Manuscript Database - Subject: United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Corps D'Afrique. Papers, 19 June 1863 - 30 April 1864. 15 items.Correspondence and General Orders Numbers 2-6 from the Head Quarters of the Corps D'Afrique, Louisville, Ky., during the Civil War, concerning the head quarters' move to Six Mile Island in the Ohio River, promotions, appointments and resignations of officers, and charges of violations between certain officers. Also included is a provison return for the station in New Albany, Indiana.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Smith, E. Hubbard, 1827- Papers, 1857-1884. 16 itA letter to Smith from Ed. F. Dulin, 5 April 1864, states his position on enrolling Black soldiers in the army and on emancipation.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Tilford, John H., 1841-1899. Diaries, 1862-1866. 9 vols.Tilford notes that Black troops have defeated Wheeler north of Atlanta and repulsed Hood at the Battle of Nashville. See entries dated 18 August 1864 and 16 December 1864.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Union Army Commissary. Department Records, 1861-1865.Maj. H.C. Symonds 's 15 Jan. 1865 letter to Gen. Robert Allen discusses operations of the Union Army Commissary of Subsistence operations in Louisville and in Jeffersonville, IN. In the letter he writes, "The company of Negro troops is, so far as I can learn, very efficient and faithful as sentinels with out enclosures and on post 24 hours..."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Wickliffe, Charles Anderson, 1788-1869. Subscription list. 29 January 1863. D.S. 1p.Orders for copies of Wickliffe's speech in opposition to the bill to raise Black regiments. Signed by eleven subscribers.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Corps D'Afrique. Papers, 19 June 1863 - 30 April 1864. 15 items.Correspondence and General Orders Numbers 2-6 from the Head Quarters of the Corps D'Afrique, Louisville, Ky., during the Civil War, concerning the head quarters' move to Six Mile Island in the Ohio River, promotions, appointments and resignations of officers, and charges of violations between certain officers. Also included is a provison return for the station in New Albany, Indiana.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Snead Family. Papers, 1840-1954.Certificates of enlistment of Alexander H. Snead's slaves into the Kentucky Volunteers from 1864 and claims filed by Snead for compensation for his slaves.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Bodley Family. Papers. 1773-1939. 9.33 cu. ft.In his 7 July 1864 letter, Wm. Bodley writes that his family's servant had run away after a Black regiment paraded in Louisville; Ann Bodley relays the story of an uncle who recaptured 4 slaves in a 26 Aug. 1864 letter; after he threatened to enlist them, they swore they'd work harder than ever.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Little, Isaac, 1834-1907. Papers, 1862-1900. .66 cu. ft.While stationed in northern Kentucky, Pvt. Little, 84 Ind. Inf. Regt., writes to his wife that he had recently gone to Cincinnati where he had seen a regiment of Black soldiers, most of whom had enlisted for a few days (14 Sept. 1862). He mentions that several of his fellow soldiers have urged him to submit an application to become an officer in an African American regiment, but "I don't think I would like to go with a darky regt" (17 Aug. 1863). He adds that there is a "darky" regiment camped close by and they learn to drill fast.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Patton family. Papers, 1859-1894. .66 cu. ft.In a letter to her brother, Nora Desmond declares that it is "no more than right for the Negroes to fight as well as white people" (15 March 1863). He replies that "the plan of arming the niggers is a very poor one... they may have to fight them some day after teaching them the art of war" (22 April 1863). Samuel Patton speculates how rebels would react to African American troops who restricted their movements and comments on Col. Wolford's condemnation of enlisting such troops (3,21 March 1864). He mentions Black troops being recruited in Tennessee (22 July 1863).
