The USCT Chronicle

Following The Footsteps of Black Civil War Nurses

2013-04-29T20:53:00.001-07:00

This service card reflects the Hospital Muster Roll

USA General Hospital, Little Rock Arkansas of Amelia Allen who Served in the

Union Army Hospital, Little Rock Arkansas, during the Civil War

Source: National Archives RG 94, Entry 535 Box 1

Last July I wrote an article about a ledger that I had located reflecting the service of "Colored Contract Nurses" who served in the American Civil War. In that ledger most of the nurses served in hospitals from Maryland to North Carolina. However I became quite interested in the additional places were women of color worked for the Union Army as Nurses, Matrons, and as laborers including laundresses and cooks.

I later stumbled upon another set of records by accident. I was looking for a soldier who served in an Arkansas regiment, from the 57th US Colored Infantry. As this is one of my favorite regiments, I was interested in learning how many men in the entire regiment had filed for pensions and received them. I was leisurely scrolling through the regimental pension index when an unusual pension card caught my eye.

As expected there was the name of the soldier, his application number and his certificate number indicating that he had received a pension. It also was noted that his widow later applied for and received a widow's pension. This is common and appears on many cards where the pensioner was survived by a widow. But it was the note at the bottom of the card that struck me as a real find!

This pension index card made a reference to a US Colored Soldier's widow

who applied for her own pension earned for having served as a nurse.

(Regimental Pension Index, 57th US Colored Infantry,

Benjamin Moore, Co. B, 57th US Colored Infantry)

Upon seeing that information I had two tasks to complete that day. First I had to learn the name of his widow, as she was not named on the Pension Index Card. Secondly I had to ask whether names of other women who served as nurses could be found. I was successful on both counts!

The Pension file was thick--extremely thick and in the midst of the many pages (well over 150 pages) was a separate set of documents pertaining to Clara Moore. I had found her name, and tucked into his file was her own Pension File. This is one reason the file was thick. The other reason was that there was a contesting widow who also claimed to be the widow of the same man! (But that is another story to tell at another time.) I was enthralled by having documented a woman of color who served as a nurse in the Civil War

Portion of document from Civil War Pension Claim of Clara Moore, Civil War Nurse

Clara's case was actually no without its complications. The surgeon under whom she worked as a nurse was deceased by the time she filed for her own pension, and there was difficulty in locating evidence of her having served, with the 57th as a nurse. Proving her case turned out to be difficult, even though there was evidence in the file that she did serve and others made statements under oath of her service. Even very specific data was obtain pertaining to her enlistment and discharge dates were found. And I was please to find a detailed statement from Clara herself who also told part of her story.

I learned as I read through the file, that Clara and her husband later moved to Indiana after the Civil War, and then their marriage ended a few years later. However, both Clara and Benjamin remained in Indiana for the rest of their lives and for whatever reason, never returned to Arkansas.

Could others be found?
My second interest was learning whether more women of color who served in the war could be found and identified. My task was to spend some time with the military specialist at the Archives, and see if more names could be located.

What a surprise to find that there is a series of service cards, pertaining to Civil War staff, including hospital employees. There are seven boxes in fact of service cards reflecting the service of civilian staff that served in Union hospitals. I wasted little time, and requested to see these records.

The documents were identified as part of Record Group 94, Records of the Adjutant General's Office. The entry number is 535, and I decided on a recent trip to begin the process of documenting these women. I pulled the first box and began to sort through the many cards.

Label from Box 1 of RG 94, Entry 535.

Since there were so many cards, I decided to begin a methodical approach to this effort and I began a process that will unfold over the next several months--to document all women of color who served as medical attendants in some capacity during the Civil War. Some had humble jobs as laundresses and cooks, but others worked alongside the doctors and surgeons as nurses and matrons.

So, beginning with the Box 1, and surnames beginning with the letter "A", my job has begun. In most cases women of color were flagged in some way with the letters "Col" or occasionally the word "Colored" spelled out. But their service records were there, and I was fascinated to also see the names of the hospitals where they served, as well. Some were familiar to me, but so many more were not.

Sample of Service Cards of "Colored" Matron

who worked at Balfour USA General Hospital, in Portsmouth VA

Only looking at the cards, one can see that nurses of color were utilized throughout the nation were wounded needed care.In the cards below, the service of two different women are reflected. They are both called Anna, but one can see that one served in Mississippi and the other in Tennessee.

Service cards of two nurses. On served at the Freedman's Hospital in Memphis

and the other served at a hospital for Freedmen in Davis Bend, Mississippi.

So my project begins.

Over the next several months I shall access this collection of service records of Civil War nurses, and record the image of all women of color who served as nurses, matrons, laundresses and cooks.

Like other pertinent stories of the Civil War, these women, most of whom has just tasted the flavor of freedom, gave their all nursing those suffering from wounds, and from disease.

May their stories also be told and may they never be forgotten!

* * * * *

2013-02-21T04:16:00.000-08:00

As March approaches, the 150th Anniversary of the organization of the US Colored Infantry took place. In honor of this regiment and it's amazing history, this video is shared. The video is part of a five year series provided by the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit Michigan.

A Sesquicentennial Year: Honoring The United States Colored Troops

2013-01-01T20:20:00.002-08:00

Recruitment Poster for US Colored Soldiers

This is a milestone year for many reasons. The institution of slavery was beginning to become dismantled. On January 1st of 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Of course the proclamation was more symbolic than directly effective, however, it was significant nevertheless. But a true stake was driven into the heart of the institution of slavery, in the spring of 1863, when a Bureau was established to organize regiments of "colored troops" to join the War. The companies formed were to be consolidated into batallions and regiments by the Adjutant General. Non commissioned officers were to be chosen from the men in the various companies.

The year 1863 was significant primarily because men of color were finally allowed to become officially involved in their own quest for Freedom. But they did not enter the war as runaways, they entered it directly as men willing to directly confront their enslavers, and to fight for the right to live as free men. And so it was, in May of 1863 a mere four months after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, General Order 143 was released. This order possibly had a greater impact on the lives of the enslaved than any other order during the War.

General Order 143: Creation of the Bureau of US Colored Troops

Source: General Order No. 143, May 22, 1863; Orders and Circulars, 1797-1910; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780's-1917; Record Group 94; National Archives.

With so many commemorative events occurring between 2011 and 2015, it should be understood that one of the most critical years of the Civil War was 1863.

Finally black soldiers were allowed to enter the ensuing battle in their midst. Although the goal was to preserve the Union for many and for others the battle was to secede and continue life as they knew it - including maintaining enslaving an entire people--for those who were allowed to enlist as Colored Troops, the issue was a simple one. Theirs was a fight for freedom!

