanks to some footage depicting a post Civil War parade, one proud group of men were shown in this 1898 piece. They are the soldiers at the beginning of the video and at the very end. Thanks to the work of a YouTube user called RMoreCook, who produces small videos with military marches, parades and music--he created a video honoring the US Colored Troops. I share it here on this post.

After the Civil War, many former soldiers were active in the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union Army veterans. These former soldiers marched in many parades during the late 1800s into the 1900s. I was delighted to see that some were truly captured on film.

Theirs was a war for freedom---God was on their side and their freedom was won.

The Butler Medal - The Only Medal Awarded to Black Soldiers in the Civil War

2011-07-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Butler Medal - Medal of the James

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Recently I had a conversation with a colleague about Civil War and the medals awarded during the war. I was surprised that so few people had heard about the Butler Medal, and it's history. This was a medal awarded to black soldiers who fought in the Battle of New Market Heights. Many men in that battle also received the Medal of Honor.

But the Medal of the James has its own history as well. Several years ago, I was delighted to have the opportunity to see one of the few (less than five) known Butler Medals. A good friend, mentor and colleague, Dr. Agnes K. Callum allowed me to see this medal that she has, which was given to one of the soldiers who distinguished themselves in battle. The grandson of the soldier wanted his grandfather's legacy to

be remembered.

The medal has an interesting history. After distinguishing themselves in the Battle of New Market Heights, General Benjamin Butler commissioned a medal to be made to give to the black men who fought so hard in that battle. This silver medal was struck at Tiffany's, and the medal is inscribed with the words "Distinguished Courage Campaign Before Richmond 1864" Approximately 200 medals were made, only the names of 16 recipients of the Butler Medal are known to this day. Some had their names inscribed along the edge of the medal.

Several weeks after the men received their medals, General Butler was relieved of his command and the black soldiers were forbidden to wear the medal. The government refused to honor the medal as "official". After more than a century after the war ended, two attempts were made to have the medal recognized officially, but they were still denied.

I decided to share the fact that this medal exists and that there is an interesting history attached to it.

General Benjamin F. Butler had the Medal of the James created

"I had the fullest reports made to me of the acts of individual bravery of colored men on that occasion, and I had done for the negro soldiers, by my own order, what the government has never done for its white soldiers – I had a medal struck of like size, weight, quality, fabrication, and intrinsic value with those which Queen Victoria gave with her own hand to her distinguished private soldiers of the Crimea…These I gave with my own hand, save where the recipient was in a distant hospital wounded, and by the commander of the colored corps after it was removed from my command, and I record with pride that in that single action there were so many deserving that it called for a presentation of nearly two hundred.”.–" - Benjamin Franklin Butler

In 2001, Historian Agnes Callum of Baltimore Maryland, was photographed with the Civil War Medal The medal belonged to Gilbert Harris a former slave from Edgecombe County North Carolina. He escaped and joined the 2nd US Colored Cavalry. His medal is the only medal known with the name of the soldier engraved on the side. In 2001 Mrs. Callum was photographed by the Baltimore Sun and discussed the history of the men who fought and also the history of the soldier to whom the medal was awarded.

Historian Agnes K. Callum holding Butler Medal Given to Gilbert Harris

Source: Baltimore Sun, August 2, 2001, Section E, page 1

Photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor, Sun Staff

Page from Service Record of Sgt. Gilbert Harris. Sept 1864

Three weeks after this was collected he was in the battle of New Market Heights

Source: NARA Publication M1817 Service Record

Footnote Image: http://www.footnote.com/image/#33|261449152

I recently learned that replicas of the Butler Medal have been made. I hope that the history of this medal will be explored by more civil war enthusiasts.

Replica of the Butler Medal

Although never recognized as official, the medal has its place in history, and hopefully others will become aware of story behind the medal, as more strive to tell the history of the US Colored Troops.

Remembering Ft. Wagner on This Day

2011-07-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

54th Massachusetts Colored at Ft. Wagner

Image: Library of Congress

Today is a special day. It is the anniversary of the assault on Ft. Wagner. Much has been written on the Assault of Ft. Wagner and the valor shown by the men of the 54th US Colored, on this day. For many years the mass grave of the soldiers were ignored. Today they are thankfully remembered for the brave men that they were. These men who served in the regular US Army have a history as noble as that of the 178,000 men of the US Colored Troops, who served as volunteers in the Civil War.

Today is also special for another reason as well---the official ribbon cutting of the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial took place as well. How fitting that the new home of this Civil War museum would officially open to the public on the anniversary of Ft. Wagner.

The historic significance of this day cannot be ignored. For the men of the 54th, it was their "Baptism of Glory". Though a day after the western victory at Honey Springs, I honor the men of the 54th for their courage and conviction to Freedom!!

This video posted by a Civil War enthusiast called 55th Massachusetts, tells the story eloquently of the 54th Massachusetts and their bravery.

July 1863--Honey Springs: A Victory for the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry

2011-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Image from Harper's Weekly depicting the Battle of Honey Springs - July 17, 1864

In mid July of 1863, a critical battle occurred in the western theater of the Civil War. And in a few days, many Civil War enthusiasts will be commemorating the assault on Ft. Wagner, however, attention should be given to a major battle that occurred in the west---the day before. I am referring to the Battle of Honey Springs.

In Indian Territory in the heart of the Creek Nation, the 1st Kansas Colored comprised of former slaves from Arkansas, Indian Territory, and Missouri, engaged the enemy at Honey Springs. This battle is significant, because these black soldiers found themselves in an historic situation---they were in open confrontation with American Indian Confederate Units. Some of these soldiers had been slaves in the same tribe---their parents haven been taken west on the Trail of Tears.

The Indian Confederate units were: The First and Second Cherokee Mounted Rifles, the First and Second Creek Mounted Rifles, the First Choctaw Mounted Rifles and the Chickasaw Mounted Rifles.

