1782-1789

Lawrence, John, 1719-1802

Printed document signed

Title: [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 when interest was paid.

GLC09294

1782-1789

Lawrence, John, 1719-1802

Printed document signed

Title: [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 docketed every year to 1789 when interest was paid.

GLC09295

21 November 1863

Thomas, Lorenzo, 1804-1875

Document signed

Title: 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

1867-1869

Thompson, Samuel K., fl. 1867-1869

Diary

Title: [Diary of Samuel K. Thompson]

Officer diary of a Civil War veteran who had served as lieutenant in the 54th U.S. Colored Infantry during the war. The three diaries were written during service in one of four "buffalo soldier" regiments created after the war, comprising African-American volunteers and white commissioned officers, to occupy the South during Reconstruction and to man frontier forts on the Plains. Each diary includes additional notes and small newspaper clippings and a copy of his will (written April 1867). They provide great insight into the early history of one of the most celebrated "colored" regiments of…

GLC09357

1 June 1782-1789

Lawrence, John, 1719-1802

Printed document signed

Title: [Pay warrant for African American soldier]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War pay warrant issued to African American soldier Nero Cross, for five pounds, eight shillings, and five pence. Signed by John Lawrence, treasurer of the State, "X" on verso by Cross, and docketed every year to 1789 when interest was paid.

GLC09364

4 November 1863

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 a fence will be left, nor hardly a building will be left to mark the spot..." Continues, empathizing with th Confederates--"I cannot blame them Rebels for holding out and fighting to the last extremity when I see such destruction taking place and I can imagine how I shall feel if my home should be stripped of everything." Describes the guerrilla…

GLC02165.15

22 May 1864

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 happy man I should be if I was permitted to live, to get out of this service, to know and feel that I am free, that I need not go to a place without I felt like it. But I am glad that I can say and feel that... I am in the hands of a just God that doeth all things well, we[re] it not for this faith I should feel miserable enough. Pray for me my dear…

GLC02165.17

circa 3 March 1783

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Certificate of service for African American soldier Primas Hubbell]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War African American soldier Primas Hubbell. Certification of service signed by three Kent, CT selectmen; with order for delivery of pay to Joseph Pratt, signed with "X" by Hubbell; and with attestation of above via Hubbel's appearance before Justice of the Peace Jedidiah Hubbel.

GLC09365.01

29 May 1783

Printed document signed

Title: [Receipt of payment]

Receipt of payment of eleven pounds, three shillings, and fourteen pence to Primas Hubbell, signed by selectman Joseph Pratt.

GLC09365.02

9 January 1784

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Certificate of enlistment and discharge for Samson Cuff]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War African American soldier Samson Cuff. Certification of enlistment and discharge signed by four Windsor, CT selectmen. To the Committee of Paytable.

GLC09366.01

January 17, 1784

Manuscript document signed

Title: [pay request for Samson Cuff]

Pay request, signed "X" by Samson Cuff, and signed by Justice of the Peace Henry Allyn.

GLC09366.02

January 22, 1784

Phelps, Jesse, fl. 1784

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Receipt of payment]

Receipt of payment of eighteen pounds and ten shillings to Samson Cuff, signed by Jesse Phelps.

GLC09366.03

February 21, 1865

Owen, John, fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James

Captain of 36th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops, mentions the locations of fellow Harvard alums, including "[Robert Todd] Lincoln in the army," and the health of those released from POW camps. He announces the news that "at this moment [received from] the Orderly…'By telegraph…a despatch from Admiral Dahlgren that Charleston is evacuated & that he is running up to take possession - you will fire a…salute…for the Capture of Charleston & Columbia, U.S. Grant.…' Hurra for Dahlgren & Sherman - The fall of Ch. & Columbia ­ Yea! verily the end approaches & one last fight more…

