Collection Search

Cartes de visite (most signed) of officers of 20th Colored Infantry

GLC07778

Francis Bridge

Torso of clean shaven officer.

GLC07778.01

C.A Briggs, 1st. Lt.

Bearded officer.

GLC07778.02

E.S. Leumpf

Torso of fair-haired officer.

GLC07778.03

G.A. Foster

Round portrait of officer.

GLC07778.04

H. Gardner, 2nd Lt.

Balding officer with goatee.

GLC07778.05

John Habbstow, 1st Lt

Torso of officer with mustache.

GLC07778.06

Unidentified officer

Compliments of John. Harstow.

GLC07778.07

Sam M. Putnam

Very young looking soldier.

GLC07778.08

B.F. Strong

"Yours religiously", written on the back.

GLC07778.09

B. Trombly

2nd. Lt. Sports a goatee.

GLC07778.10

Unidentified officer

Profile of officer with a long mustache.

GLC07778.11

Unidentified officer

Torso of officer with neatly trimmed mustache.

GLC07778.12

Unidentified officer

Officer standing with his hand on a chair.

GLC07778.13

Unidentified officer

Another officer with a goatee.

GLC07778.14

Unidentified officer

Coat is unbuttoned except for top button. He has side whiskers.

GLC07778.15

Unidentified officers

3 officers. One standing and two sitting.

GLC07778.16

to George Meade

Arranging forces, including African-American regiments, for the final push on Petersburg

GLC08106

"Corps d'Afrique"

"Corps d'Afrique" recruiting letter, and card from Plumly's Brigade, 16th Regiment, New Orleans. [Plumly was former underground railroad operator]

GLC08147

to Lori

Barnum, of the Sutler Department, 8th Conn. Volunteers, Army of the James, Portsmouth, Virginia, writes about the local slave population and African-American troops: "There are two are three Negro Regts close by here. The white soldiers don't like...

GLC08275

to unknown

Private Loomis, Co. H, 21st Massachusetts Volunteers, describes his activities ranging after returning from a furlough in Boston to Grant's advance on Richmond. Includes references to African-American troops and shooting of deserters.

GLC08278

to Epes Sargent

Sumner thanks Sargent for his sympathetic praise. Writes, "The verses on Shaw I had enjoyed before, & had sent to England," likely a reference to Sargent's poem, "Colonel Shaw: On Hearing that the Rebels Had Buried His Body Under a Pile of Twenty...

GLC02095.12

[Delevan Bates]

Cabinet portrait of Delavan Bates in uniform by the Snyder Studio. Inscription on verso reads: "Brig. Gen. Delavan Bates/MOH [Medal of Honor] at Crater/121st NY Infantry/Cabinet/Signed $125.00." Bates was Union Brevet Brig. Gen., 30th U.S. Colored...

GLC02068

Gen. Knox in account with S. Shaw

Lists Henry Knox's accounts with Shaw, beginning 8 June 1781 and ending 12 December, 1781. Contains several memoranda and instructions for what Knox owes to Shaw and what the United States government owes Knox. Expenses range from: groceries and...

GLC02437.01368

to Henry Knox

Mentions that in reference to Knox's last letter, he will be happy to make the acquaintance a young gentleman named Mr. Craik and to show "him any civility in [his] power." Writes, "Since my last I have discovered that my Boy Prince is at Salem, & I...

GLC02437.01545

to Estelle Spero

Diamond promises Estelle that "…no matter how [he] may be maimed [he's] to return…" He then describes his outfit with his new men - Jewish, Catholic, Protestant - mentioning that they care little for racial distinctions or inane political...

GLC09120.245

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that the "colored boy" who worked in the florist shop is on the island with him: "Coincidences galore."

GLC09120.275

to Estelle Spero

Diamond passes comment on the previous night's entertainment. He also discusses an army film on England, which he writes gave "a direct, frank, and uncolored recognition of white prejudice towards the negro and an appeal…for understanding and...

GLC09120.411

to Estelle Spero

Diamond reports to Estelle that his housewarming party had been a success. He mentions that all is quiet, except for the sound of a radio, and "a whistle blows occasionally at a basketball game - a negro team is playing our team - It's a pleasure to...