Black soldiers in this battle were the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, in addition to black soldiers of the Indian Home Guards.

The actions of the 1st Kansas Colored helped to secure Ft. Gibson as a Union fort and to drive confederate forces, including many of their former Indian slave holders farther south.

In the 1930s a former slave, Lucinda Davis described her memories of the Battle. She was a slave in the Creek Nation not far from the battle field. Many of the male slaves had already left for Kansas to join the Union Army. She was a mere child, tending to one of the children. She described how she saw Indian warriors riding quickly to the battlefield, with their gray uniforms and the "cris-cross" on their flag:

I never forgit de day dat battle of de Civil War happen at Honey Springs! Old Master jest had de green corn all in, and us had been having a time gitting it in, too. Jest de women was all dat was left, 'cause de men slaves had all slipped off and left out.

My uncle Abe done got up a bunch and gone to de North wid dem to fight, but I didn't know den whar he went. He was in dat same battle, and after de War dey called him Abe Colonel. Most all de slaves 'round dat place done gone off a long time before dat wid dey masters when dey go wid old man Gouge and a man named McDaniel.

We had a big tree in de yard, and a grape vine swing in it for de little baby "Istidji", and I was swinging him real early in de morning befo' de sun up..... I was swinging de baby, and all at once I seen somebody riding dis way 'cross dat prairie ___ jest coming a_kiting and a_laying flat out on his hoss. When he see de house he begin to give de war whoop. "Eya_a_a_a_he_ah!" When he git close to de house he holler to git out de way 'cause dey gwine be a big fight, and old Master start rapping wid his cane and yelling to git some grub and blankets in de wagon right now!

....Den jest as we starting to leave here come something across dat little prairie sho' nuff! We know dey is Indians de way dey is riding, and de way dey is all strung out. Dey had a flag, and it was all red and had a big criss_cross on it dat look lak a saw horse. De man carry it and rear back on it when de wind whip it, but it flap all 'round de horse's head and de horse pitch and rear lak he know something going happen, sho!

After the Indian soldiers came, later came white confederate soldiers as well. She saw light and heavy artillery roll by.

'Bout dat time it turn kind of dark and begin to rain a little, and we git out to de big road and de rain come down hard. It rain so hard for a little while dat we jest have to stop de wagon and set dar, and den long come more soldiers dan I ever see befo'. Dey all white men, I think, and dey have on dat brown clothes dyed wid walnut and butternut, and old Master say dey de Confederate soldiers. Dey dragging some big guns on wheels and most de men slopping 'long in de rain on foot.

When the old master orders them to take refuge they go into the country side as their home was not far fro Honey Springs. She then describes the retreat and the Union army in pursuit:

We git in a big cave in dat cliff, and spend de whole day and dat night in dar, and listen to de battle going on. Dat place was about half_a_mile from de wagon depot at Honey Springs, and a little east of it.
We can hear de guns going all day, and along in de evening here come de South side making for a getaway. Dey come riding and running by whar we is, and it don't make no difference how much de head men hollers at 'em dey can't make dat bunch slow up and stop.
After while here come de Yankees, right after 'em, and dey goes on into Honey Springs and pretty soon we see de blaze whar dey is burning de wagon depot and de houses.
......Den long come lots of de Yankee soldiers going back to de North, and dey looks purty wore out, but dey is laughing and joshing and going on.
She goes on to describe how she and other slaves were taken farther south farther away from Union lines. Her testimony is included here, because it is one of the very few (if not the only) account of a battle from the perspective of a civilian. In her case---from the perspective of a young black girl, held in bondage by Creek Indians. She was an eye witness to some of these events because the lived on the Texas road---the main road to Honey Springs. (She was interviewed in the 1937s as part of the WPA Slave Narratives. )

Thanks to Lucinda Davis, and her memories of life as a slave in the Creek Nation, this witness to a critical Civil War battle and her memories of it having lived so close by, this small portion of what became a major Union victory is known.

Lucinda Davis, Creek Freedwoman

Photo: Oklahoma Historical Society

Her entire interview

More on the Battle of Honey Springs can be found at Civil War Today.

Recruiting Soldiers for the US Colored Troops

2011-06-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Image Used as Recruitment Flyer for Black Union Soldiers

Recently, I came across a document of a soldier who enlisted in the 11th US, Colored Infantry which was organized in Ft. Smith Arkansas. Unlike many other soldiers of African Ancestry, this man enlisted in Illinois and was then sent directly to Arkansas for service with the 11th US Colored Infantry.

Source: Footnote.com Image: #33|113385616

He was recruited late in the Civil War and was expected to serve only for 1 year instead of the 3 year enlistment of others serving with the US Colored Troops.

Close Up of Muster Roll image from Service Record of James Aiken, 11th US Colored Infantry

Source: Footnote.com Image: #33|113385620

Apparently this soldier was part of a detachment of US Volunteers that were recruited out of the south, but they were destined for units serving in the south.

Portion of Image from Service Record of James Aiken, 11th US Colored Infantry

with Source: Footnote.com Image: #33|113385616

I thought the procedure was interesting, and was mostly likely something unique, but then, I had a conversation with another fellow researcher. She shared with me about her surprise to see a soldier from Canada who served in the 1st US Colored Cavalry that she was researching. This is a regiment organized in Virginia. The soldier she mentioned, Moses Smith, was born in Canada, and enlisted in the Union Army in Buffalo New Year. Like the soldier, whose name appears above, her soldier also enlisted in a regiment organized in the south, but he enlisted in Buffalo, NY.

Document Reflects the Enlistment of a Canadian Born Man Who Enlisted in Buffalo NY

Source: Footnote Image: #33|261413536

In this case Moses Smith entered the war in 1864 in Buffalo NY and was sent to be a part of the 1st US Colored Cavalry, which was organized at Camp Hamilton VA.

