Revolutionary War Pay Warrant to an African
American Soldier
Sharp Liberty's military pay warrant demonstrates the
active participation of African Americans in the fight
for American independence (GLC09132.01). Liberty served
in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army and
received pay of eight pounds, five shillings, a quarter
of the balance due to him. African American soldiers
usually received pay equal to that of white soldiers
and generally fought in integrated units. Despite this,
no African American is known to have held a rank higher
than corporal.
During the Revolutionary War, both the British and
the American forces actively recruited African American
men. At first, Congress and General George Washington
were reluctant to officially enlist African Americans
into the Continental Army, though they actively served
in state militias. The threat of armed slave revolts
was a major factor in this decision. However, as the
war progressed, circumstances compelled military leaders
to reconsider this early pronouncement. The Americans
were greatly outnumbered by the British and faced serious
problems recruiting new men. Britain's promise of immediate
freedom to any slave who joined their ranks further
exacerbated the issue, encouraging thousands of slaves
to flock to the British side. By 1777, Congress relented
and allowed the enlistment of free African American
men, later deciding to also permit slave enlistment.
It is estimated that 5,000 Africans Americans fought
on the Patriots' side during the war.
The Treasurer of the State of Connecticut, John Lawrence,
signed Sharp Liberty's pay voucher. It is docketed every
year interest was paid until 1789. Liberty signed the
voucher with his mark, partially obscured by a circular
punch cancellation. African American soldiers are often
identified by their names or by pension records and
other documentation indicating race. The Gilder Lehrman
Collection holds several other pay warrants for African
American soldiers in addition to this one. To see the
records for other pay warrants in the collection, please
follow this link:
http://www.gilderlehrman.org/search/search_results.php?simple=simple+search
&keyword=african+american+pay+voucher&simple=simple+search
Marisa Morigi
Deputy Curator
GLC09132: Revolutionary War pay warrant to an
African American soldier
For more information or to obtain copies, contact Ana
Ramirez-Luhrs at reference@gilderlehrman.com
or call (212) 787-6616 ext. 209.
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