1. Who are you? (Name, Age)
2. Where are you? (Location in USA)
3. What is the date?(a specific date as well as one contemporary event from the periods to give your narrative historical context)
4. In your experience, does our democratic government establish equality among Americans? (Explain your answer)
5.What are the challenges to equality that you or those around you experience? How are those challenges overcome?
My name is Robert Gould Shaw and I write this with haste before my regiment, assaults Fort Wagner, on Morris Island. We are stationed at the southern end of Morris Island now, but it will not be that long of a march before we face our enemy. I’ve only lived 25 years, but I can’t help but think about my life so far. I was born on Oct. 10th 1837 in Boston. My parents, Francis Gould, and Sarah Shaw, were major abolitionists. I really got interested in politics when Abraham Lincoln was running for president and when it was time to vote, cast my very first and so far the only ballot in his name. On April 12th, 1860, Fort Sumter was fired on by Southerners who seceded. This prompted me to join the fight, as I either wanted the southern states recognized as a new country, or joined back by force. I then joined the 7th New York Regiment. Our first order was to march to the capitol and defend against the Confederates. I was a private, then and my regiment was one of the first to get there. I actually got to meet with Abe Lincoln and it was very inspiring. I decided then to apply for a permanent position in the army. I got a second lieutenant’s commission in the 2nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. One of our duties was to capture runaway slaves and return them to their masters. I did not like this one bit, but I felt obligated to do the policy of my government. I have often felt that our government, though democratic, does not establish equality among all Americans. Blacks were forced into slavery because of their skin color. This meant nothing as I later discovered for myself when on January 30, 1863, Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts offered me the position of leading the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as well as the rank of Colonel. This unit was made up of all black people even from as far away as the Caribbean. I found these men to be great soldiers and they proved themselves many times so far. When I first took control of the 54th, I noticed that the black soldiers were paid less than the white ones. I didn’t like this at all, and neither did the rest of the 54th, so to overcome this challenge to their equality we boycotted payment. On June 10th I further saw examples of my men’s character and righteousness. My commander, Colonel James Montgomery, planned to raid a town in Georgia called Darien. I was horrified to find out that his plans extended to loot and burn the town to the ground. I stood there and watched as Montgomery burned the town. I knew that my men would never willingly take part in this, and I was dismayed to see that one of my companies was ordered out to help with the burning. When we got back to camp, I was determined to find out who ordered the raid. I wrote to Governor Andrew asking if Montgomery acted of his own accord. He did not and was ordered to burn the town by General Hunter, who was replaced by General Quincy A. Gilmore, much to my own enjoyment. I was proud of my men for not willingly destroying a town that didn’t need to be destroyed. I’ve received orders just now that we are to march on Fort Wagner and take it by hand to hand combat and by bayonet. As I get ready to march with my comrades, I can say only one thing; Forward 54th, Forward!
I was born without freedom in a place close to Missouri. I was just a slave, my father, was on the other hand was free meanwhile me and my mother Martha Williams worked and worked. Our owner William Johnson was a wealthy farmer. When I was still young our owner decided to move to Missouri where I worked at home. Our owner died sometime before the civil war. Around the same time as his death the civil war broke out and I was freed by Union soldiers.
I then decided to work for the army as a servant first I worked for Colonel William P. Benton of the 13 army corpse even though I had no knowledge of cooking, and yet they insisted that I’d cook. It wasn’t as bad as I thought though. The others helped me learn to cook. Eventually I was cooking high class meals. Then I worked for General Sheridan and his staff and was eventually recruited by Washington as a cook. And laundress I learned a lot from that time, and during it I traveled to many places including the Shenandoah Valley raids in Virginia. After leaving Virginia I traveled to Iowa and then on to St. Louise.
