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:

Marisa Morigi
Deputy Curator