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894. Correspondence, 1862, 1864, 1865 1 Folder. 21 items.S. G. Burbridge orders impressment of slaves into the Union Army at Gen. Gilmore's order. Gov. Thomas E. Bramlette writes Burbridge that "The forceable abduction of slaves--the impressment without consent of owners, enticing them to run away, are all crimes against the known laws of the land ... is the duty of officers to arrest the violators & hand them over to tthe Civil Magistrate for trial."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Bibb family. Papers, 1760-1887.Documents dated 19 September 1864 and 8 December 1866 concern the enlistment of Peyton Bibb, slave owned by John B. Bibb, and compensation to Bibb for the enlistment of Washington.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Brown, Eli Huston, 1907-1974. Collection, 1773-1941. 3.66 cubic feet.In a letter dated 14 February 1864, Eli Stone in Bloomfield, Kentucky, discusses his slaves leaving to join the Union army and how it will affect him. Stone also informs his brother, Stephens J. Stone, that his slaves have run away. Stone's 29 February 1864 letter to his brother states that he thinks Paducahans should not be subject to the draft because they provided so many black soldiers.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Canby, Edward Richard Sprigg, 1819-1873. Papers, 1837-1873. .33 cu. ft.On 18 December 1863, John P. Hawkins writes to Canby lamenting the conditions of black troops. Hawkins believes that the black soldiers have not been given opportunities to demonstrate their merit as fighting men.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Cochran, Mary Catherine Noland, b. 1814. Diary, Middleburg, VA, 1861-1865. 128 transcribed pp.Mary Cochran reveals in her diary her feelings about African American soldiers and gives her account of their part in the Battle of the Crater, where they were "tricked by their superiors into believing they would not meet any resistance."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Corlis-Respess Family Papers, 1698-1984. 6 cu. ft.Correspondence includes a 1 Dec. 1864 letter from "Effie" in Lexington (Ky.) reporting on a free black selling himself back into slavery to avoid being drafted into the Union Army. Other correspondence relates to this incident.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Edmonson Co. Civil War Pension Records. Records, 1880-1920. 5 cu. ft.The application for pensions for service in the Civil War by residents of Edmonson Co., Ky. This includes 3 applicants from former members of United States Colored Units.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Hammond, John Henry, 1833 - 1890. Papers, 1860 - 1890. .66 cu. ft.In diary entries on 20 June and 19 July [1862] Hammond writes about returning slaves to their masters after using them to repair bridges and of plans to use "negroes for fortifications". On 8 &,9 April [1863] he expresses his opinion on "the fate of the Black race".
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Ennis, Robert. Receipt, 1863. 1 item.A receipt from the Provost Marshal's Office for the use of "one able bodied Negro men to be used on public works".
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Fairleigh, Thomas Brooks, 1837-1890. Diary, 1 January 1864-7 June 1864. 1 volume.In his diary, Fairleigh writes on 14 March 1864 that Owings is "a determined Union Man ... but wonderfully down on the Administration about enrolling the negroes." He reports that the enrolling officer refuses to enlist black soldiers. On 17 April 1864, he writes that Gov. Bramlette is in Louisville to consult "regarding tile negro order." On 14 April 1864, Fairleigh expresses his opinion on the recruitment of Black soldiers, which he finds "all wrong."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Gallup, George W., 1828-1881. Papers, 1861-1864. 56 items.Photocopies of typed transcripts of letters of Col. Gallup. His letter of July 29, 1864 talks of the troubles back in the Sandy Valley and that placing "Negro Regiments" in the Valley "will make matters worse".
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Richards, Channing, 1838-1896. Papers, 1861-1904.In a letter dated 1 March 1863 Richards writes to his sister and speaks of his reluctance to serve with Black soldiers. He's not against arming them but he understands soldiers' unwillingness to fight side by side. In a letter dated 22 March 1863 he writes even more extensively on his feelings about Black people. He also lists reason why arming free or formerly enslaved people isn't expedient.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Little, Isaac, 1834-1907. Papers, 1862-1900. .66 cu. ft.While stationed in northern Kentucky, Pvt. Isaac Little, 84th Ind. Inf. Regt., writes to his wife that he had recently gone to Cincinnati where he had seen a regiment of "Negros," most of whom had enlisted for a few days (14 Sept. 1862). His mess has hired two "darkeys" to cook for them (9,19 Oct. 1862). They pay them 8 cents a week each. He mentions that several of his fellow soldiers have urged him to submit an application to become an officer in an African American regiment, but "I dont think I would like to go with a darky regt" (17 Aug. 1863). He adds that there is a "darky" regiment camped close by and they learn to drill fast.