July 1, 1853 Here are remarks of Charles Sumner, urging that “in the organization of the volunteer military companies of the Commonwealth, there shall be no distinction of color or…
Category: <span>Military – Colored</span>
January 20, 1860 At a recent session of the Legislature there was an attempt to remove the word ‘white’ from the militia law. The Governor, (Banks), vetoed the measure. The…
March 2, 1860 This speech by Rock is before the Committee on Federal Relations, of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, speaking on behalf of a petition to strike the word…
June 15, 1860 A report of meeting at the Joy-Street Church, in response to the Veto by Governor Banks of a vote to remove the word “white” from the statute…
May 3, 1861 A meeting was held at the corner of Joy and Cambridge Streets, to form a drill company. John Rock, Lewis Hayden, Robert Morris, and others speak. One…
June 14, 1861 Comment is made on recent attempts in the Mass. legislature to remove the word “white” from the militia law. Though those efforts have not yet been successful,…
October 18, 1861 The meeting includes many speeches, urging people to support the war effort of the Union. Anticipating that the Massachusetts legislature will soon remove the word “white” from…
August 8, 1862 A brief article tells of a deputation of citizens who met with the President, to “ascertain if he would accept the services of negro regiments”….They also told…
August 15, 1862 A brief notice says that Gov. Andrew has issued a new order directing enrollment. It says that “all able-bodied male citizens, between the ages of eighteen and…
November 21, 1862 This account is signed by Richard J. Hinton, Adjutant, 1st Regt Kansas Colored Volunteers. “Our nine days’ campaign proved that negroes are splendid soldiers, will march further,…
February 6, 1863 A bill has been approved in the US House of Representatives, which authorizes the President to enroll volunteers of African descent in the armed forces….also stipulates that…
February 20, 1863 The colored citizens have met at the Joy Street church “for the purpose of awakening interest in the new enterprise of forming one or more negro regiments…
February 27, 1863 “William Wells Brown, Dr. Smith, and Charles Lenox Remond, all colored, have been appointed recruiting agents for this regiment. The camp was opened at Readville on Saturday…
March 27, 1863 A letter to Garrison, includes two dollars, and a request for back copies of the Liberator. The subscriber assures Garrison that copies have been read by Officers…
April 10, 1863 Argument in the House of Representatives, of the bill proposing to make legal a militia including negro members, is recounted here. The bill was referred to the…
June 5, 1863 A detailed description the departure includes the route of the parade through the streets, the review by Governor Andrew, Frederick Douglass passing among the troops , bidding…
June 26, 1863 A large and enthusiastic meeting was held at the African Church. Resolutions passed “acknowledge the hand of God in the great events which are now taking place”,…
July 31, 1863 An account of the assault, including the 54th Massachusetts Regiment is quite detailed, and affirms the bravery of the unit, and the large loss of life.
August 7, 1863 Here is more on the attack, and one specially titled, “Tribute to the Late Col. Shaw”
August 7, 1863 Here is an order by President Lincoln, insuring that there should be “no distinction as to color in the treatment of prisoners of war as public enemies”. …
February 12, 1864 A brief article includes some of the discussion in the Senate of a bill by Sen. Wilson, of Mass., which was intended to equalize the pay of…
May 13, 1864 This is based on a letter from Canton, Miss. Published in the Atlanta Appeal, April 13. It is introduced as “evidence that the rebels are determined to…
October 7, 1864 William Cooper Nell writes to Garrison, and includes portions of letters he has received from four colored soldiers. “They contain a record of aspirations cherished, heroic deeds…
July 21, 1865 A brief notice indicating that these two colored regiments are soon to be mustered out of the U. S. service, “and may soon be expected home”.