The effort to organize the various units was an enormous one, and by the end of the war there were more than 170 units, and these men comprised more than one tenth of the entire Union Army.

It should be pointed out that most of the enlisted men were "volunteers" enlisting to serve primarily in the War effort. These were designated as "US Colored" soldiers. However, in addition, there were some who were part of the regular army, such as the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, 54th and 55th Massachusetts Colored Infantries, and the 29th Connecticut Infantry.

It is also important to note that there were some units of men of color who had already organized, such as a group in North Carolina, the First North Carolina Colored Volunteers. Also a year earlier, in 1862, in Kansas two regiments had organized and had seen action against the enemy. The First and Second Kansas Colored had already made a name for themselves a year before the US Colored Troops were organized.. Later these units re-designated brought under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of the United States Colored Troops as well. These men were all a part of a mighty effort of men of color who were true Freedom Fighters.

The enlistment of Black soldiers had a major impact on the families of the enslaved. Men were given freedom upon enlistment, and in many communities, the wives and children of those men who enlisted, often seized the opportunity and also freed themselves, forming communities near some of the Union encampments.These civilians were designated as "contrabands" of war, and many experienced freedom the first time due to the formation of regiments in their vicinity.

The participation of these Black men in the war was notable. They participated in major battles and campaigns from the Atlantic to the western theatre of the war. There were 17 Medal of Honor winners emerged from the US Colored Troops. However, the stories of all of the men who were truly men of courage must be told. The individual stories of the men are surfacing all the time, and finally these heroic freedom fighters are being honored.

Hopefully as the anniversary of the organization of the various units unfold during 2013, the communities where they were formed will honor these men! Because of what they did , true freedom came faster. Some paid the ultimate price for that freedom, and their courage should be honored during this sesquicentennial year.

Sgt. Major Christian Fleetwood, Medal of Honor Winner

Source

In Memory: William A. Gladstone

2012-11-11T15:02:00.002-08:00

Image of William Gladstone courtesy of Bennie J. McRae.

Image source here.

It was just shared today that Civil War author and historian William A. Gladstone passed away on Wednesday November 7th 2012.

He was the author of two books about the United States Colored Troops and shared his passion regarding the history of the US Colored Troops with many. I have often used his book as a quick reference when I need to look up the origin of a USCT regiment.

A list of all regiments of USCTs and where they were organized from Gladstone's book United States Colored Troops

His work has also been useful when I need to know the date and site of a Civil War battle involving USCTs.

Index of Battles provides a useful references.

Gladstone's work is appreciated and he will be missed by many in the community of Civil War historians.

A Black Civil War Matron of Western Arkansas

2012-11-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

A Civil War Relief Worker, Identity Unknown

So little is known about the women of color who served as nurses and workers in the American Civil War. Even less is known about those who served as matrons. These were women who actually supervised the nurses who tended the wounds of the soldiers. Many of the matrons had also served as nurses as situations demanded, and in dire times their duties were not distinct from that of the nurses laundresses and cooks. Most names remain hidden from the pages of history, so when we find them, we need to stop, acknowledge them, and record their names, for they too, made a contribution. For me, today was such a day.

Admittedly, I have been locating the names of nurses color, for several months, Often while searching for other things, is usually when I find them. However, seeing the names of these women is so rare, that I am compelled to stop, study them and share them.

Their numbers are not large, which makes it even more critical that their presence is acknowledged when telling the stories of the Civil War, because they too were there, and they too served the noble effort in the War for Freedom.

Today was one of those days when I found a name---only one name, but of a woman who deserves to be mentioned: Malinda Sanders, a volunteer with the 11th US Colored Infantry.

Malinda Sanders

Muster Roll document of Malinda Sanders, Matron, 11th US Colored Infantry

Source: National Archives Publication No M1821. Compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served with the United States Colored Troops: Infantry Organizations, 8th through 13th, 1861-65

Details about her life remain unknown, and data such as her place of birth, enlistment site and life after the war are not stated. In addition, it is clear that even when the service records were being compiled in the years after the Civil War, it was noted that nothing else was retained about her.

The small note on the bottom of the document notes that this was the "only roll on which her name appears."

However, a few facts can be gleaned.

She was matron of the 11th US Colored Infantry. This unit was organized in Ft. Smith Arkansas, in December of 1863, and was attached to the 2nd Brigade in the District of the Frontier, as part of the 7th Army Corps. The unit remained in Ft. Smith until November of that year when they were then moved eastward towards Little Rock.

Malinda was hired in 1864 during the time that the regiment was based in Ft. Smith. A number of regiments were moving through the area during the months from spring to fall of 1864. She is clearly identified as a civilian and a citizen from the area.

In fairness, I had to also wonder if Malinda could have been a volunteer from the white community. But the realities of the south, of the social norms of the day and standards of the day would answer that question.

The chances of finding a white woman serving as a volunteer in a regiment of black men during the Civil War would have been unthinkable, and the local population would never have allowed such a social taboo to be broken. Even those with Union sympathies would have been to more than cautious to allow a white female to be around so many armed men of color during a time of new found freedom for men who were once enslaved. The social norms of the day would have not permitted it.

But, to be certain I was compelled to check the 1860 Federal census in case there was a woman living in the local community by the name of Malinda Sanders. The 1860 census of the local area in western Arkansas, and specifically Ft. Smith, and Van Buren, (the two communities with large populations) yielded no white females with that name. The same 1860 census also reflected free whites who lived in nearby Indian Territory, and no such name of Malinda Sanders was captured.

So the chances are strong that in 1864, Malinda Sanders was from the population of newly freed black people, once enslaved in the area. She would have then been part of the local citizenry and would have been part of the population recruited. A good number of black men were indeed recruited in the Ft. Smith area, until November of 1864 and during that time was also when Malinda was hired as a matron.

How long did she serve as matron?

Was she a young woman?

Was she an older woman?

All of these facts remain unknown, and it is possible that by the time that the regiment moved east towards Little Rock, she was no longer in service.

Perhaps her time as matron of this Black Civil war regiment was short, but because her name appeared among the names of the many enlisted men of color who were true freedom fighters on the western frontier, her name must not be skimmed over lightly and remain unseen.

Her service was needed, her care of those who were sick and wounded was essential, and she will remain one of the many unsung heroes from the Civil War.

However, on this day, as I passed her name I was compelled to draw brief attention to this brave woman, who served, and whose life will otherwise remain unknown. We owe her thanks as well.