GLC09120.441

to Estelle Spero

Diamond mentions that the sixth anniversary of the couple's meeting has passed, and proceeds to discuss their relationship. He writes about army policy regarding different races.

GLC09120.479

Office of Board of Claims/For Slaves enlisted in U. S. service...

State of Maryland. Compensation claim by Joshua Johnson for a slave, Thomas Johnson, he manumitted and enlisted as a USCT, United States Colored Troops. Partially printed document.

GLC09130.01

Proof of slave ownership

Proof of ownership by Joshua Johnson for the slave Thomas Johnson.

GLC09130.02

Revolutionary war pay warrants

Five Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War pay warrants issued to African American soldiers. Signed by John Lawrence, treasurer of the State, and docketed every year to 1789 when interest was paid. Four of the five have signatures of...

GLC09132

Warrant for money owed to Sharp Liberty

One warrant for eight pounds and five shillings owed to soldier, Sharp Liberty. Signed "X"' by Liberty and J. Lawrence, treasurer.

GLC09132.01

Pay warrant to African American soldier

Philip Negro for six pounds, five shillings, and nine pence. Remainder of Negro's signature.

GLC09132.02

Pay warrant to African American soldier

Castor Freeman for twelve pounds, eight shillings, and four pence. Remainder of Freeman's signature.

GLC09132.03

Pay warrant to African American soldier

Pomp McCuffee for nine pounds and nine shillings. Unsigned by McCuffee.

GLC09132.04

Pay warrant to African American soldier

Jeffery Liberty for three pounds, twelve shillings, and seven pence. Signed in full "Jeffry Liberty."

GLC09132.05

Clothing and payroll return document 1st Massachusetts regiment [Decimalized .01- .04]

Manuscript clothing and payroll return documents listing many African American freemen who fought in this desegregated regiment during the Siege of Boston and at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, and Monmouth, and guarded the Hudson Highlands. These...

GLC09134

to a family member

"[Nashville is] under the control of our guns from the forts and batteries...I saw 3 or 4 dead Rebs still lying on the ground unburied and some that had been buried with some parts still visible above the ground...the point B.F. is where the greatest...

GLC09139

[Slavery related collection] [Decimalized .01- .10]

Collection of 7 abolitionist and slavery related autograph letter signed and one John Brown carte-de-visite.
Autograph letter signed dated 25 June 1861 from H. Giles, "If this war continues, we can not now even imagine our worst days - nor, do I...

GLC09190

To "Dear Sir"

GLC09190.08

[South Carolina's 1860 Act of Secession]

Lithographic facsimile of South Carolina's 1860 Act of Secession. On March 3, 1865, a detachment of the 102 U.S. Colored Troops captured what they believed to be the original manuscript of South Carolina's Secession ordinance. (In fact, they had...

GLC09237

Muster Roll for the 10 Companies of the 34th Regt of Foot in the Service of the United Colonies 1775

2nd Massachusetts regiment. "Muster Roll" for the 10 Companies "of the 34th Reg't of Foot in the Service of the United Colonies 1775" [General John Thomas's 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, organized on April 23, 1775, drawn from members of the original...

GLC09290

[Revolutionary war pay warrant for African American soldier]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War pay warrant issued to African American soldier Jupiter Stevens, for thirteen pounds, one shilling, and two pence. Signed by John Lawrence, treasurer of the State, and docketed every year to 1789...

GLC09294

[Revolutionary war pay warrant for African American soldier]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War pay warrant issued to African American soldier Prince Duplex, for four pounds, seventeen shillings, and one pence. Signed by John Lawrence, treasurer of the State, and by Duplex in full, and...

GLC09295

to R.L. Wilson

As Brig. General and Adj. General, to R. L. Wilson: "...You are hereby informed that the President of the United States has appointed you First Lieutenant in the Seventh Regiment Louisiana Volunteers of African Descent."

GLC09318

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Written "in the field." The "Johnnies" have been skirmishing with their infantry and artillery. They have a strong position. They have three regiments of colored troops but they have not been let in yet.