Another document reflecting detachment of US Volunteer Recruits

Source: Footnote Image #33|261413537

Trying to understand this I became more interested in the recruitment efforts for black soldiers. How did the word get to places far and near Union lines for able bodied men to join?

I learned that once approval was given to form the US Colored Troops, it was not uncommon to find flyers especially in northern cities, encouraging men of African descent to join the Union Army. I have found so far, 9 different recruitment flyers.

Some of the flyers were regiment specific:

Others directed men to a specific place to be trained:

Some flyers were very broad, simply appealing to men of color to join the fight for the Union:

But then I saw another flyer----that was clear---the enlisting soldiers would be sent to specific places in the south and west. When I saw it, I wondered if men such as James Aiken of the 11th and Moses Smith, the Canadian born man of color, were inspired to join the battle of liberation.

The words were clear----soldiers were needed in the south and west.

I have found nine different images directed at enlisting black soldiers and found them all enlightening, and eye opening. The Civil War was truly complex, and the efforts to find men to fight was a mighty one as well.

Thankfully some of those stories can still be told by the artifacts that remain behind.

From Corps d'Afrique to the US Colored Troops - Black Civil War Soldiers of Louisiana

2011-06-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Miliken's Bend Louisiana was part of the Vicksburg Campaign

Involving USCT from Louisiana & Mississippi

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When I became interested in the stories of Black Union Soldiers I was curious to find out how many soldiers were from each state. I was more than surprised when I learned that so many of the regiments organized came from the state of Louisiana. In fact----I was so amazed to learn that 39 black regiments came from Louisiana.

The stories of the Louisiana Native Guards, from the French Creole community are well known and well documented. But what about those from the enslaved communities---those enslaves persons of African descent---they made up the majority of the Louisiana regiments. I became interested in their story, simply because---there were so many regiments from Louisiana:

Louisiana Black Union Regiments

4th US Colored Cavalry

10th US Colored Heavy Artillery

Battery C

Battery D

Battery E

47th US Colored Infantry

48th US Colored Infantry

49th US Colored Infantry

50th US Colored Infantry

63rd US Colored Infantry

64th US Colored Infantry

73rd US Colored Infantry

74th US Colored Infantry

75th US Colored Infantry

76th US Colored Infantry

77th US Colored Infantry

78th US Colored Infantry

79th US Colored Infantry (old)

80th US Colored Infantry

81st US Colored Infantry

82nd US Colored Infantry

83rd US Colored Infantry (old)

84th US Colored Infantry

85th US Colored Infantry

86th US Colored Infantry

87th US Colored Infantry (old)

87th US Colored Infantry (new)

88th US Colored Infantry (old)

89th US Colored Infantry

90th US Colored Infantry

91st US Colored Infantry

92nd US Colored Infantry

93rd US Colored Infantry

95th US Colored Infantry

96th US Colored Infantry

97th US Colored Infantry

98th US Colored Infantry

99th US Colored Infantry

7th Louisiana Colored Infantry

One of the more memorable battles fought in Louisisana was that of Miliken's Bend.

In addition to Miliken's Bend, I learned that Black soldiers would also play a major part in the seige of Port Hudson, in May 1863. Civil War illustrators for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, captured an image of the seize of Port Hudson involving Louisiana's Black soldiers in 1863.

Assault of the 2nd Louisiana Colored Infantry on the Iron Words at Port Hudson

References to Louisiana's rich Civil War history, must include the Corps d'Afrique, the name originally given to these soldiers of African descent from that state.

In some photos, such as this one, Black Louisiana Union soldiers were identified as Corps D'Afrique

At the New York Public Library, Image Gallery in the work, "Soldiers of the American Army, 1775-1941, a rare color drawing of Corps d'Afrique soldiers in uniform is found.

This image is a rare drawing of Corp D'Afrique Uniforms

Source: NYPL Digital Gallery

Louisiana has a rich Civil War history, and beyond the 39 black Union regiments from the state there were the thousands of men, women and children who resisted and who made it to the line as contrabands. Man worked at the encampments as scouts, spies, laundresses, nurses, field hands, blacksmiths and teamsters. Their untold stories now lie buried in the soil where these proud Louisiana people now rest.

This list of regiments is merely to mention them to catch the attention of sons and daughters of Louisiana and and hopefully Louisiana descendants will fully embrace them and truly tell their stories.

Lessons Learned from Contrabands at Camp Nelson

2011-06-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

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I just had the experience of attending the week long Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research in Birmingham Alabama, on the beautiful Samford University Campus. I participated in Course 8: Land Records: Using Maps.

We discussed many things including military maps. Examples of all kinds of military maps were shown, but one map caught my eye immediately. It was a map of Camp Nelson, in Kentucky.

Map of Camp Nelson

The camp had been surveyed and platted by A.B. Miller, one of a small number of engineers approved by the government to survey military lands.

Map was platted and surveyed by A.B. Miller

The map is part of the National Archives Record Group 92 and the image is map number 74

But what caught my attention is that the map also reflected the presence on the military base of a community of refugee slaves. This was, in fact, a contraband camp.

Map reflected "home for colored refugees"

I studied the map and became interested in the size. The scale indicated that 1 inch was equal to 400 feet. By measuring the length of the refugee site, I was able to learn that the camp for former slaves was more than 1000 feet in length. It appeared that by the time the map was made, the camp no longer consisted of tents, but of separate dwelling for each family.

Of course having a strong interest in contraband camps I decided to learn more about the Camp itself. Could I possibly learn something about the lives of the refugee slaves?

Well I played with the name of Camp Nelson, and discovered a book, by Richard D. Sears. His book is called simply "Camp Nelson, Kentucky".

Book by Richard Sears

The book is a true gem for it also described how freedom was brought to many of the refugees and how they learned officially of their status:

(Image of text from Sear's book)

In March of 1865, several hundred refugees had occupied the camp and it was decided to move from the temporary tents to the use of wooden structures to serve as temporary homes for the refugees. Order was being established and the word was sent out by the superintendent of the camp that teachers were needed, as well.