After the war I decided that I wanted to be financially independent so I joined the army, also I wanted to see a cousin and a special friend. So in November 1866, in the thirty eighth US infantry company A. I enlisted as William Cathay and disguised myself as a man since women were not yet allowed to join the army. Only my friend and cousin however knew about my real identity. Luckily medical examinations were not needed. Our company arrived at Fort Cummings in New Mexico October 1, 1867. There was some subordination during this time I, however was not involved, and kept moving forward. At the fort we protected miners traveling merchant and immigrants from Apache Indians. However I grew ill and when I went for a medical examination my secret had been found out. I was discharged from the army. I decided not to dwell in the past and move forward. I spent the rest of my days as a laundress. I later asked for a pension because of the illnesses I suffered during the army including deafness but not only did they not believe me but because of my discharge I got nothing out of it all. because I was a woman I couldn’t be in the army.
Works Cited for Cathay Williams Davis, Stanford L. “An Analysis of Cathay Williams’ Medical Condition and Efforts.” Cathay Williams, Female Buffalo Soldier with Documents. 2002. 9 Feb. 2009 http://buffalosoldier.net. Kent, Cathy. “Williams, Cathay.” African-American History Online. Facts On File. 9 Feb. 2009 http://www.2facts.com/. McElrath, Jessica. “Cathay Williams: Female Buffalo Soldier.” About.com African American History. 9 Feb. 2009 http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/buffalosoldiers/p/cathaywilliams.htm.
Cathay Williams Virginia in 1866 I have been many places in the country because of my jobs which have been serving soldiers, serving the generals and his staff, being a cook, and a laundress. I’ve had many experiences dealing with my gender and race, but I don’t believe that should stop me from doing something I would like to achieve. As I subside in Virginia as a twenty-two year old African American woman, I realize that being independent is something I strive to do. In 1866 a year after the Civil war I began preparing myself for this life changing experience that would also disguise me as a man so I could be enlisted into the 38th U.S. Infantry. This army group, which was newly formed, segregated African American regiment led by white officers. Although before just acting like a man and putting myself into this, I needed to dress like a man. I needed help though, so I had to tell two people who I trusted more than anyone else in the world. These people were my cousin and a close friend, I knew they would help me because they believed in me and we both wanted to show that I was just as equal as any other man in the army. Preparing me to look like a man was a difficult task, but during this rough patch I hummed the songs to myself reminding me of all the wonderful achievements all of us African Americans have made and the songs we wrote about them. Some of the songs that I sang in my head most of the times are about soldiers coming back from war, an African American of course and that song gave me hope about going into the army. As I worked hard with my cousin and friend coming up with an outfit for me we bought all the pieces of clothing for people, men of course that I would need to dress the part. We walked all over town to go with the money that I had saved up that I found or from little jobs that would pay some money. From all of the houses in my neighborhood to a little bit outside of that we rummaged through clothing from many people and found a few good outfits that will make my presence as a man going into the army and accomplished one. I am also six feet so height was not the issue. As I spent weeks acting and dressing like a man I thought to myself that I was going to be able to pull this off because I wasn’t the only woman who had disguised them self as a man , but I was the first African American woman to disguise myself. On November 15, 1866 I marched myself into the U.S army field office and signed myself up for the 38th Infantry under the name of Williams Cathay. I had to switch around my name because otherwise they would be suspicious about my gender and they already were not pleased with my race so I felt obligated to change my name for safety reasons. As they accepted me into the army I felt that I had accomplished my life goal. Nobody of my race and gender had ever done this and to know for me that it worked was a breath of fresh air. Being in the army was not at all what I expected it to be. This was a hard adventure to be on, definitely not a relaxing one. We had training at the crack of dawn until sundown and even as a woman in her twenties I didn’t always have the energy it took to be as strong as they wanted me to be. We had weight lifting and running and all these strong men around me. I started to worry that maybe this was too much, but I was still glad that I put myself through this.