GLC02161.127

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Vermilion Bayou to a friend. Describes reading Mary's letters on the march, and the expansive plantation of a Rebel General "Moota" (perhaps General Alfred Mouton), commenting "you can imagine how things will look here in a day or two, not...

GLC02165.15

to Mary Ann Davis

Written from "Lakeport, La." to a friend. Talks of the visit of the wife of his friend, William Hoyt, whom he will be sad to see leave as he enjoys having a "respectable female friend to chat with." Talks of how he wants to leave the army--"what a...

GLC02165.17

to Miss Sue Johnston

There are no longer any colored men or dutchmen in his department. The colonel wants to change them to an artillery regiment. He is taking a trip to Beaufort with Lt. Hebbard.

GLC02167.29

to Miss Johnston

He thinks Elliot has improved since joining the army and is now a man. Seymour Graves is going to have a comission in a negro regiment. He had dinner with some exchanged prisoners

GLC02167.32

to Miss Sue Johnston

There is a recruiting agent whose job it is buy colored troops to fill up their qouta. He talks about the difficulties of the draft and the reservations of the one-year men.

GLC02167.30

to Martha Weir

Writes that he has been sent to Clarkesville again in order to command the "Contraband Camp." Describes the work he has been doing to get the camp of "900 Men Women & Children" running smoothly, and the compliments he has received from his superiors...

GLC07006.08

to Martha Weir

Awaits the return of his wife and children to camp. The repair of the direct road to Nashville, Tennessee may make Brunt's camp into a supply station. The camp is connected by boat, train and road. Happily reports that he has gotten two black...

GLC07006.09

to Martha Weir

Writes of living at camp with her husband - "it is so much like Old kentuck." Mentions that it has been a long time since she has been home in Kentucky and asks after various friends. Describes the area around Fort Donelson as a scene of...

GLC07006.10

to Martha Weir

Olive writes to Martha for her husband, "but I cannot write to you as he would." Writes of how much she misses her home and friends in Kentucky, but enjoys her work at the Contraband Camp. She and one other woman mend the clothing of the entire...

GLC07006.11

to Martha Weir

Writes Martha about a pledge he has refused to sign - "the tobacco part is all I object to." Reasons that tobacco is necessary for soldiers. Stresses how busy and complicated camp life is. Mentions Robert, who is being discharged from the army...

GLC07006.12

to Martha and Robert Weir

Most of Brunt's letter to Martha is missing. Writes to Robert that "things look rather gloomy for us at preasant [sic] but Clouds & sunshine must alternately follow each other." Mentions that he has little time to read the news. Describes a test...

GLC07006.14

to David Dixon Porter

Couthouy, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant commanding the U.S.S. Chillicothe, expresses his mortification at seeing the U.S.S. Osage, a ship formerly under his command, listed as having failed to comply with General Order No. 31, which required monthly...

GLC07308

[Muster roll for Troop G, 10th Cavalry]

Signed by P. Ludwell Lee, Captain of Troop G, 10th Cavalry, as a witness. Lists the names of members of Troop G, including their dates of enlistment and discharge, if applicable. Covers the period from 30 April 1872-30 June 1872. Created at Rush...

GLC07333.01

[Muster roll, Company E, 24th Regiment]

Signed by Clous as Captain of Company E, 24th Regiment. Signed by H. F. Leggett, First Lieutenant of the 24th Infantry, as a witness. Signed by Major H. [Chairman?] as inspector and mustering officer of the 24th Infantry. Lists the names of...

GLC07333.02

[Muster Roll, Company G, 9th Cavalry]

Signed by Frank Mills, 2nd Lieutenant of Company G, 24th Infantry Regiment. Signed by E. D. [Diminick?], 1st Lieutenant of Company G, 9th Cavalry, as a witness. Includes the names and signatures (or mark) of soldiers in Company G. Muster roll for...

GLC07333.03

[Final statement and pay voucher for Abraham Hill, 10th Cavalry]

Signed by Norvell as Captain of the 10th Cavalry. Final statement of Abraham Hill, an African American private in Captain S. J. Norvell's company. States that Hill was enlisted 12 September 1867 in Wilmington, Delaware, to serve for five years....