Civil War Portrait Identified

2012-10-30T09:35:00.002-07:00

Samuel Smith Family Portrait
Samuel Smith served in the 119th US Colored Infantry

From the collections of the Library of Congress, one can find a number of images of Civil War soldiers, including images of the US Colored Troops. One of the more striking images is a family portrait, said to be the only photo of its kind-a black Union Soldier with his wife and children.

The photo appears in many brochures and on many websites, and I was thrilled to see today on Facebook the image once again, but this time with data about the soldier, and his wife and two daughters! The data on the soldier apparently appears in the November 2012 issue of Kentucky Explorer Magazine. Thankfully an associate on Facebook shared the image with the soldier's name.

Sergeant Samuel Smith enlisted in the 119th US Colored Infantry in Camp Nelson Kentucky. His wife Molle and their daughters Mary and Maggie are pictured in this beautiful photo. Long featured on the Library of Congress website, finally the name of this man and his family are known. He lived most of his life after the war in Rockcastle County Kentucky in the town of Mount Vernon. After the Civil War, he remained in the same community and he is found in the 1870 census with his family. There were other children in the household at that time as well. Although identified as twins, the two girls appear to have been a few years apart in the census record in 1870.

1870 Federal Census, Rockcastle Kentucky, Mount Vernon Township

Samuel Smith and his wife are buried at the Walker Newcomb Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. His grave bears a military marker reflecting his service.

Source: Image of Sgt.Smith's headstone on Find A Grave

Headstone image shared by Charles Wilton

Near the original marker, a second marker was also placed for Sgt. Smith.

Source: Image on Find A Grave

Samuel Smith's wife Mollie is also buried at Newcomb cemetery and a headstone also marks her grave.

Headstone of Mollie Smith, wife of Sgt. Samuel Smith

Image Uploaded to Find a Grave by Charles Wilton

I have since learned that the amazing image of Sgt. Smith and his family are part of a private collection that was donated to the Library of Congress. The Liljenquist Family Collection is a fairly recent acquisition to the Library of Congress, and it included the image of the Smith Family. It was donated in 2010 by this family that has been purchasing images of Civil War soldiers for many years. One has to wonder how the image of the Smith family ended up for sale, and how the identity of the soldier was found. Thankfully Sgt. Smith is no longer a nameless face and his family reflected on the image tells so much more about Smith, as a soldier and as a man.

Needless to say that I shall be researching more about the life of this man and his family, on my next trip to the National Archives.

The Battle that Put a Theory To Rest

2012-10-11T15:22:00.005-07:00

Battle of Island Mound - October 1862
Source: Harper's Weekly

At long last a new historic site is honoring the actions of men who fought at the Battle of Island Mound, in Missouri. And finally significance of that battle is being told. This was a critical event, for it was the first time that Black soldiers engaged in battle in the Civil War.

They were said to have been men of no courage. They were perceived as men inferior in spirit, intelligence and personal strength. It was believed and debated nationally whether they could withstand the pressures of military battle and it was assumed that they would cower in the face of the enemy and flee.

But in Ft. Scott Kansas, with the influx of runaway slaves from the Cherokee Nation, and nearby Arkansas, a growing number of able bodied men were willing to fight with the purpose of eradicating slavery. In the summer of 1862 the Ft. Scott Bulletin wrote about the continued recruitment of black men in the Union Army. So many had doubted the ability of the men to have the emotional and psychological strength to look white men directly in the eye, let alone to engage in combat against them. But General Lane the Ft. Scott officer who oversaw the training wrote in the Bulletin of a dramatic change in the men who were being trained for battle:

"I have seen them come into the camp, looking down as though slaves. By and by they begin to straighten themselves, throw back their shoulders, stand erect and soon look God straight in the face."

The debates continued however, on a national level whether black men would fight in war. It was believed that they would simply drop their arms and flee. Yet, in 1862, on a crisp day in October in Missouri, over 200 men of color put the theory to rest. They fought hard, they fought nobly and they fought with a ferocity that astonished the nation. Like all men, when tested, they demonstrated their strength. And in October 1862, the men of the Kansas Colored many former slaves from Indian Territory, not only stood up to the enemy, but they also won their battle.

This was the first battle of the Civil War in which men of African Ancestry encountered confederate forces and their actions rattled the nation. For the first time, these sons of Africa were no longer viewed as mere novelties from the human species lacking courage, wisdom and integrity. They proved that they were men of strength who fully understood their circumstance, and fully understood the concept of battle. They were fighting for their Freedom and on that day in October, the 1st Kansas Colored defied all odds.

It should be noted what exactly happend at Island Mound Missouri that day. Mere foot soldiers fought off confederate cavalry. The Kansas Colored lost eight men in that battle. But the enemy lost three times that number. The fact that black men on foot defeated men on horseback rocked the nation to its core. Those who believed in some inbred inferiority of men of color had to adjust their minds to a new perception--that these men were equal to them.

The performance of these brave black men, hastened the eventual establishment of the Bureau of Colored Troops the following year. It was clear that when given the chance they would not only stand up to the task, but some were willing to die for the same values held by all men and women--freedom.

Now, at long last, a new historic site honors the history of the men who changed history on that day.

An interesting 3 minute animation video also reflects what happened that day in Bates County Missouri. (The video loads slowly but it is worthwhile to watch for the full 3 minutes.)

The courage of the 1st Kansas Colored was the beginning of a major effort that would change the nation forever.

* * * * *

"Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on earth that can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship."

~~ Frederick Douglass~~

Ft. Wagner and Honey Springs - Two Critical July Battles Involving USCTs

2012-08-01T04:21:00.005-07:00

Storming Ft. Wagner

Source: Library of Congress Image

The image above depicts the actions of the 54th US Colored Infantry in the famous assault on Ft. Wagner. July 17th is the anniversary of that famous battle. Several years ago, the movie Glory presented the story of the 54th as the regiment participated in the campaign against Charleston. The story is well known, when Robert Gould Shaw led his men in an attack on Ft. Wagner. He was killed in the assault as were many soldiers from the 54th.

Interestingly this is often depicted as one of the major battles involving Black Union soldiers, but a story often overlooked is a battle that occurred several hundred miles to the west in Indian Territory.

A battle occurred at Honey Springs, on the same day, also involving black soldiers and this story had a different ending, and thanks to the actions of black soldiers of the Kansas Colored, Ft. Gibson did not fall into Confederate hands, and was a major victory for Union soldiers.

Battle of Honey Springs

Source: Oklahoma Historical Society

Nestled along the Texas Road, more than three thousand Confederate forces consisting of white and Indian Confederate units were ready to engage in battle. The Indian Confederates consisted of the 1st and 2nd Cherokee Mounted Rifles, the 2nd Creek Mounted Rifles and the 1st Choctaw and Chickasaw Mounted Rifles. Their goal was to attach the Union held brigade at Ft. Gibson.