To be continued on another post.... By: Maddie K. per.1
Even though it was torture at times I lasted a few years with these men and was able to prove that women, African American women, can do just as much as men could and that we were equal. I know this because during my training nobody had any sense that I was different, I was treated just like everyone else and I’ve never had that treatment before. While I worked hard serving for the army I sang spiritual songs about my people that lifted my spirits and reminded me that I was doing this for all the people out there that wasn’t able to fulfill my position. They were harsh and rougher than woman, but they are more respected and now I know that we women are treated unfairly and that women can do just as much as men can. Although after a few years of being enlisted in the army I became ill. After many weeks of being ill and no doctors knowing what was wrong with me I was diagnosed with a sickness called neuralgia, this was a name given to any acute pain thought to do with the nervous system. As I finished off my days in the army, still ill, I walked away having the joy that I Cathay Williams, also known as Williams Cathay to the soldiers, was never found to be a woman and happily participated in the army.
By: Maddie K per.1
Works Cited Kirkpatrick, Linda. “Cathay Williams’ History.” The Cathay Williams Regiment. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. . Lloyd, Ruth, and Norman Lloyd. The american heritage songbook. N.p.: n.p., 1969. Print. Searles, Michael N. African American Registry. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . Time-life books, and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. African American Voices of Triumph. N.p.: Tine-Life custom publishing, n.d. Print. Tyson, Mike, and Doris Zollar. “Cathay Williams.” African Americans Biographies. 2006. Print.
July 17 1863- My name is Robert Gould Shaw the commander of the 54th regiment. We are a regiment of all black soldiers. I am 25 years old and the son of abolitionists. I wasn’t always supportive of the union at first but when Lincoln ran for president I decided to switch sides. I joined the army in May of 1861 and haven’t left since. We are mounting an attack on Fort Wagner tomorrow and I know that we will succeed.
I was born into an abolitionist family but I never fully agreed with this until Lincoln ran for president. When I joined the army the put me in the 2d Massachusetts Regiment. Our job was to capture slaves that were escaping from the south and bring them back to their masters. I disliked this very much but it was government policy and I knew that I had to do it.
I have always felt that the idea of slavery had been a bad one. They were enslaved and it was only for their skin color. It was unconstitutional and I really learned about what happened When Gov. John Andrew asked me to command the Massachusetts 54th regiment. I was a bit hesitant but I decided to do it. I know now that this was both a noble and horrific chose. We were sent to St. Simons island were we gained a new leader, Col. James Montgomery. I remember one day in Darien, Georgia. Montgomery wanted us to loot and burn the town. I was disgusted that they would want us to this so I watched as this happened. But I knew I had caused in impact rather than just watched. Later I had found out the blacks were being paid less money than white soldiers and me and my regiment boycotted. We later got our demands on the raise.
If I die tomorrow with my regiment I will know that I fought for a great cause. Also I had helped further the fight against slavery. -Jack.M Pd2
Sean Pd 2 My name is William C. Benson. I don’t exactly know how old I am. All I really know is that my home town is Gibson County, Princeton. I joined the 120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co in 1863. The date is March 1, 1865. My location is Tennessee. We were just involved in combat. Nobody was killed; we just have a few injured men. I know for a fact that we did not kill all of our enemies. All I know is that we scared them off, for the moment. I don’t know how much time we have to recover.
The date is March 8, 1865. We have not been in any combat for almost a week. I was just informed that a week ago President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which freed three and a half million slaves around America. I was also informed that the Federal Army has over 200,000 men. Their population is increasing fast. Ours is increasing too, but at a much slower pace.
The date is March 10, 1865. My location, a hospital somewhere in Georgia. We were just involved in violent combat. I was injured very badly and hospitalized. My time off has allowed me to do some research. I realized that I was unaware when I joined the army that, it was because of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, that I was able to join the army. Also not just me but over 180,000 African Americans had also joined the fight.