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Manning, Henry Swan, b. 1844. Papers, 1863-1879.Collection includes commissions of Henry S. Manning, Lieutenant of the United States Army Corps d'Afrique. 10th and 82nd Infantry Regiment; Muster rolls of the 10th regiment.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Moxley - Offutt Family. Papers, 1818-1978. 1 cu. ft.Letter of 26 October 1862 describes Union troops passing through Georgetown that have taken large numbers of Black men, "they tell them to come and go with them and almost force them into ranks." Letter of 27 October tells of Black men leaving the soldiers camp, preferring "home."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Nelson, Robert Andrew. Papers, 7 June 1864-5 Nov. 1865. 20 items.In writing to his son, Private Frank Nelson, Robert Nelson reveals his racial prejudices against the black troops occupying Ky. after the Civil War ended, calling them "unnecessary." R. Nelson suggests that the black troops move to Texas, where his son is stationed. Also, R. Nelson resents the attention black soldiers received for their participation in the Civil War, noting that their contribution has been "so much eulogized." He proposes that the black troops move to Texas where his son is currently located, an order R. Nelson strongly opposes. If the "extravagant eulogy is to be credited," he argues, than the black troops "are the very men for the occasion of the frontier."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Pratt, James H. Papers. 1863-1868. .66 cu. ft.On p. 4, Pratt asks to restore the pay for "(a free black man)." On p. 495 he asks to be allowed to press "a number of colored men" into work as firemen and watchmen. On p. 503, he writes that he can press Black workers into service by the order of General Steel.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Shera, James. Diary, 1863-1865. 30 items.Photocopy of a type written transcript of a diary kept by Shera while serving with the 68th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Diary mentions the involvement of several "colored units" at the battle of Nashville and their heavy losses in an assault on a Confederate fort.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Vanvalkenburgh, George W., d. 1864. Papers, 1861-1907. .33 cu. ft.In a letter of late Oct. 1862 Vanvalkenburgh reports after the battle of Perryville "that there was dead rebels on the top of the ground- they had to force negroes to bearey the dead they smelt so bad that a white man could not do it."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Walker, Davy. Emancipation Certificate, 23 March 1865. 3 items.Declares Walker, a soldier in the Union Army, his wife, and children free. Photograph of Davy Walker's son, Willis Walker, in the Filson Club's Photograph Collection. Includes envelope with likeness of Louisville's Capital Hotel and notes on the family.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Wells, Samuel T. Papers, 1861-1889. .33 cubic feet.Letters written by Wells while serving as a Lt. Col. with the 50th Indiana Volunteer Infantry tell of the black population in Russelville, Ky. as well as his black servants in camp.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
White, Lewis. Emancipation Certificate, 25 May 1865. 1 item.Certifies that White is a soldier in Company G, 109th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. As such, White, his wife, and their children are free citizens. Signed by James Brisbin.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Winn - Cook Family Papers. Papers, 1861-1875. 1 cu. ft.Robert Winn writes many letter talking of the role of Black people in the war. He wants to see more of them drafted into the army and made to fight for their freedom. He often comments upon "contraband" units he encounters. On 24 Oct. 1863 he writes that the Negro Enlistment Act was a dead letter in Kentucky. On 11 Dec. 1863 he writes that Dr. Chase, the surgeon for the unit, when informed that "one of our Colonels cammanding a Negro Regiment had been burnt alive - Served him right - they all ought to be treated that way". On 25 Feb. 1864 he talks of emancipation and Black troops saying that many of the soldier feel that they should not be armed and are throwing rocks at Black troops in the camp. On 15 March 1864 he states that Col. Wolford believes there should be armed resistance to arming Black men in Kentucky. On 3 April 1864 he states that there several men in the unit applying for positions in Black units and 'there is now only 75% opposition to arming Black people as compared to 99%. On 1 June 1864 he talks of the two "contraband" units in Atlanta. On 13 July 1864 he talks of the pay for Black troops stating that only front line "contraband" units should get equal pay. The letters of William Brunt tell of his experiences training "contraband" units.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Norcott, Charles Ellison, 1846-1887. Letters, 1864. 2 items.Written to Ellen M. Sherman of Marietta, Illinois, these letters describe the military service of Charles E. Norcott, a musician in the 132nd Illinois Infantry, while stationed in Kentucky. On 10 June 1864, he describes the plantations and fortifications at Columbus, Kentucky, as well as guerrilla activity in the region. He writes that, "they are marching a Reg(iment) of Darkeys to sleep on (their arms)," adding, "that proves that the pickets were shot at." (Note: Norcott apparently refers to the 4th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery.)