General Blunt commanded a unit of the Army of the Frontier, which included the Second Regiment of Indian Home Guards, and the First Kansas Colored Infantry. This unit should be noted as the first Black regiment in the Civil War to engage in combat, when they fought at the battle of Island Mound Missouri in 1862. At Honey Springs these men distinguished themselves and some cite the actions of the 1st Kansas Colored as being the very reason why Ft. Gibson was saved and the Confederates were weakened on the western frontier. The whole regiment was engaged in the battle at Honey Springs, and the flag of the 29th Texas Cavalry was captured in that battle.

This is also one of the few battles in which an eye-witness described her recollections in one of the WPA Slave Narratives. Lucinda Davis was a young girl who was a slave of a Creek Indian, Tuskaya-hiniha. Raised in the Creek Nation, she lived along the Texas road and shared her story of the Battle as she saw Confederate Indians riding towards Honey Springs. She witnessed their retreat after the battle, and also saw the Union soldiers in pursuit, of the southern soldiers on the run. Both battles occurred in July at the same time, There are monuments that describe both battles and that honor the fallen soldiers. But as the nation commemorates the on-going sesquicentennial events, my hope is that the actions of the Kansas Colored at Honey Springs are mentioned as much as the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry.

Both regiments were distinguished, both consisted of noble and brave men. and both deserve their places in history.

The Contraband Small Pox Hospital of New Bern NC

2012-07-17T18:03:00.001-07:00

Image from top of Ledger of Colored Contract Nurses, a the Smallpox Hospital in Newberne NC

* * * * *

My interest in Civil War era nurses came by accident only recently when I noticed that a soldiers in the 57th US Colored Infantry filed a pension. On the index card was a reference to his wife who also served as a nurse and who was filing for a pension herself. This made me pause and I had to ask if there were more women of color who were nurses. I quickly found the answer--a resounding yes! There are records and though they are scattered and don't contain much narrative--there is still a story to tell.

In my previous post I shared parts of a ledger that I found with some images reflecting the names of a few dozen women and men, of color who were hired during the Civil war as "contract nurses". Their contracts did not appear to last long and only their names were reflected, however, I immediately saw the significance of this small ledger and realized that all of us need to know this story.

One of the hospitals in the ledger was the Contraband Small Pox Hospital in New Bern North Carolina. In the spring of 1864 as the numbers of contrabands grew, health issues arose within a short time. The contrabands were newly freed slaves who successfully fled bondage and found freedom on their own with no overseers nor owners to restrain their flight to freedom. But the health problems quickly arose among this refugee population, and the people needed immediate attention to prevent a widespread epidemic.

The book by Nina Silber, Daughters of the Union: Northern Women Fight the Civil War she describe how in early 1864, that Abigail May of the New England Sanitary Commission was consulted to provide supplies for the smallpox hospital in New Bern North Carolina for newly freed slaves. The members were not as eager as one might have expected, for the members of the society preferred to put their energies towards aiding soldiers more than civilians. (1)

By March of 1864, however, a good number of people of color were hired as contract nurses. Their names are found on the ledger of the Colored Contract Nurses, that I was fortunate to locate at the National Archives two weeks ago.

Ledger Reflecting Colored Contract Nurses at Contraband Smallpox Hospital in New Bern NC

The final names of nurses at New Berne were listed on the following page:

Contraband Smallpox Hospital, New Bern NC (continued)

Upon examination of the names it became apparent that there were both men and women who were hired to attend to the patients at the Small Pox Hospital.

The hired nurses were:
Phillip Biddle
James Brimayer
Dinah Carter
Wright Cobb
Eliza Chapman
Sarah Donnell
Lora Faber
Susan Grimes
Samuel Harris
Dolly Howard
Matthew Ircott
Zachary Johnson
Scott Jones
Jane Kinsley
Frank Lewis
Celia Lindsay
Joshua Lindsay
Juda Latham
Frank Mabry
Isaac Mabry
Henry Moore
Sarah Mellinder
Lucy Overton
Alfred Pool
Martha Pool
David Ralls
Edward Ruffind
Gracy Russell
Jospeh Simmons
Joseph Singleton
Levanter Swindle
Creasy Taylor
Mary Thomas
Thomas Turner
Simon Wilson
Ellen Washington

Names from the second page:

George Wesson

Nelly White

Clarissa Wilson

Charity Wilder

Mary Chance

Margaret Bennett

Esther Bennett

Minerva Jones

The epidemic in New Bern was described as a very serious situation and some letters sent by black soldiers to their superiors described very dire circumstances for the person afflicted. Ira Berlin presented some of the letters depicting the desperate conditions facing those freed men and women who were afflicted with small pox. One of the letters appears below and it was written by a black soldier who witnessed the sufferings of the small pox victims.

Letter written by soldier who witnessed the sufferings of the New Bern Small Pox patients. (2)

By March of the same year, however, it appears that a hospital was created to treat the freedmen and more than forty nurses were hired to assist in their treatment and care.

Thankfully in spite of a reluctance on the part of some to treat African American patients needing care the response did come from the community. The forty four nurses from the New Bern community who responded at different times from the beginning of the outbreak of the disease, till the war's end, deserve their moment of recognition, and their story too, should be told.

(1) Silber, Nina, Daughter of the Union: Northern Women Fight the Civil War, Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 2005

(2) Berlin, Ira, The Wartime Genesis of Free Labor: The Upper South Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993 p. 182-183

Remembering Black Nurses in the Civil War

2012-07-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

Black Relief workers Washington DC, 1865

On a recent trip to the National Archives, while looking for a Civil War soldier, I saw an interesting notation on an index card. The notation was that the soldier's wife was also applying for her own pension as nurse. This was the first time I had seen such a notation, and this made me curious as to who she was and then the question arose for me--were there more women of color who were nurses who names could be found?

I asked some questions of one of the military archivists who directed me to a ledger that contained several pages of names of nurses who were hired as "contract nurses" in the Civil War.

Page from Ledger at National Archives Representing Colored Contract Nurses 1863-64

Seeing the names of these persons was more than exciting, because this is history only mentioned in passing and very few names are known. But I was fortunate to have found the names of these persons long forgotten and to see their roles as Civil War nurses documented.

Cover of Ledger of Civil War Colored Nurses

The ledger is a small one, and it contained only a handful of hospitals that were mentioned in Maryland, Virginia or North Carolina.