The date is March 14, 1865. I just visited the White House and was reassigned to go and fight in North Carolina. I was just informed that we are going to set up a defensive position in an hour. All of the other guys and I have a very low chance of surviving, so this will probably be my last journal entry.
http://www.indiana.edu/~imaghist/online_content/vcsfrmpst/voices_cvlwr/benson.html William C. Benson, "Civil War Diary of William C. Benson," Indiana Magazine of History 23, no. 3 (September 1927): 333-364. http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/timeline/civilwar/aasoldrs/soldiers.html The Library of Congress. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861 to 1867. African American Soldiers during the Civil War. Last updated 09/26/2002 http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/timeline/civilwar/aasoldars/nsoldiers.html The Library of Congress. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861 to 1867. African American Soldiers during the Civil War. Last updated 09/26/2002
Dear Journal, Tomorrow I will become a free person, a person with the world in their hand, (well...not exactly in my hand but in my mind). I have to write fast, my tent is not secure and I want to get some sleep before my tent blows away. I hung my old dishrags from my old job as a cook over the brittle sticks I found in this dry, grassland. The long pieces of grass are poking at my flesh, with bugs biting me. I’ve grown to get used to what life throws at me. Especially when I was a house servant to that greedy man that “owned” me. Okay, I’m wasting time... I’ll get to the point. In order for me to be free, I have to join the army. I’ve seen battles before for which I was the cook for soldiers. I know how to fight; I’ve been fighting my whole life-to keep my life. No doctor visits are necessary to join the army; therefore know one will know I’m not a boy. Only boys are aloud to serve in the army. Those men become free when they join. I crept into a soldier’s stuff before I escaped my cooking job. I took a shirt and pants. I will wear them tomorrow then I will look like a boy. I pray every night for my plan to work, hopefully it will. I’m sick of being treated like dirt, walked all over and seen as a nobody. When the soldiers took their meals, they would make rude comments that still stab my heart. They would make sure their plates were dirty, so I would have more dishes to clean. They would break plates and tell the chief I did it. The beat marks of the whip still sting every time I move. I got an extra beating when “I” would break a plate because they said I was a girl and girls should know how cook properly. And cooking properly also meant taking care of the dishes. I don’t have to think about those scary times anymore, I’ll fight for the people of our country-not just for my life-for every ones. I’ll be a man...I’ll be free. My papa once told me, “The only way to be free... is for all those around you to be equal.” I never got what he meant; I just recited it every night to myself when I was a young girl. He was a free man; my mom on the other hand was not. That meant I had to live with my mom and fight for my freedom. That was the last time I saw him. His eyes twinkled as he held my hand. The shouts of the people surrounded me, yet they did not get to me. I was off in another world when his hand held mine. A few seconds went by and his, and mine slowly... drifted apart. I was chained to a long chain that stretched for miles, while a man pulled us along. I ended up on a plantation and was released of the chain. When that chain was released another came. It wasn’t like the other chain; this was tied around my heart. I cared for no one but myself, for I didn’t want my heart to get broken again. Well here I am now pouring out my feelings in this journal when I should really be getting prepared for joining the army tomorrow. I’ve never had someone to talk to. This journal is my best friend because it will listen to me and no matter what I say, I won’t get hurt. Kelly M. prd 4-To be continued
Kelly M. prd4 Continued... I finally understand my papa’s quote after all these years. In the army tomorrow, I won’t be fighting for my life and others to be saved... but equality. But for all us people of the nation to be equal. No matter what color skin we have, no matter what we like, no matter what gender we are, we will all be treated the same. When there is equality we all will be free because the only thing that is keeping us from being free is the lack of equality. If we were all equal, I wouldn’t have to dress up as a man tomorrow to fight in the army. I could be myself, a woman. If we were all equal, I wouldn’t have had to work all those long hours and get beaten. All us people would work fairly. To be equal we have to establish justice. Justice is being fair and fair means equal. If our nation had justice (or in other words, equality) we wouldn’t be facing all these challenges we have today. A way we could stop being unfair and establish justice is by not judging people on what they look like or what gender they are. By doing that, and working together, our country can be fair and unified as one big equal country. We can also have an open mind and except things that are different to us. Like when I was a cook, instead of when the soldiers saw a blob of much on their plate and then refuse to eat it, they could try it first and if they do like it-eat it and if they don’t-don’t eat it. I guess what I’m trying to ultimately get to is that in order to create equality we, as a country, must work together to be equal. Well I better get to bed; I need a lot of rest before tomorrow. Thank you journal for being my first friend and now I would like to pray something different tonight. I pray that I meet many other friends all different than each other and we can all hang out peacefully. Love, Cathay Williams (or as of tomorrow: William Cathay)
Works Cited
Armstrong, Jennifer. Photo By Brady, a picture of the Civil War. New York: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, 2005. Print. “Cathay Williams, Female Buffalo Soldier.” Buffalo Soldiers-lawtonfortsills. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. . Davis, Stanford L. “Female Buffalo Soldier-With Documents.” Buffalo Soldier. www.buffalosoldier.net, 2002. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . Facts on File. “Williams,Cathay.” Facts on File . Facts on File, 2010. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . Nelson, Christopher. Mapping the Civil War. Japan: Starwood Publishing Inc., 1992. Print.