GLC07334.01

Items related to the military service of Philip G. Gains, 9th Cavalry [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC07334.02

[Final statement of Philip G. Gains]

Signed by Moore as Captain of the 9th Cavalry. States that Gains, an African American Private in Company L of the 9th Cavalry, enlisted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1 November 1873, and is discharged by reason of special order no. 131. Reports...

GLC07334.02.01

[Pay voucher of Philip G. Gains]

States that Gains, an African American private in Company L, 9th Cavalry, received money from J. W. Nicholls, United States Paymaster. Signed by [Carrs?] as a witness. Contains an "x" signifying Gains' signature.

GLC07334.02.02

Items related to the military service of Martin Sterling, Company E, 24th Regiment [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC07334.03

[Final statement of Martin Sterling, 24th Infantry]

Signed by Clous as Captain of the 24th Infantry. States that Sterling, an African American Private in Company E, 24th Infantry Regiment, enlisted at Fort Griffin, Texas 15 January 1870, and is now discharged by reason of an expired term of service....

GLC07334.03.01

[Pay voucher of Martin Sterling]

Signed by Chaplain Schultz as a witness. Lists the amount of pay received by Private Sterling, an African American serving in Company E, 24th Infantry Regiment. States that pay was received from J. W. Nicholls, United States Paymaster. An "x"...

GLC07334.03.02

to his sister and family

Reports that one of the soldiers, [Zod] Howe, almost died from small pox and another man is thought to have come down with it. Remarks that the men in camp seem very nonchalant about the small pox outbreak. He writes that the hospital building and...

GLC07460.064

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Discusses an unspecified case with Hunt, and notes that Hunt is engaged in political service. Remarks "I wish you would solve that mystery of the Ku Klux. It is not all a dream. There must be some waking reality in it." Mentions General Ethan...

GLC02382.091

Battle of Bunker Hill

One engraving entitled, "Battle of Bunker Hill" circa 1861-1877. Depicts the death of General Joseph Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 18, 1775. In the center of the paiting General Joseph Warren collapses in the arms of a fellow American who...

GLC08878.0050

The Battle of Bunker Hill

One engraving entitled "The Battle of Bunker Hill," circa 1861-1877. Similar to John Trumbull's painting "Battle of Bunker Hill" but image is reversed. Depicts the death of General Joseph Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. In the...

GLC08878.0051

to James B. McPherson

Major General Hurlbut writes to Major General McPherson, commander of the Department of the Tennessee, about military strategy and organization. Counsels against consolidating "Memphis & Vicksburgh into the 'District of the Miss. River." Outlines...

GLC08901

to brother and sister

Glad to have received their letter. Is healthy; hopes this letter finds them in a similar condition. Has orders to head up the Mississippi River with 140 rounds worth of cartridges each. Thinks he is heading to battle. Is taking blankets and his...

GLC08914.020

[Report on the status of U. S. colored troops in the Department of the Cumberland]

Detailed account regarding recruitment, military efficiency, and attitude of whites toward colored troops in the Department of the Cumberland. Mussey has just suceeded Major George L. Stearns as "commisioner for organization U. S. Colored troops in...

GLC08951

[Carte-de-visite of a black soldier in the Civil War]

Photograph of a First Sergeant in the U. S. Colored Troops.

GLC08976

Resolutions endorsing the recent proclamation and order of the President on the subject of retaliation

Confederate act supporting Jefferson Davis' proclimation declaring Benjamin F. Butler and other Union officers as criminals deserving of death. Supports the President's order that Butler and his officers, as well as Brigadier General John McNeil...

GLC08979.03

A bill to be entitled an act to increase the efficiency of the army by the employment of free negroes and slaves in certain capacities

Confederate act stating "free negroes and slaves" shall be enlisted to work as teamsters for the Confederate army. "The efficiency of the army is greatly diminished by the withdrawal from the ranks of able-bodied soldiers to act as teamsters...

GLC08979.04

An act to ammend an act entitled "An act to increase the efficiency of the army by employing free negroes and slaves in certain capacities," approved February 17th, 1864.

Confederate act increases the pay of "free negroes...to eighteen dollars a month," doubles the number of black workers the Secretary of War can impress., and orders slaves should be impressed out of dire neccesity should be taken from larger...