Hospitals Reflected in Civil War Ledger

The hospitals mentioned in the front of the ledger were:

Convalescent Hospital - Patterson Park, Baltimore Maryland

Contraband Hospital, Norfolk Virginia

Contraband Small Pox Hospital, New Berne North Carolina

Chesapeake Hospital, Virginia

Contraband Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia

However, other hospitals were actually captured in the ledger, including:

Jarvis US General Hospital in Baltimore

Green Heights Hospital (Unknown location)

McKim's Mansion Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland (The Patterson Park Hospital)

I am fully aware that there are not many photos of these women and women who served as nurses in the Civil War, but I also became curious as to whether or not there are images of any of the hospitals where they served. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few images that did survive.

As a result I was able to find some images of these sites.

Patterson Park Hospital was also known as McKim's Mansion Hospital where several nurses of color worked.

Patterson Park US General Hospital, Baltimore Maryland:

Rosa Caulk

Henretta Grimes

Louisa Warren

Mary Williams

Susan Jane Williams

Moses Arndt

John McDevitt

The Jarvis US General Hospital was a very large facility in Baltimore. There were ten black nurses working under contract at Jarvis. I am wondering if one of the barracks was devoted to black soldiers for there to have been many who were hired at the same time to work there.

Names of black nurses contracted to work at Jarvis US General Hospital

Jarvis US General Hospital - Names of Black Nurses:

Eliza Francis

M. A. Johnson

Anna Richardson

Lizzie Stafford

Elsie Candy

Rachel Malun (?)

Laura Smith

Mary Rudley

Mary Rolan

Susan Smith

When looking at the names of nurses at the Contraband Hospital in Norfolk, I was surprised to see that both

men and women's names appeared on the ledger of contract nurses.

Names of Contract Nurses at the Contraband Hospital Norfolk Virginia

Contraband Hospital - Norfolk, Virginia

Henderson Dukes

Arnachy Jones

Isaac Jones

John Jones

Charlotte Reddick

Isaac Reddick

Phillip Reddick

Robert Reddick

Ross Jacob

Sophia Sample

Martha Savage

Solomon Schirchins (?)

Priscilla Smith

Maggie Wiot

Contraband Hospital (continued)

Susan Dixon

Charlotte M. Furson

Margaret M. Furson

William George

Samuel Green

Martha Harrold

Isaac Holland

Mary James

Anna M. Johnson

Harvey Mark

Julia A. Mark

Matthew Proctor

Marlo Spiva

Isaac Simmons

John Timbrisk

Chas. Wesry

Sara Dix

Maria Holland

Julia Johnson

Sophia Sample

Thomas Morris

There was one hospital whose name was difficult to read. It appeared on the ledger as "Lowenture" Hostpital. However, I dedided to see if I could find the actual name of the hospital and was surprised when I did. It was actually L'Overture Hospital in Alexandria Virginia. This hospital was a contraband hospital named after Toussaint L'Overture, the liberator of Haiti! This may have been the very first hospital named after a person of color in the country.

Roster of first black nurses hired in 1863 and 64 to work at L'Overture US General Hospital

I was even more surprised to find that there has been an archeological project in Alexandria Virginia underway, looking at the history of this hospital.

Notes about L'Ouverture Hospital from Archeological study.

Source: Documentary Study of Duke Street, Alexandria

And there is also an historical marker for this hospital.

Historical Marker on Duke Street in Alexandria, marking this Civil War hospital.

Source: Marker History

The small lists of nurses who worked at these few hospitals that I found are only the beginning. Their history also deserves to be told and their names should be called.

May we never forget them, as we tell the many untold stories of America's Civil War.

The Life, Words and Actions of Spottswood Rice - Freedom Fighter (Part 2)

2012-04-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Pension Index Card indicating that Spottswood Rice filed for and receive a Civil War Pension

In the previous post I shared information about Spottswood Rice, a man who authored a touching letter to his children and a fiery letter to the woman Kitty Diggs who continued to hold his daughters in bondage.

In my search to find out more about Spottswood Rice the man--I have been amazed.

Hoping to only learn if he and Mary his beloved daughter were ever reunited, I learned so much more about the life of this remarkable man.

Some background: He was a slave of Benjamin Lewis in Missouri. His wife and children were enslaved by Kitty Diggs and he was only allowed to see his family two days a week. When the Civil War came, he had the chance to enlist in the Union Army, along with others from the same area. He enlisted near Glascow Missouri. Soon, after being stationed at Benton Barracks some of the family joined him there, with hundreds of other contraband ex slaves who had freed themselves.

Some details about his life were shared in the 1930s when his daughter Mary told her story in one of the WPA Slave Narrative interviews. It was so revealing that Mary Rice Bell's story was re-enacted by living historians of Iron Gate Theatre.

Slave Narrative Re-enactment of Mary Bell, daughter of Spottswood Rice

Source: Iron Gate Theatre

Mary Rice Bell's interview does deserve to be read in it's entirety. The links to the seven page are below.

Mary Bell Interview Page 1

Mary Bell Interview Page 2

Mary Bell Interview Page 3

Mary Bell Interview Page 4

Mary Bell Interview Page 5

Mary Bell Interview Page 6

Mary Bell Interview Page 7

She describes what her father Spottswood's life was like before Freedom. The slave holder Benjamin Lewis was a vicious and cruel man, but Spottswood's spirit was never broken.

His daughter Mary also explains the arrangement and how the family was split between two households, and two slave holders. The Rice family suffered greatly at the hands of both slave holders.Benjamin Lewis tormented Spottswood physically, and Mary, her mother and her siblings had few comforts under the hands of Kitty Lewis.

However, in her interview, she also answered a major question for me---she explains how Spottswood learned to read and write.

"His owner's son taught him how to read and dat made him so mad because my father read the emancipation to de other slaves and it made dem so happy dey could not work well and de got so no one could manage dem when dey found out dey were to be freed in such a short time.

She points out that one of her brothers also died in the war, and she points what life was like in the early days of freedom.

It does appear that the family did make it eventually to Benton Barracks and she described those early days of attending schools while still living there. By those remarks about her life at Benton Barracks (see 2nd page of her interview) it is evident that she was among the many contraband slaves who found their way to freedom, so we know that she did get reunited with her father there.

She later was educated at one of the many church schools being created for former slave children.

After the war, Spottswood Rice was found living in Missouri with his wife and children in 1870. And what a joy it is see that Mary, his beloved daughter was indeed there in the household with her parents.

In 1880, Spottswood still resided in Missouri--but his occupation had changed. He was now a minister of the gospel by profession. And Mary was now married and her husband and children resided with Spottswood and "Arrah" Rice.