February 2nd, 1963 My name is Robert Gould Shaw, and I would like to write down something that happened to me today. Today I was offered the command of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment. My Father traveled from Massachusetts to Virginia, where I am now; to give me the letter they sent to him. I have always wanted to help free the African Americans and this is a big opportunity for me to be able to. I was raised very nicely. My parents are Francis and Sara Shaw. They always were an anti slavery family so I was brought up to be just like them. Today, when I got the letter telling me this, my family was so proud. At first I wasn’t sure if I should accept the offer however my family persuaded me to accept. My Mom said, “God rewards a hundred-fold every good aspiration of his children, and this is my reward for asking for my children not earthly honors, but souls to see the right and courage to follow it. Now I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.” This is what really persuaded me because my Mother was very proud of me for being accepted. I am going to start training on February 15th at Camp Meigs. I believe that this will be a great beginning and great introduction into the regiment life. I am expecting the men to be very strong and very experienced. Also I am engaged to my wonderful fiancé Annie Haggerty and we are expecting to get married on May 2nd of this year. She is wonderful and I am hoping to be with her for my whole life, until I die. Although I am white and the soldiers are black, I believe that there should be no difference in strength or ability. We met at a pre civil war opera and I knew that I loved her. In my mind before I accepted, I was thinking that it was very dangerous and I would never want to die and leave my wonderful fiancé a lone. I believe that my decision was risky however I need to fight for the rights of others before myself. My family is very proud of me for accepting and I know that through out the whole experience they will help me through it. My families dream was for me to grow up and become who I am today, so they feel like their job has been completed successfully. From my friends, I heard that the black soldiers were not getting paid as much as the white soldiers and this really upset me. I feel like this is going against establishing justice because they aren’t being treated as fairly as the other white soldiers. Once I get there I will make that change.
Works Cited Hickman, Kennedy. “Civil War: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.” about.com. New York Times, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Marciano, Michele Peretta. “Find A Grave.” findagrave.com. Michele Peretta Marciano, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Sifakis, Stewart. Who Was Who in the Civil War. New York: Facts On File, 1988. Print. - - -. “Who Was Who in the Civil War.” civilwarhome.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Wikipedia. “Robert Gould Shaw.” wikipedia.com. Wikipedia, 25 Mar. 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Today was my fifteenth birthday. Truth be told, I’m somewhat surprised I even remembered. The sweltering South Carolina heat and abundance of bruised and broken bodies has slingshot my nursing duties to first in line on my list of priorities. I was conducted into the 1st South Carolina Volunteers in January along with many others, myself being the youngest, and since then my involvement in warfare has increased far past the amount I could have ever imagined. It’s been seven months. I think I’m a little young to have seen this much death. With Susie Taylor etched in embroidery on the front pocket of my uniform, I’ve been spending my days as a laundress, a cook, a nurse, a teacher…educating soldiers twice my age as they return to camp physically scarred and mentally battered from the aftermath of this uncivilized war. Ever since after the battle of Chancellorsville not but three months prior to today, the other South Carolina volunteers and I were swarmed with wounded men and women. Sometimes, they’re not so lucky. In this land of the free, we are tortured, burned, and our rights to a fair trial confiscated by this biased government in rule. We are killed for nonexistent crimes and wrongdoings conjured within the minds of racist white Man, while living under the false claims of this “one nation, indivisible.” I have witnessed unfathomable cruelties, lynchings, murder on the battlefield, and horrifying images that I will not be able to rid my conscious of until the day I die. I have been fortunate to obtain the right to an education as a child, to escape the gruesome bounds to enslavement that my brothers and sisters, less so by blood than by bond between similar suffrages, are forced to toil through. Freedom from Caucasian ownership is a lifestyle many gain. I am certain that I possess the envy of many.
