Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) [Regarding African American troops in Missouri]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03096 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph endorsement signed Date: 24 December 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 10.2 x 8.5 cm. Order a Copy
President Lincoln states that commissioners are "to appraise negroes in Missouri." Mentions that he was previously unaware of General Order No. 135 issued in mid-November 1863 by General John McAllister Schofield, in command of the Department of Missouri. That order had authorized the enlistment of enslaved people, without consent of their owners, and with compensation promised to loyalist slaveholders.
There were seven African American regiments enrolled in Missouri. These soldiers fought battles in Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama. The first black regiment from Missouri was recruited in June 1863 at Schofield Barracks in St. Louis. More than 300 men enlisted. Over 3,700 Missouri African Americans enrolled in the army in 1864. Throughout the Civil War, over 8,000 black Missourians served in the Union Army.
Com[missione]rs. to appraise Negroes in Missouri. These recommendations were very urgently pressed by those M.C's [Members of Congress] whose names appear.
I have given no attention to this subject; & did not even know of the order No. 135.
A. Lincoln
Dec. 24. 1863
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