1880 Census reflecting Spottswood Rice and family

Source: Year: 1880; Census Place: Saint Louis, St Louis (Independent City), Missouri;

Roll: 735; Family History Film: 1254735; Page: 92B; Enumeration District: 395; Image: 0007

The official newspaper of the AME Church is an historic paper called The Christian Recorder. Thanks to the efforts of the website Accessible Archives older editions of this publication have been digitized. All editions from 1861 to 1902 are digitized. Since Spottswood Rice was a minister I decided to see if his name might appear in any issue of this newspaper.

What a surprise--I found his name frequently in this publication and was able to track his life. In the 1880 census he was listed as a minister. I learned from the AME publication exactly when he was ordained. In the fall of 1874 Spottswood Rice became an elder of the AME Church. An announcement of his being promoted to an elder appeared in a fall issue of the Christian Recorder.

The Christian Recorder October 29, 1874, p. 2

Image can be seen at Accessible Archives where this journal is digitized.

Spottwood's life was an active one as a minister in the AME Church.

He lived for several years in St. Louis, and then later, in Clarksville Missouri to the north. He eventually was given further responbilities in the church and moved west in the 1880s. By 1882 he was in New Mexico.

When the thread first appeared on Facebook about this man, I learned that he had served in the Union Army just as the letter had stated. I also learned that he had filed for and received a Civil War pension. So, last week, and I traveled to the National Archives in Washington, specifically to inspect his file. Thankfully it was there, and it was an impressive file.

First of all, I noticed one thing right away. On most documents that required his signature---he signed his name. No "X" mark--but his full signature.

Signature of Spottswood Rice from Pension File

In addition, to signing his own name when required, I found one document that had been completed entirely by Spottswood himself. And on that record, he wrote down the dates of birth of his children in his own hand.

This document was completed by the man Spottswood himself and he reveals the death of his first wife,

and the names and birth dates of all of his living children.

As I read through the file, I could tell that Spottswood Rice the man was a strong spirited man, and a very proud man. The mere act of his completing the form himself is rarely seen.

I inspect pension files quite often, and even in those cases where one could read and write---I often see the the signatures of the applicant but rarely do I see a document completed entirely by the applicant himself. It struck me, and I envisioned the scenario--he did not sit passively and allow others to complete the pension forms for him---he completed them himself.

And, just as his original letters written during the war revealed---he loved his family. He was a man so devoted to family, that he knew the exact dates of births of his children. He also knew the exact date of the death of his beloved wife Arry. His first wife Arry or Arrah had apparently died and he was now remarried to a woman called Eliza.

While researching the life of Spottswood Rice, I found a sentence that described him as the ultimate hero, husband and father. This man's love was truly deep and it showed in the documents that reflected his life.

Arry his wife died in 1888. What a surprise to find her obituary that was published in the Christian Recorder, the AME newspaper. And it was written by a man of notable St. Louis history---Moses Dickson.

Obituary of Arrah Rice, 1st wife of Spottswood Rice.

Source: Access Archives, Christian Recorder May 24, 1888

The respect for Spottswood and for his wife, was so strong that the noted Moses Dickson took to write her obituary himself, and submit it to the Christian Recorder. This is also noted because she died in New Mexico and here was a reverent piece being written about her by Fr. Moses Dickson in Missouri.

I noticed that a year after Arrah's death, Spottswood re-married. The marriage occurred in New Mexico.

Spottswood reveals the date of his marriage to Eliza.

Both the obituary and the document above indicated that Spottswood was living in New Mexico in the1880s.

Realizing that he was now in New Mexico, in the early 1880s, I became curious to see if I could find out to what church he may have had been assigned, or had a connection. So I began searching online for AME churches in New Mexico. I found a website in Albuqueque and learned something that completely surprised me:

Spottswood Rice founded the very first Black church in the entire state of New Mexico in 1882.

What a surprise!

While looking to see what I could learn might have been a church to which he belonged, I came upon a site for Grant AME Church in Albuquerque. I saw this statement on their website:

I consulted with researcher George Geder, who lives in New Mexico. I asked him if he had access to additional information about the Grant Chapel AME. He found a small photo of the Colored Methodist Mission, a small and fragile structure that was a mission at the time that Spottswood Rice arrived. Rev. Rice soon organized the church that would become Grant Chapel AME.

This is the Colored Methodist Mission in Albuquerque that would become Grant AME Church

The history of Grant Chapel indicated that Rev. Spottswood Rice served at this mission church and after serving officially as the pastor there, for two years, he organized several other AME churches throughout the state as well. It was formed out of the Colored Methodist Mission a small dusty frail building in Albuquerque from which Grant Chapel eventually grew. An image of the old mission, mostly likely the way Spottswood Rice found it, was included in a publication called the Black Business Directors of New Mexico, that was compiled by Barbara Richardson.

I must thank genealogist and researcher George Geder for sharing some data that he was able to find for me some history about Grant Chapel AME.

Black Director of New Mexico compiled by Barbara Richarson

Special thanks to George Geder for sharing this information

By the 1890s, Rev. Spottswood Rice and his new wife Eliza had left New Mexico and he was sent to Colorado.

As Rev. Spottswood Rice continued his church work, his health had deteriorated. The injuries that he sustained while serving in the Civil War had begun to affect him, and this made him eligible to receive a Civil War pension. The pension file contained many documents pertaining to his health and the effects of his injuries upon his health.

Spottswood Rice letter to Pension Bureau regarding his health and injuries

In Colorado, Spottswood Rice would become the founder of yet another church, and his relationship with that church would continue for the remainder of his years. The church was Payne Chapel AME, and the church still functions to this day as a community of worship in the AME Church.

On October 31, 1907 Spottswood Rice died at the age of 88.

This man, born a slave, was motivated by of love for his wife, and children, and he was determined him to fight for his freedom and to keep his family intact.

He was also a devoted man of faith, where he served his church as a faithful member and strong leader, and went, when asked to take his wisdom to new places.

In1901 he was an active participant in a major church conference held in Colorado Springs Colorado and was cited in the Christian Recorded as being the eldest pastor in the Pikes Peak community and still building churches in his advanced age.

Rev. Spottswood Rice would remain devoted to his work as a leader in the AME Church. His closeness to his family remained and his son Noah had followed him west, though his beloved daughter Mary remained with her own family in Missouri.

On October 31, 1901, Spottswood Rice died after an amazing life of resistance, resilience and success. This man born enslaved, became a true Freedom Fighter in the Civil War and was truly a man of courage, that guided his life, and directed his love of freedom and family.

His story should be told repeatedly for it is a human story, and an authentic American story.

He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Spring.