Excert of letter from Sears book. Letter appears on page 185 of book.

Some of the stories about the former slaves appear in the book, taken from official records. On page 186 he tells the story of Martha Cooley, a slave of John Nave of Garrad County Kentucky.

(Excerpts taken from book by Richard D. Sears)

There were so many stories of the trials and agonies of the slaves who described the beatings and horrors of Kentucky slave holders who tried to prevent their slaves from escaping. Many stories described horrific beatings given to female slaves whose husbands had enlisted in the Union Army. But nevertheless, some did make it though and although conditions were harsh also at the contraband camp, with disease, Camp Nelson was still their portal to another life.

As I continued to read more, I was even more delighted to discover online, an actual image of the Camp Nelson Contraband Camp.

Camp Nelson Contraband Camp

One of the points made in the week long course on maps at Samford, is that many maps tell stories. This proved to be true, and it took me to an experience where I learned more about the lives of those slaves who escaped.

I have such joy to learn of those who made it to freedom. And my heart aches for those who stayed behind and could not leave. Their fate was a painful one at the hands of angry masters in so many cases.

I never would have thought that a week long seminar on maps would provide another opportunity to learn more about some dimension of the lives of the ancestors.

And on this day when we celebrate freedom, I salute the Ancestors and thank them for their strength and endurance.

It is upon their shoulders that I stand. And so, I shall continue to trace the footsteps of the Ancestors.

When Black Soldiers Met Stand Watie's Soldiers

2011-06-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

As one who researches both US Colored Troops as well as the Black soldiers who served with the Indian Home Guards., I have often wondered about the fate of black soldiers when they came into combat with the Indian Confederate units.

The Indian Confederates were from the Five slaveholding tribes---Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole nations. These tribes signed an alliance with the South at the beginning of the Civil War, in 1861. One of the leaders of the Cherokee Confederate units was Stand Waite, the well known Cherokee leader and slave holder himself.

Stand Watie was the only Indian with the rank of general in the Confederate Army.

As noted before, there were many Confederate regiments from Indian Territory---and among them were the Cherokee Confederates:

Cherokee Confederates:

-1st (Watie’s) Cherokee Mounted Volunteers

-2nd Cherokee Mounted Volunteers

-Drew's Regiment (1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles)

-1st Bryan's Batallion

-1st (Holt’s) Squadron,Cherokee Mounted Volunteers

-Frye’s - Scales’ Battalion,Cherokee Mounted Volunteers (1st Battalion, Cherokee Mounted Rifles)

-Cherokee Battalion, Thomas’ North Carolina Legion (2nd Battalion, Thomas’ Legion; Indian Battalion)

The first unit mentioned above was that of the Cherokee Mounted Volunteers---this unit was commanded by Stand Watie. There is a lot that is known about Watie himself, including the fact that he owned slaves. The 1860 Slave Schedule reflected his ownership of slaves.

1860 Slave Schedule Reflecting Slaves of Stand Watie

I am fully aware of the rich history of the former slaves from the T.erritory who went into Kansas and joined the Union Army. Some joined the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored, which later became the 79th and 83rd US Colored Infantry. I have identified a few more than also joined the Indian Home Guards.

I have often wondered if any of these regiments ever came into contact with the Indian Confederates and if so, how did they engage? Especially when the regiments were commanded by slave holders such as Stand Watie---how were enemy soldiers treated? Did they experience the same rage as was experienced by the soldiers at Ft. Pillow? Did they come close enough to have had that kind of contact?

I found an answer when I was not looking for it. While examining records of the 11th US Colored Infantry, a regiment organized in Ft. Smith Arkansas, I saw the service record of a soldiers that had died in a battle involving Stand Watie's regiment. The record was that of Stephen Arbuckle.

Part of the military service file of Stephen Arbuckle, of the 11th US Colored Infantry

I continued reading and noticed that Pvt. Arbuckle was at the Battle of Gunter's Prarie in the Cherokee Nation. At some point in the battle he tried to retreat from danger when he was captured and killed. The manner of his death however, was a bit painful to read, and it answered a question that I had had---how were black soldiers treated by Indian Confederates when captured.

Document describing death of Pvt. Arbuckle

The soldier was not shot, but died by knife wound and mutilation. Was this standard? I can understand that in those circumstances where arms are down and soldiers did on many occasion engage in hand to hand combat. Thus knives and any other weapons are used in those moments of intense crisis. But beyond the fighting that brought death to an enemy soldier---was disembowelment a part of the standard combat?

Or was this the kind of death such as that of Pvt. Arbuckle, the result of rage?

Ft. Pillow taught us the degree of rage in which those who thought themselves superior as human beings, to black soldiers, went further than required to meet enemy soldiers. The very presence of former slaves as armed men brought forth a rage so strong that heinous acts occurred on the battlefield.

Did the Cherokee soldiers under Gen. Watie also have the same kind of rage that was repeated at Ft. Pillow, Poison Springs, Saltville and other battlefields?

There is no easy answer, except that Pvt. Arbuckle paid the ultimate price for his freedom, and that of others.

His record, like that of so many demand our attention, and reflect our need to look at the lives of the most ordinary of men, to learn to the greater lessons of human kind. For me, the lesson is that there are times, in which one must fight for causes that matter.

No cause is greater than that of Freedom. Rest in peace Private Arbuckle.

A Soldier of the 110th US Colored Infantry

2011-05-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

The 110th US Colored Infantry was organized from the 2nd Alabama Colorerd Infantry. Originally attached to garrison duty in Pulaski Tennessee, they were involved in the defences of Nashville, and the Northwesttern Rialroad, in the Department of the Cumberland. They were also a part of the Department of the Tennessee throughout the war.

According to historian William Gladstone, the 110th was also involved in the Battle of Dallas Georgia in May of 1864.

Battle of Dallas under command of Gen. Logan was captured by Civil War illustrators.