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Ferguson, Richard, ca. 1839-1930. Memoir, 1928. 21 pages.Typescript of a memoir written in 1928 by Richard Ferguson entitled "Reminiscences of a Virginia Minister". The majority of the memoir is an autobiographical account of Ferguson's service in the Civil War with the Confederate Army, Company G, 18th Virginia Regiment. Ferguson's memoir describes his participation in Civil War battles including the Battle of Gettysburg; his capture and imprisonment, especially at Johnson's Island; living conditions at the prison; and his involvement in an unsuccessful escape attempt. Following his release from prison, Ferguson relates an encounter with northern soldiers after Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox; post-war pillaging by black soldiers in Dinwiddie County, Virginia; and briefly mentions some of his post-war activities including agricultural work and his ministry. He also comments on the lack of prisoner exchanges during the war, and discusses his views regarding the institution of slavery. Ferguson's memoir was published posthumously by the Richmond Times Dispatch on Sunday, May 25, 1930. Also included with the memoir are obituaries for members of the allied Meredith family.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Bush family. Letters, 1863-1864. 6 items.This collection consists of the letters of two brothers, Capt. Elliot N. Bush (1826-1864) and Lt. Henry M. Bush (1829-1889), to their parents, Dr. Wynan Bush (1799-1889) and Julia Anna Loomis (1805-1898) of Yates County, New York. The brothers settled in Illinois and enlisted in Co. G of the 95th Illinois Infantry in 1862. In a letter to his father from Vicksburg, Mississippi dated 9 March 1864 Elliott writes, "The 11th Ill. & 8th La. of A.D. colored had a severe fight at Yazoo City last Saturday (5th)", adding, " (they) were attacked by 3 times their no. but held the place and drove the enemy off." He continues, "The 8th La. is also one of the best A.D.'s in the service (and) has a large proportion of officers from our regiment." He boasts, "They fought well and no one now says the Negro won't fight."
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
United States Army Quartermaster's Department. Field note books, 1867, undated. 2 vols.These two volumes contain the field notes of military personnel assigned to locate and identify Union soldiers' graves within the confines of the Military Department of the Tennessee, which embraced the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The notebooks reflect the nationwide Reburial Project (1866-1870) which was initiated by a joint resolution of Congress in 1866. Both volumes contain references to the graves of "Colored Soldiers." Volume 1 refers to a large cemetery for Colored Troops at Springfield, Tennessee (p. 33) as well as a soldiers cemetery and "Colored Refugees" burial ground near Clarksville, Tennessee. (pp. 35-38). There is also a reference to one African-American soldier named Jack Fields who was killed by Clarksville citizens in 1865. (p. 37)
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Brown-Ewell family. Papers, 1781-1984.Richard Stoddert Ewell writes from Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, Mass., to M[ontgomery] Blair, Washington, D. C. 12 May 1865. Some [political leaders in Richmond] prevented the enlistment of black soldiers and capable men in Richmond [Virginia] who could have reversed Pickett's defeat at Five Forks. Black soldiers were whipped and hooted.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Lee, Charles R. Emancipation Certificate, 18 September 1865. 1 item.Certifies that Lee is a soldier with the 119th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. As such, he, his wife, and their children are free citizens. Issued by the Headquarters Department of Kentucky and Signed by William H. Gill of the 30th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Pratt, James H. Papers, 1863-1868. .66 cu. ft.On page 4. Pratt writes asking to restore the pay for Harvey Bright, (a free black man).
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Walker, Davy. Emancipation Certificate, 23 March 1865. 3 items.Declares Walker, a soldier in the Union Army, his wife, and children free citizens. Photograph of Davy Walker's son, Willis Walker, is available in the Filson Club's Photograph Collection. Includes envelope with likeness of Louisville's Capital Hotel and notes on the Walker family.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
White, Lewis. Emancipation Certificate, 25 May 1865. 1 item.Certifies that White is a soldier in Company G. 109th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. As such, White, his wife, and their children are free citizens. Signed by James Brisbin.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Participation, African American
Bodley family. Papers, 1773-1939. 9.33 cu. ft.In speaking of the recent elections in her 7 Aug. 1865 letter, Martha Bodley writes from Lexington that while the conservative candidates may have carried the nation, the radical reconstructionists won in Louisville; she claims that the radicals used scare tactics such as placing African American soldiers at the polls and had people jailed; she also states that the authorities placed "negro musicians" near the courthouse to interrupt a speech by Judge Buckner.