Wickes, James H. (fl. 1864) [General orders no. 15 announcing equal pay of troops]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02223 Author/Creator: Wickes, James H. (fl. 1864) Place Written: Camp Hamilton, Virginia Type: Printed document signed Date: 1 May 1864 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy
Signed by Wickes as Captain and acting Aide-de-Camp (possibly to Brigadier General Edward Ward Hinks). Informs African American soldiers "By an act that has passed the Senate of the United States, and been favorably reported to the House of Representatives, you are to be paid hereafter as all other soldiers of the nation are paid. The General Commanding congratulates you upon this indication of a national appreciation of your worth as soldiers, and recognition of your rights as men." Issued by Captain Solon A. Carter, acting Assistant Adjutant General, based on Hinks' orders. Possibly printed as a broadside. Issued from headquarters of the 3rd division, 18th corps.
The Army Appropriations Bill, passed by Congress on 22 July of 1864, authorized equal pay for all colored soldiers who were free on 19 April 1861. Prior to this, black soldiers received $10.00 a month, less a $3.50 clothing allowance. White troops received $13.00 a month, plus a $3.50 clothing allowance. On 8 March 1865, equal pay was granted to all black soldiers.
Head Quarters
3d Division, 18th Corps d'Armee,
GENERAL ORDERS, }
} Camp Hamilton, Va., May 1st, 1864.
No. 15.
Soldiers of the Republic! At last justice has been awarded you by the representatives of the nations in Congress, and you stand before the law upon an equality with your heretofore more favored fellow soldiers of the North.
Induced by no promise of bounty, urged by no consideration of pay, you have taken arms in the cause of your country, prompted only by your patriotism and love of liberty; relying with confidence upon the gratitude and sense of justice of the people, to accord to you the rights that mistaken polity had withheld.
Your confidence has not been replaced. By an act that has passed the Senate of the United States, and been favorably reported to the House of Representatives, you are to be paid hereafter as all other soldiers of the nation are paid.
The General Commanding congratulates you upon this indication of a national appreciation of your worth as soldiers, and recognition of your rights as men, and accounts it an auspicious omen that the initial action of Congress upon this measure was coincident with his assuming command of this Division.
He has carefully observed your soldierly bearing and rapid acquirement of military knowledge. He is conscious that no regiments in the army are better officered than those of this Division, and he will endeavor to secure a Division organization that shall merit the confidence of his command.
He hopes to lead you soon to victory, and in the hour of triumph we will not visit the wrongs we have suffered upon the persons of the foe, whom the fortunes of war may place in our power, but will be magnanimous to the fallen and humane to the defenceless, offering, if they will receive it, the lesson of humanity due from men.
By command of Brigadier General E. W. HINKS:
Solon A. Carter,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
OFFICIAL:
James H. Wickes
Captain and Acting Aide-de-Camp.
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