I was interested in learning more about the role of the 110th, but had little success. The description of the 110th in the Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick Dyer did confirm that they were part of the Tennessee Army and it is known that the Tennessee Army was involved in the battle in Dallas Georgia. However, I found nothing in the official records describing their involvement in that battle. While seeking more information on the movement of the 110th, I was surprised to run into the story of a soldier who did join the 110th and he enlisted with them, in Georgia. It was a simple story of a former slave who enlisted with the US Colored Troops. I became intrigued as I read the story/ because just as interesting as his story was--for me the language used to tell his story also made me take note.

The soldier's name was Charles Page and later Charles Hicks. He was originally from Johnson County Georgia and in later life, from Toombs County Georgia. He was a slave who it is said, was sold from a brutal master ( Page) to another man Major Hicks, in the US Army. When the war began in 1861, the soldier professed allegiance to the south, and Major Hick's son enlisted in the Confederate Army. Having no choice, for he was enslaved, Charles the slave accompanied the young master as a body servant to the war.

The young master was wounded and returned for some time to Georgia and later the young master left Charles behind in Georgia. The story indicates that though the young master left Charles in Georgia, that Charles the slave was possibly trying to "rejoin his master" when he ran into Sherman's forces and the Union army.

It is clear, if that if one takes the mindset, even briefly of one who was enslaved, that once the opportunity to escape to freedom that he would take it. For Charles, when the chance came to him and he seized it.

However, the article suggests that he was "forced" to enlist and to work as a cook in the Union Army. The suggestion of his being "forced" to enlist was written in an obituary in 1941. But the records however, reveal that the man enlisted of his own choice.

Of course, the article fails to point out that he served with several hundred other black men who volunteered to fight for freedom in Company C of the 110th. His relationship with other men, born enslaved like he was, who too had defied their circumstances and chosen freedom as men, was not mentioned nor referenced.

The suggestion that his being a part of the Union Army, choosing to be enslaved by the young master is an unsual thing to read.

The piece said that he "ran into" Union soldiers who were part of the Georgia campaign with Sherman's march. Although thousands of enslaved people were "running to" and not "running into" the Union line is a subtle yet significant term. One term suggests that the slaves were people making a deliberate choice for freedom and the other term suggests that the natural human desire for freedom was accidental and not truly a goal burning inside of them.

Private Charles Page served honorably with the 110th US Colored Infantry, where he served till 1866 when he was mustered out of service.

I did take note that a pension was filed for, and granted to Charles Hicks (aka Charles Page).

Index card reflecting pension application of Charles Hicks (aka Page)

Source: Ancestry.com National Archives and Records Administration. Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.

Image of Charles Page Hicks

For the time in which he was through no choice of his own, a body servant while he was a slave, he is said by some to be a "confederate veteran" ---though he was never a soldier while he was enslaved and serving his enslaver. Yet his story sadly gets distorted when he is called a veteran in one army where he was never a soldier, and meanwhile his service in the other army where he voluntarily enlisted, was presented as his having been coerced against his will.

After the war, he returned to the area he had ever known as home. But the article about his life presents his story as one who wanted to live near his old master. Again---as if Charles never had loved ones---he is not presented as choosing to return to family---but to return to the old master.

I could not help but wonder if this was written with a wishful thinking for faithful slaves---instead of the story of a man in his own right now making decisions about his own freedom. His having been considered a veteran in an army where he never served, and his service in the army where he did serve was written as if his did so against his well. His enslavement, of course was not depicted as having been against his will.

While reading the brief article, I became interested in learning more of his life. I was happy to read, that his descendants did share information about his history with the African American Civil War Memorial and it is assumed that they also received the honorary certificates given to those families on the day of the dedication. (It should be noted however, that the names of the soldiers on the memorial came from official muster in records, and descendants were not required to submit proof of their ancestor's service, for the name to be placed on the wall. The names, if found among the official records were put there whether the family knew of their ancestor's history or not.)

In my effort to learn more about he service of a man from the 110th in a battle near Dallas Georgia, I found the story of a man whose story was written with clear biases towards who he was as a man. He like all men, yearned to be free, and to live with his loved ones.

My hope is that the honest story of men who resisted and who chose another avenue when it was presented to them, will be told.

Hicks was made an "honorary" member of the Confederate "veterans" attended the confederate reunion in 1913, and he attended the 75th anniversary of Gettysburg as a Union soldier and member of the GAR. His name, like 178,000 other Black Union soldiers, is inscribed on the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington DC.

His story, though interesting, indeed, is not unique. Like many, he saw battle on both sides, but when it came time to fight----he fought for freedom!

My goal is to learn more, about Private Page, the soldier and the man, and I plan to obtain his pension file in the near future, to learn more about the man

Rest in peace Private Charles Page, your service in the Union Army with the 110th US Colored Infantry is appreciated by the many who honor you and your comrades, for you are a true Freedom Fighter.

The Gallant Colored Soldiers Who fought for Uncle Sam

2011-05-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Headstone of Joshua Dunbar, father of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar

Source: Find a Grave Image provided by Mike Zander

In 1906 the great poet Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote a moving poem honoring black Union soldiers from the American Civil War. He was the son of such a man, for his own father Joshua Dunbar had a strong influence on his son, sharing stories of his battles from Ft. Wagner to Olustee Florida and beyond. Two major poems emerged from the pen, honoring his father and others like him, who had fought for freedom and won.

His poem, When Dey 'Listed Colored Soldiers" was published in 1901 and I shared that poem in an earlier blog post. But in 1906, Dunbar chose to honor all of the brave men who were engaged in the battle for freedom. He wrote a beautiful poem almost as a ode to his own father's legacy. Simply called, "The Colored Soldier"

In honor of Memorial Day, I share this poem with my readers. May the legacy of these men, forever be remembered.