Image at Find a Grave.com, Photo by Ron West

Rest in peace, Spottswood Rice. Your story and your life continue to inspire us all.

The Words, Actions and Life of Spottswood Rice - Freedom Fighter (Part 1)

2012-03-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Portion of Letter From Spottswood Rice to Former Slave holder Kitty Diggs

(Click on image to see digitized image of original letter)

Source:

The letter above was written by a father whose concern was the status and freedom of his daughter. His name was Spottswood Rice and he had left the estate of Benjamin Lewis in Madison County, and made it to the Union line not far from Glascow Missouri. Months later, as many slaves were making a break for freedom, and many were striving to reunite their families, Spottswood Rice had made such an effort. His daughter Mary, however, was still enslaved. This remarkable letter illustrates the determination of a strong willed man whose spirit was never broken by the yoke of slavery.

The slave holder was Mrs. Kitty Diggs, of Madison County. Missouri. The wife and children were held by the Diggs family, and it appears that when he wrote the letter, he was still struggling to obtain freedom for his daughter Mary. He begins his letter with a strong and stern warning to the woman holding his daughter in bondage.

"I received a leteter (from Cariline telling me that you say I tried to steal to plunder my child away from you now I want you to understand that mary is my Child and she is a God given rite of my own and you may hold on to hear as long as you can but I want you to remembor this one thing that the longor you keep my Child from me the longor you will have to burn in hell....

Wow---such powerful words. Spottswood had found freedom and had enlisted in the 67th US Colored Infantry in Glascow Missouri.

Service Record of Spottswood Rice, Pvt. 67th US Colored Infantry

Source: Compiled Military Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served the United States Colored Troops: 66th-82nd USCT Infantry, 1864-1866. (Image from Fold3.com)

But the letter from Spottswood Rice to the slave mistress is one of the more forceful letters that I have ever seen. This letter was recently shared in one of the communities on Facebook for African American genealogists. Everyone who read the letter and commented about it was truly amazed by its tone and everyone, including myself immediately embraced this man for his spirit and determination to be with his family again. From his service record (above) it is noted that he was born in Virginia and was by the time of the war, a mature man in his late 30s. Having been born in Virginia and ending up 30 years later in Missouri, suggests that he could have already had a taste of separation from loved ones. Slaves lived and died at the mercy of their slave holders, and often loved ones were removed, sold, and kept from each other for years, and in some cases for life.

What a surprise to find a copy of a bill of sale pertaining to Spottswood when he was a young lad, being sold from one man to another slave holder Benjamin Lewis in Howard County, Missouri. This unxpected document was actually included in his military service record. This transaction took place in 1843.

Item found in Military Service Record Reflecting the Sale of a young Negro boy Spottswood.

It is possible that the slave holder was compensated for "allowing" Spottswood to enlist.

One must remember that although it was a slave state, Missouri did not secede from the Union, so slavery was quite legal.

I also learned, while researching a bit of Missouri history that if a slave holder was considered "loyal" to the Union and could actually prove that he owned the slave enlisting, then in the state of Missouri, the slave holder was compensated for the slave and for the loss of the slave's labor. So perhaps this receipt may have actually been given to the enlisting officers to prove ownership from a "loyal" slave holder. The slave holder would have been eligible for a $300 payment for allowing his slave to enlist.

However, by the time this letter was written---he was a man in freedom, who was now demanding the freedom of his daughter Mary, who it appears was still being held.

His letter continues...........

.......that the longor (sic) you keep my Child from me the longor you will have to burn in hell and the qwicer (sic) youll get their (sic) for we are now makeing up a bout one thoughsand (sic) blacke troops to Come up tharough and wont to come through Glasgow and when we come wo be to Copperhood rabbels (sic)....

There is a possibility that Spottswood may have been freed before enlisting in the Union Army. He stated in the letter that he had tried to purchase his child Mary but Kitty Diggs had refused his offer.

"..........my Children is my own and I expect to get them, and when I get ready to come after mary I will have bout a powrer and autherity (sic) to bring hear away and to exacute (sic) vengencens on them that holds my Child you will then know how to talke to me"

What a surprise to even find a video where part of his letter was re-enacted.

Re-enactment of the words found in the letter of Spottswood Rice

Source: Smithsonian Museum of American History

So after reading that letter I had to know what other details about his life can be learned.

Did he survive the war? Could his Union Army experience be documented further? Did he get his daughter Mary? How long did he live? And what was the nature of his life?

Well, I was able to learn the answers to all of those questions. But one major part of the story has to be told. Spottswood Rice actually wrote two letters. He wrote one letter to his children and another letter to the slave holder--which I have already discussed. Written on the same day, it appears that Mary, the child cited in the previous letter was a child "left behind". It also appears that possibly he was partially successful in reuniting his family, and Mary and possibly another child Cora were still missing from the family.

The previous letter written to his children still held by Kitty Diggs deserves to be discussed as well.

[Benton Barracks Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. September 3, 1864]

My Children I take my pen in hand to rite you A few lines to let you know that I have not forgot you and that I want to see you as bad as ever now my Dear Children I want you to be contented with whatever may be your lots be assured that I will have you if it cost me my life on the 28th of the mounth. 8 hundred White and 8 hundred blacke solders expects to start up the rivore to Glasgow and above there thats to be jeneraled by a jeneral that will give me both of you when they Come I expect to be with, them and expect to get you both in return. Dont be uneasy my children I expect to have you. If Diggs dont give you up this Government will and I feel confident that I will get you Your Miss Kaitty said that I tried to steal you But I'^ll let her know that god never intended for man to steal his own flesh and blood. If I had no cofidence in God I could have confidence in her But as it is If I ever had any Confidence in her I have none now and never expect to have And I want her to remember if she meets me with ten thousand soldiers she [will?] meet her enemy I once [thought] that I had some respect for them but now my respects is worn out and have no sympathy for Slaveholders. And as for her cristianantty I expect the Devil has Such in hell You tell her from me that She is the frist Christian that I ever hard say that aman could Steal his own child especially out of human bondage
You can tell her that She can hold to you as long as she can I never would expect to ask her again to let you come to me because I know that the devil has got her hot set againsts that that is write now my Dear children I am a going to close my letter to you Give my love to all enquiring friends tell them all that we are well and want to see them very much and Corra and Mary receive the greater part of it you sefves and dont think hard of us not sending you any thing I you father have a plenty for you when I see you Spott & Noah sends their love to both of you Oh! My Dear children how I do want to see you

[Spotswood Rice

Source of letter:[Spotswood Rice] to My Children, [3 Sept. 1864], enclosed in F. W. Diggs to Genl. Rosecrans, 10 Sept. 1864, D-296 1864, Letters Received, ser. 2593, Department of the MO, U.S. Army Continental Commands, Record Group 393 Pt. 1, National Archives.