GLC09371

April 25, 1866

Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894

Typed letter

Title: to James S. Brisbin

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Major General Burbridge wishes to aid Brisbin in preserving his reputation following recent slander. Recounts Brisbin's meritorious service as Burbridge's Chief of Staff and as "Superintendent of Organization of Colored Troops of Kentucky, at a time when it was especially unpopular there to enlist colored men or induce any other troops for the Union service." Refers to Brisbin's successful recruitment of 25,000 African American soldiers. Praises Brisbin's courage and excellent judgment in the…

GLC01504.02.13

February 23, 1865

Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894

Typed letter

Title: to the Adjutant General

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Excerpt from a letter from General Burbridge, who praises Brevet Brigadier General James S. Brisbin's recruitment of African American troops in Kentucky and his service as Burbridge's Chief of Staff. Recommends Brisbin's promotion to the rank of full Brigadier General. Letter written from Headquarters, Department of Kentucky. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.02

June 25, 1865

Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Typed letter

Title: to Edward Davis Townsend

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Meade recommends the promotion of Captain Brisbin in the regular army based upon distinguished service with his Regiment in the Army of the Potomac. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.04

June 29, 1865

Pleasonton, Alfred J., 1824-1897

Typed letter

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Pleasanton recommends to Stanton, Secretary of War, that General Brisbin be retained at his current post based on his meritorious service in the campaigns of Antietam and Gettysburg. Adds that he has recently been "actively employed in organizing colored troops in Kentucky" and will therefore "prove a very useful officer to be retained in this branch of the service." These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.05

January 25, 1866

Howe, Charles E., fl. 1866

Typed letter

Title: to James S. Brisbin

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. The Officers of the 4th United States Colored Heavy Artillery have invited Brisbin to serve as Colonel of that regiment. Assistant Adjutant General Howe reports that he has forwarded the invitation to the Adjutant General of the Army along with the Commanding General's recommendation. Letter written from Headquarters, Department of Arkansas. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.06

January 25, 1866

Howe, Charles E., fl. 1866

Typed letter

Title: to James S. Brisbin

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. The Officers of the 4th United States Colored Heavy Artillery have invited Brisbin to serve as Colonel of that regiment. Assistant Adjutant General Howe reports that he has forwarded the invitation to the Adjutant General of the Army along with the Commanding General's recommendation. Letter written from Headquarters, Department of Arkansas. Identical to GLC01504.02.06. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.07

August 20, 1866

Hooker, Joseph, 1814-1879

Typed letter

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Major General Hooker recommends Colonel Brisbin "for the Colonelcy of one of the new colored regiments" to Stanton, Secretary of War. Praises Brisbin's service in the Civil War: "He served under me and has been one of the successful Generals of the War." These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.14

December 22, 1867

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892

Typed letter

Title: to Ulysses S. Grant

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Captain James S. Brisbin informs General Grant, Secretary of War and Interior, that he has "not received the Brevets in the Regular Army generally conferred on regular officers, who held like rank in Volunteers during the late War." Recounts a list of the Generals he served under, engagements he participated in, and regiments he led. Stresses that he organized many colored regiments at a time when soldiers were desperately needed. States "a bill has been offered in Congress, which, if passed,…

GLC01504.02.15

January 12, 1868

Hatch, Edward, 1832-1889

Typed letter

Title: to James S. Brisbin

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Hatch states that he was informed of Brisbin's promotion following the death of Major Thompson, 4th Cavalry. Expresses regret at losing Brisbin's services, and instructs Brisbin to remain as a recruiter at Lexington, Kentucky until Hatch can send Brisbin's replacement. States "those [soldiers] sent us from Kentucky are far superior to recruits obtained in other States." These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.16

January 13, 1868

Hatch, Edward, 1832-1889

Typed letter

Title: to James S. Brisbin

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Hatch personally expresses his regret in losing General Brisbin as a recruiting officer in Lexington, Kentucky. Writes, "I think the Regiment is indebted to you more than any Officer." These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.17

19 August 1864

Johnston, Witter H., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

31 August 1864

Johnston, Witter H., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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