THE COLORED SOLDIERS

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

If the muse were mine to tempt it
And my feeble voice were strong,
If my tongue were trained to measures,
I would sing a stirring song.
I would sing a song heroic
Of those noble sons of Ham,
Of the gallant colored soldiers
Who fought for Uncle Sam!

In the early days you scorned them,
And with many a flip and flout
Said "These battles are the white man's,
And the whites will fight them out."
Up the hills you fought and faltered,
In the vales you strove and bled,
While your ears still heard the thunder
Of the foes' advancing tread.

Then distress fell on the nation,
And the flag was drooping low;
Should the dust pollute your banner?
No! the nation shouted, No!
So when War, in savage triumph,
Spread abroad his funeral pall --
Then you called the colored soldiers,
And they answered to your call.

And like hounds unleashed and eager
For the life blood of the prey,
Spring they forth and bore them bravely
In the thickest of the fray.
And where'er the fight was hottest,
Where the bullets fastest fell,
There they pressed unblanched and fearless
At the very mouth of hell.

Ah, they rallied to the standard
To uphold it by their might;
None were stronger in the labors,
None were braver in the fight.
From the blazing breach of Wagner
To the plains of Olustee,
They were foremost in the fight
Of the battles of the free.

And at Pillow! God have mercy
On the deeds committed there,
And the souls of those poor victims
Sent to Thee without a prayer.
Let the fullness of Thy pity
O'er the hot wrought spirits sway
Of the gallant colored soldiers
Who fell fighting on that day!

Yes, the Blacks enjoy their freedom,
And they won it dearly, too;
For the life blood of their thousands
Did the southern fields bedew.
In the darkness of their bondage,
In the depths of slavery's night,
Their muskets flashed the dawning,
And they fought their way to light.

They were comrades then and brothers.
Are they more or less to-day?
They were good to stop a bullet
And to front the fearful fray.
They were citizens and soldiers,
When rebellion raised its head;
And the traits that made them worthy,--
Ah! those virtues are not dead.

They have shared your nightly vigils,
They have shared your daily toil;
And their blood with yours commingling
Has enriched the Southern soil.
They have slept and marched and suffered
'Neath the same dark skies as you,
They have met as fierce a foeman,
And have been as brave and true.

And their deeds shall find a record
In the registry of Fame;
For their blood has cleansed completely
Every blot of Slavery's shame.
So all honor and all glory
To those noble sons of Ham --
The gallant colored soldiers
Who fought for Uncle Sam!

"Of the gallant colored soldiers

Who fought for Uncle Sam"

One Small Step for Men, and a Giant Leap for Freedom!

2011-05-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Library of Congress Image

Spring of 2011 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Dismantling of Slavery. I refer to the 3 men--who were the Rosa Parks of their day. Frank Baker, Shephard Mallory and James Townsend. These men who are not widely known---made a simple mark in history. They walked onto Ft. Monroe and asked for refuge., refusing further enslavement.

One small step for men.........and a giant leap for Freedom!

This video is shared in honor of those three men--Baker, Townsend and Mallory!

Ft. Monroe: Freedom's Fortress

Source: The Richmond Times Dispatch May 22, 2011

Alabama Battlegrounds of US Colored Troops

2011-05-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

On January 17th, I listed Arkansas sites where men fought, resisted slavery and died. I have become interested also on the legacy of the US Colored Troops in other states. In this blog post, I wish to acknowledge the battles fought in the state of Alabama.

One of the larger battles sites, I learned was fought at Ft. Blakely Alabama, and nine black regiments fought at that battle, between March 31st to April 9th, 1865. This was the towards the very end of the war, and for the men in these regiments----their goal was critical. They had freedom to gain! The battle of Ft. Blakely was also captured by Civil War illustrators.

Ft. Blakely

"Storming of Fort Blakely"

From Harper's Weekly, May 27, 1865

This Library of Congress map of the Ft. Blakely battle, also shows where many of the soldiers from the US Colored Troops were positioned.

Ft. Gaines

Ft. Gaines would be another site that would involve black soldiers. The events in Ft. Gaines were part of the effort to control Mobile Bay.

This unusual image from Harper's Weekly, (1862) reflects Mobile Bay and the inclusion of cotton pickers watched closely by overseers, reflects the intention of preserving life as it was, in Alabama, at the time.

Madison Station

Madison Station involved the 101st US Colored Infantry

Sulphur Branch Trestle

Soldiers of the 111th US Colored Infantry were captured at Sulphur Trestle in 1864.

Battles Fought in Alabama Involving US Colored Troops

Boyd's Station, Alabama March 18, 1865, 101st US Colored Infantry

Decatur Alabama October 29-29th 1864 14th US Colored Infantry

Decatur Alabama December 27-28th 1864 17th US Colored Infantry

Ft. Blakely Ala. Mar. 31-Apr 9th, 1865 47th, 48th, 50th, 51st, 68th, 73rd, 76th, 82nd, 86th US Colored Infantries

Ft. Gaines Alabama August 2-8th 1864, 96th US Colored Infantry

Madison Station, Alabama November 26th 1864 101st US Colored Infantry

Mud Creek, Alabama January 5, 18th 1865, 106th US Colored Infantry

Pine Barren Creek Alabama December 17-19th 1864 82nd US Colored Infantry

Scottsboro, Alabama January 8, 1865 101st US Colored Infantry

Spanish Fort, Alabama March 27-April 8, 1865 68th US Colored Infantry

Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama September 25, 1864, 111th US Colored Infantries.

May those who study Alabama Civil War history, include the stories of the US Colored Troops that fought and died upon Alabama soil.

Remembering the Corps d'Afrique in the American Civil War

2011-05-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

Among the several hundred men who served in the Union Army and who enlisted in regiments west of the Mississippi, were some of the black soldiers whose service began prior to to the establishment of the United States Colored Troops. Men in a number of state organizations had formed throughout the south, from the Carolina's to Louisiana, and even men from Indian Territory, who had fled the slave holding tribes in Indian Territory, had joined the Union Army in slave free, Kansas.