* * * * *

Spottswood enlisted in the Union Army near Glasgow Missouri in February of 1864. While in the army, Spottswood suffered an injury and was sent to the military hospital at Benton Barracks to recover. I was quite surprised to find a document reflecting his hospital stay at Benton Barracks in his file.

Hospital Card From Benton Barracks Where Spottswood Rice was a Patient

Source: Compiled Military Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served the United States Colored Troops: 66th-82nd USCT Infantry, 1864-1866. (Image from Fold3.com)

On that document the name of Spottswood's wife was revealed. Her name was Ary Rice.

Apparently, once the men had entered the ranks of the Union Army, they considered themselves to be truly free. By the fall of 1864, Benton Barracks had become a place of refuge--slaves were arriving continually at the Barracks and it became an encampment not only for slaves but for refugee ex slaves who had freed themselves. They were contrabands. Members of Spottswood's family were apparently with him by the fall at including his sons, but his daughters Cora and Mary were still being held by Kitty Diggs.

It should be noted, when husbands and wives were reunited, many of the soldiers wanted to have their marriages recognized and officially recorded. And Spottswood, was such a man, also wanting to have his marriage officially recorded. And that was when I found a record I never expected to find---I found a marriage record of Spottswood. It appears that while there at Benton Barracks--he and his wife Arry, of many years, who were already parents, still managed to marry officially and have a record made, at long last of their union!

Marriage Record of Spottswood Rice and Ary Ferguson, October 1864

Due to the faintness of the image, a transcription appears below

Source: Ancestry.com. Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002 [database on-line].

Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.

Original data: Missouri Marriage Records. Jefferson City, MO, USA: Missouri State Archives. Microfilm.

Partial Transcription

"This is to certify that I joined in marriage October 6, 1864 at Benton Barracks Spottswood Rice and Arry Ferguson, all of the city of St. Louis, J. P. Ives Chaplain"

I found the document on Ancestry.com's collection of Missouri marriages, and there appear to have been several dozen marriages performed at Benton Barracks during that time, presumably most were marriages of newly freed slaves legalizing their unions as last.

Did he survive the war?

Yes---Spotswood Rice did survive the war, and was reunited with his daughter Mary. I found Spotswood Rice in the 1870 Federal Census in Missouri.

Spottswood Rice with Family in 1870

Source: Year: 1870; Census Place: St Louis Ward 11, St Louis, Missouri;

Roll: M593_821; Page: 386B; Image: 256; Family History Library Film: 552320.

In the household with him was his wife and three children. His daughter Mary was indeed there in the household with them, along with two other children. Cora was not present and it is not known if she had died or was now married and living elsewhere.

I noticed in the 1870 census that Spottswood had apparently acquired some property as he had both personal property and real estate and the value of his property listed as well. I also noticed that of the persons in the household, in the column that indicated illiteracy of the person enumerated---his line was not marked---suggesting that he was a literate man.

Census form indicated that Spottswood was possibly a literate man

In 1880, Spottswood is living in Missouri with his wife and two sons, daughter Mary, who is now married with her own family. All share the same home on Elliott street in St. Louis. Spottswood's life has also changed, for he is now listed as a minister by profession.

From this point, records reflecting the life of Spottswood Rice indicate that his life has taken a new direction since the years of enslavement. So--there is so much more to tell.

To be continued.......

(End of Part 1)

March: A Month of Battles for USCTs

2012-03-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

More than 6000 Black Soldiers Participated in "Storming of Ft. Blakeley"

Last Major Battle of Civil War

Source: Harper's Weekly May 27th, 1865

The month of March was a time in which the soldiers who were part of the US Colored Troops found themselves engaged in a number of battles and skirmishes throughout the nation. The most impressive battle during the month of March was the Battle of Ft. Blakeley in which more than 6000 men of African Descent participated from nine different regiments.

As winter months melted into spring, the warmer weather provided more opportunity for movement of soldiers, thus bringing about more engagement with the enemy that the colder weeks had provided. As I began to look at my historical calendar, I decided to list the dozens of battles in which Black Union soldiers were engaged during the month of March, as their fight for freedom unfolded.

Several battles and skirmishes involved more than one regiment and the critical "last battle" of the war took place at Ft. Blakeley and thousands of Black men participated in that effort which lasted for several days.

In honor of the US Colored Troops engaged in March battles, they are listed here.

March 1, 1865 St. Stephens SC 55th Massachusetts (Colored)
March 2, 1864 Goodrich's Landing LA 66th US Colored Infantry
March 2, 1864 New Kent Courthouse VA 5th US Colored Infantry
March 4, 1864 Williamsburg VA 6th US Colored Infantry
March 5, 1865 Yazoo City, MS 3rd US Colored Cavalry & 47th US Col. Infantry
March 6, 1865 Natural Bridge FL 2nd US Colored Infantry and 99th US Infantry
March 8, 1865 "Alliance" Steamer, FL 99th US Colored Infantry
March 9, 1864 Suffolk VA, 2nd US Colored Cavalry
March 10, 1865 Marion County FL 3rd US Colored Infantry
March 15, 1865 Yazoo City MS 3rd US Colored Cavalry
March 18, 1865 Amite River LA 77th US Colored Infantry
March 18, 1865 Boyd's Station AL 101st US Colored Infantry
March 20, 1864 Pass Manchas LA 10th US Colored Heavy Artillery
March 20, 1864 Roseville Creek, AR 79th US Colored Infantry (New)
March 24, 1865 Cox's Bridge, NC 30th US Colored Infantry
March 24, 1864 Goodrich's Landing LA 66th US Colored Infantry
March 25, 1864 Ft. Anderson KY 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery
March 25, 1865 Brawley Fork TN 17th US Colored Infanntry
March 25, 1863 Glascow KY 119th US Colored Infantry
March 27, 1865 Spanish Fort AL 68th US Colored Infantry
March 29, 1863 Jacksonville FL 33rd US Colored Infantry
March 31, 1864 Roach's Plantation MS 3rd US Colored Cavalry
March 31, 1865 White Oak Road VA 29th US Colored Infantry
March 31, 1865 Ft. Blakeley AL:
47th US Colored Infanty
48th US Colored Infantry
50th US Colored Infantry
51st US Colored Infantry
68th US Colored Infantry
73rd US Colored Infantry
76th US Colored Infantry
82nd US Colored Infantry
86th US Colored Infantry

May their legacy be remembered!

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

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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

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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

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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.