GLC08979.06

Amendment to Senate bill (S. 129) to provide for the employment of free negroes and slaves to work upon fortifications, and so to perform other labor connected with the defenses of the country

Minor ammendments to a Confederate act concerning the use of slaves or free negroes during the Civil War.

GLC08979.07

A Bill to be entitled an act to increase the military force of the Confederate States

Confederate act allowing for the use of slaves as troops in the army. "In order to provide additional forces to repel invasion...the President be and he is authorized to ask for and accept from the owners of slaves the services of such number of...

GLC08979.08

Amendment to the Negro Soldier Bill

Confederate act ordering that "the General-in-Chief commanding the armies of the Confederate States be and he is hereby invested with the full and complete power to call into serveice of the Confederate States, to perform any duty which he may assign...

GLC08979.09

to Mary E. Townsend

Expresses strong dislike of the Emancipation Proclamation, and does not want to fight for blacks. A soldier from the One Hundred and Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, part of the Irish Brigade, writing to his sister. "You asked me how I like the...

GLC08989

[Letter of 7th Indiana soldier regarding the Crater Affair and Us Colored Troops casualties]

Fighting at Petersburg, destruction of an Confederate fort, discussion of black troops. "Saturday morning we blew up a rebel fort in front of Petersburg and immediately opened with mortars and artillery along our entire line, for a few hours the...

GLC08990

to Emily Carter

Writes to his wife, "My own Emily," about the first engagements of the Battle of Petersburg. Reports that he is two miles from Petersburg and that "The whole army is here and banging away at the rebs pell mell." Praises the African American...

GLC09008

to George F. Hoar

Begins by asking Hoar to support John D. Powell Jr. of Boston, an African American for a position in the Navy. States, "He is quite a remarkable man ... His energy and activity are unlimited. He knows no fear ...These with other good qualities are...

GLC09010

to John Letcher

Impressment of slaves for the Confederate War Effort. "I invite your attention to the enclosed communications from several members of Congress and of the Legislature, in reference to the propriety of exempting certain counties from my recent call...

GLC09096

Storming Fort Wagner

Charge of the 54 Mass Regiment July 18, 1863. Union Loss: Gen. Strong, Col. Shaw, Chatfield, Putnam, Gen. Seymour.

GLC09118.54

The Fort Pillow Massacre

April 12th, 1864. Union: Major Booth, Colored T.262 (Major Bradford)

GLC09118.55

to Estelle Spero

Discusses the wedding of a "negro" soldier, and muses over the range of social classes that he has encountered in the army.

GLC09120.008

to Estelle Spero

Describes the attitudes of the Southern soldiers towards "negroes". Also outlines his General Orders.Written at Edgewood Arsenal.

GLC09120.017

to Estelle Spero

Discusses the fact that his company is segregated, and details some of his Southern compatriots' attitudes towards the African-American soldiers.Written at Edgewood Arsenal.

GLC09120.019

to Estelle Spero

Informs Estelle that it will be impossible to know whether he will receive officer training until the three months of initial training have been completed, but warns her that it will be very competitive due to the high caliber of men assigned to the...

GLC09120.028

to Estelle Spero

Allays Estelle's fears regarding the use of mustard and lewisite gases in the war effort. Letter written while Sidney is on guard duty, and he mentions that an important feature of this job is keeping the white soldiers out of the "Negro" section....

GLC09120.038

to Estelle Spero

Describes an argument that he has had with Carter, a soldier from Tennessee, on the "negro question".

photocopy

GLC09120.052

to Estelle Spero

Letter written while on guard duty. Discusses the possibility of obtaining a night pass. Attempts to convince Stella that she is "political" with regard to the "negro question".

GLC09120.053

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that his is the only group left at the barracks, other than a group of African-American troops left to clear up vacated barracks. Mentions that he has become known as "nigger lover Diamond" by the Southern soldiers, and...

GLC09120.054

to Estelle Spero

Letter written while on guard duty. Diamond describes a formal dance to mark the opening of the camp's new recreation hall that he had attended the night before. He also runs through the couple's financial situation, having been paid that morning....

GLC09120.055