But, the one state that held the record however, for having produced the largest number of black Union soldiers was Louisiana, and most of the black men in these regiments served prior to the establishment of the US Colored Troops which took place in 1863. Among them were the men who formed the Corps D'Afrique.

This was a large body of African American men joining the Union Army. Most were newly free slaves, who enlisted in the Union Army in 1862. Some of the first regiments that were designated as the Corps d'Afrique were originally part of the Louisiana Native Guards. However, the majority were ordinary men who enlisted in New Orleans, Post Hudson, Madisonville, Ft. Pike, Camp Parapet, and New Iberia Louisiana. All were however, officially part of the Union Army.

Although it is stated that many of the men were not treated in a manner equal to white union soldiers, the army did officially have Corps d'Afrique posts, hospitals, and a cadre of officers and a large number of regiments were formed by these former slaves, eager to fight for their freedom. There were 26 Corps d'Afrique regiments and they were all later re-designated as Infantry regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops.

Documents from some of the Corps D'Afrique occasionally appear for sale by Civil War collectors even today.

Civil War Document from a Corps D'Afrique hospital recently placed for auction on Ebay

When looking more closely at the establishment of the Corps D'Afrique, it is worthwhile to read the words that brought about the official order to create the regiments of black soldiers. An order came from Washington to establish a cadre of black soldiers and it was sent and presented through General Field Order Number 40:

General Field Order No. 40

May, 1863

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, OPELOUSAS, May 1, 1863.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 40. -- The Major-General com manding the Department proposes the organization of a Corps d'Armee of colored troops, to be designated as the "Corps d'Afrique." It will consist ultimately of eighteen regiments, representing all arms -- infantry, artillery, cavalry -- making nine brigades of two regiments each, and three divisions of three brigades each, with appropriate corps of engineers, and flying hospitals for each division. Appropriate uniforms, and the graduation of pay to correspond with the value of services, will be hereafter awarded.

(More from this official order can be read here.)

Image of soldiers of the Corps D'Afrique

* * * * * * * * * * *

REGIMENTS THAT FORMED THE CORPS d'AFRIQUE

1st Regiment Corps d'Afrique organized from 1st Louisiana Native Guards became 73rd USCT

2nd Regiment, Corps d'Afrique organized from 2nd Louisana Native Guards became 74th USCT

3rd Regiment Corps d'Afrique organized from 3rd Louisiana Native Guards became 75th USCT

4th Regiment Corps d'Afrique organized from 4th Louisiana Native Guards became 76th USCT

5th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 77th USCT

6th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 78th USCT

7th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 79th USCT (old)

8th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 80th USCT

9th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 81st USCT

10th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 82nd USCT

11th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 83rd USCT (old)

12th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 84th USCT

13th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 85th USCT

14th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 86th USCT

15th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 5th Regiment Engineers Corps d'Afrique

16th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 87th USCT

17th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 88th USCT

18th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 89th USCT

19th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 90th USCT

20th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 91st USCT

22nd Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 92nd USCT

25th Regiment Corps d'Afrique became the 93 USCT

1st Regiment Engineers Corps d'Afrique became the 95th USCT

2nd Regiment Engineers Corps d'Afrique became the 96th USCT

3rd Regiment Engineers Corps d'Afrique became the 97th USCT

4th Regiment Engineers Corps d'Afrique became the 98th USCT

5th Regiment Engineers Corps d'Afrique became the 99th USCT

Source of Information:

Dyer, Frederick H. A COMPENDIUM OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

3 Volumes. New York: Thomas Yoseloff, 1959.

As the history of the US Colored Troops are studied, the history of the Corps D'Afrique should be a part of that effort to tell the entire story of the men who fought for freedom.

The Basic Facts - US Colored Troops

2011-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

US Colored Troops at Dutch Gap VA

Several weeks ago I shared my thoughts about why so little is known about the Civil War.

Of course very few people can go into major detail about every battle or skirmish, or recite facts about every regiment. However, because so many people of African Ancestry have ancestors who served with the US Colored Troops, I do consider Civil War research to be an integral part of the quest to learn more about one's ancestors. My hope is at least that basic facts are understood about US Colored Troops and the one fact is that these were Union soldiers!!!

One of the things I have found out about the Civil War, is that many people just have no idea of even some general basic facts about the war---- when it started, how it started and who was involved. And I have found out also, that even less is known when people mention the involvement of black soldiers in the Civil War. And sometimes, those lacking the most information are members of the African American community. This saddens me, because one might find their ancestors and learn so much more, if they learn basic facts about the war.

Recently on a genealogy list serve, to which I subscribe, a noted leader in the genealogy community looked at a photograph of Contrabands ---slave refugees and declared them to be confederate soldiers. The Library of Congress that owns the photos has identified them as contrabands of war---but this genealogy "leader" explained that of course these men were clearly ready to defend themselves when being shot at---and since the men in the photo had on what appeared to be something "gray" they had to be confederate soldiers. The image appears below.

Contrabands of War

Source: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, LC-B8171-2594

In a recent online chat another seasoned researcher was trying to understand the history of US Colored Troops and wondered how so many of the 179,000 men managed to "escape to the north, and then come back south to fight." He had no idea that most of the 179,000 men who became part of the Union Army and Navy, who were from the south, enlisted in the south, often, in the communities where they lived as slaves. They enlisted, as soon as opportunity came.

And recently another genealogist was looking at the work of researcher Bennie McRae, well known for his work on US Colored Troops, and his massive website devoted to the US Colored Trops. and was this person was reading information from his list of black regiments. On a site where he had mentioned regiments from the state of Mississippi, and mentioned the original name of the unit, as well as the later re-designated name that the unit had. It was concluded by this one visitor to his site---that that the soldiers were confederates and the visitor exclaimed with amazement, so black soldiers DID fight for the confederacy. But hold it---------this site was a site pertaining to Union Army black soldiers!

It was later explained that the information wasconfusing because the unit represented was from Mississippi, and therefore, it was assumed that with Mississippi being a southern state, that these men were confederate soldiers, because they were organized in the South. So, even tough this was a site honoring Union soldiers who were black---since it was Mississippi---which is in the south---the soldiers had to be confederates.

I realized that with all of the information that researchers like Mr. McRae have done over the years--the basic information has not been understood. All of the discussion about 179 regiments of black Union Army soldiers organzied throughout the south---the message has been missed---that these regiments of black soldiers organized throughout the south and a few states in the north---were Union regiments.

Perhaps the movie Glory confused some folks, since the unit in that movie was not from the South. But folks---the war was fought in the south. A majority of black men recruited into the Union Army were from the South and they were recruited in the south!!

So, here are some basic facts:
1) Approximately 178,000 black men served in the Union Army and Navy.

2) They served as part of the Union Army's United States Colored Troops (USCTs)

3) Some of the USCTs were organized from other regiments in their local area, and then were later all re-designated as US Colored Troops.

4) Most USCTs were recruited and enlisted in Southern States

5) Some of the early designations of US Colored Troops had a variety of names:
Corps D'Afrique, Troops of African Descent, Colored Infantry, Colored Cavalry, Colored Heavy Artillery, Colored Light Artillery.

I keep asking myself if the confusion over the history of these freedom fighters is that the movie GLORY! gave folks the impression that black Union soldiers were only from northern states. And is there the possibility that it is just not understood that black regiments were MOSTLY southern organized men?

So, as much as I am amazed at what some will say things that are not accurate, I must also appreciate that it is an opportunity to teach. The lesson for me, is that some points will have to be broken down even more so than before---and the details spelled out clearly and often:

Assumption:
Black soldiers had to travel north to join the Union Army. Incorrect, the soldiers were organized in the communities where they lived.

Assumption:
The Black regiments organized in the South were confederates. Incorrect. Most Colored soldiers were recruited when the Yankees raided the community and the able bodied men enlisted in the Union Army right then. It must be understood that no slave owners nor overseers were around to retain them, and therefore---they joined by the thousands.

So for the record here is a breakdown by state of the various regiments:

USCT Regiments by State:

Alabama - 4 regiments

Arkansas – 7 regiments

Connecticut – 1 regiment*

District of Columbia – 1

Georgia - 4 regiments

Iowa -1 regiment

Illinois - 1 regiment

Indiana - 1 regiment

Kansas - 3 regiments

Kentucky - 22 regiments

Lousiana – 39 regiments

Massachusetts – 3 regiments **

Maryland - 6 regiments

Michigan - 1 regiment

Missouri - 5 regiments

Mississippi-11 regiments

No. Carolina – 5 regiments

New York – 3 regiments

Ohio - 2 regiments

Pennsylvania - 8 regiments

Rhode Island - 1 regiment

So. Carolina – 7 regiments

Tennessee - 18 regiments

Virginia – 7 regiments

* Note that the 29^th Connecticut Colored Infantry was considered to be part of the regular army and the soldiers in this unit were not volunteers.

** Two of the three regiments from Massachusetts were technically not US Colored Troops. The 54^th and 55^th USCTs were considered to be in the regular army. The US Colored Troops were considered volunteers. But the 54^th and 55^th are listed here because they were fighting alongside many USCTs in the same battles. Also historically they are still considered to be “technically” colored soldiers.

My hope is that these basic facts will be understood. Let us continue to share this information. I hope that eventually teachers will also incorporate this data into their own lesson plans and educate the next generation correctly.

Remembering Jenkins Ferry

2011-04-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

When General Frederick Steele sent a large contingent of Union soldiers into the Camden Arkansas area, there were black soldiers among them from the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantries. After a major military campaign, Steele led the Union forces into southwestern Arkansas. The plan was to join forces with another battalion of Union soldiers to secure northern Louisiana and then move to secure southwestern Arkansas before moving into Texas.

However, the Union Army forces in northern Louisiana had suffered defeat at Confederate hands, now leaving General Steele's Union soldiers less secure than had been planned. In addition, the Union forces were suddenly very low on supplies.

General Frederick Steele

Source: Library of Congress, Civil War Photograph Collection, Photographs Division

Earlier in the month, Steel had occupied the area around Camden Arkansas, but his forces had lost many men at Poison Springs, and at an incident at Mark's Mill. Steele had to turn his forces back towards Little Rock. After a heavy rain had fallen, Steele's troops were crossing the flooded waters of the Saline River, when suddenly they were attacked, and the battle had begun.

The confederate leader, Edmund Smith had launched the attack, and the battle began in knee deep waters. Although the Union forces were able to hold off the attack long enough to cross the swollen river, they were not able to secure the area, and had to retreat back northward towards Little Rock. The battle was fought with many injuries to both sides.

Illustration depicting the Battle of Jenkins Ferry

The ambulance corps from the 2nd Kansas Colored had been ordered to collect some of the wounded, when they too were ambushed. Many died and many were injured in the process. Steele eventually got most of his forces across the river and ordered his men to destroy the pontoon bridge. From the Union Army over 700 men were killed or reported missing, and it is said that close to 1000 men from the confederate army also died.

It is said that at this battle of Jenkins Ferry, men from the Kansas Colored were motivated by their battle cry, "Remember Poison Springs" and that some engaged in revenge killing of the enemy retaliating for their comrades killed at Poison Springs.

The south was successful in controlling the area, forcing a retreat of Union soldiers back towards Little Rock. However, the forces under the control on Gen. Steele were still intact including the men of the Kansas Colored, and they would meet the enemy again in Arkansas, and later Indian Territory later the same year.

I share this story on this day, in honor of my ancestor John Talkington, who was injured at Jenkins Ferry.

In Memory of John Tuckington (Talkington), my ancestor, wounded at Jenkins Ferry