Web Site "Susie King Taylor." Nurses for Nurses Everywhere. Swingshift Nurses, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Book African Americans in the Military, A to Z of African Americans. Facts on File. Facts on File, 2004. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
Web Site "Susie King Taylor: African American Army Woman." Civil War Home. N.p., 28 Apr. 2005. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Web Site "Susie King Taylor: A Glimpse Into the Life of a CivilWar Contemporary." Susie King Taylor. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Book Taylor, Susie King. Reminisces of My Life in Camp. New York: Arno Press, 1968. Print.
It’s July 1, 1863. It is the first day of the battle of Gettysburg. As I lay on the cold, hard ground I look at a picture of my beloved children. Blood is gushing out of my left leg and sweet is dripping down my face. As I see an enemy approach me with a rifle in his hand, I know my time has come. I think about what is going to happen my children. I took one last glimpse of my children and peacefully laid back waiting, waiting, waiting….. I am sad of my father’s death. My two brothers and I got put on this immigrant train not knowing where we are going to go. Kids have been let off every couple of minuets to farm owners. I am afraid of me and my brothers being split up. My mother runs an orphanage; I just want to be with her. Where am I going? Kids have been getting dropped off and sold to these farmers for money and so they can work for the farmers. I may be young but one thing I know is that in the declaration of independence it says that everybody is to be treated equal and no one should be sold to slavery. The government should be protecting these rights and “establish justice” for all people. In the constitution it also states that. They tried to drop me off at a farmer to do slave work; I violently refused and stayed back. They couldn’t take me anymore so they let me stay. I huddled in a corner with my brothers to keep warm and I’m getting really hungry. I just want to go home. I miss my daddy.
Alice and private Amos Humiston "Battle of Gettysburg." The History Place 1996: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Bryant, Mary. "The Story of Amos Humiston." Painted hils genealogy society 10 Apr. 2000: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Murphy, Jim. Across America on a Emigrant Train1. New York: Clarion Brooks, 1993. Print. Murphy, Jim. Across America on a Emigrant Train1. New York: Clarion Brooks, 1993. Print. Wills, Garry. The Gettysburg Address. Boston: Houghton mifflin company, 1995. Print.
Brendan Period 2 April 15th 1861, Camp Cameron Washing D.C. 7th Regiment New York State Militia Robert Gould Shaw
I write with much haste, for the confederates might be assaulting the capitol at any moment. Right now a good 75, 000 of us are stationed at Camp Cameron defending the Capitol of these United States, Washington D.C. I am 23 years old today, and I am already homesick. In Boston on Oct 10, 1837 I was born by Francis George and Sarah Blake Sturgis Shaw. I was accompanied through my childhood by my four sisters- Anna, Josephine, Susannah and Ellen. My parents sent me to private school after we moved for a more “wholesome, simple life”-and I hated it. After my interest in politics peaked and I voted for President Lincoln during his presidential campaign, I decided to leave the school and serve in the 7th Regiment New York State Militia to proudly defend him in the capitol. I can’t find another reason to be in this war. Racism is as bad in this country as any other even though they promote freedom-even in the armed forces. Checking the recruitment roster, I noticed that whites are paid more than blacks. They also get to harass us with derogatory sayings once we join our units. Just yesterday I heard two from some higher ranked soldiers. They firmly told my fellow recruits, “a Negro soldier is a Negro first, and then a soldier” and "No Negro or Mulatto will be received as a recruit of the Army." Hopefully President Lincoln will fix this after the country reunites. Many of us would like to be will our families again during that time. Most of us have never been so far away from our families, and even though I went to my private school I still kept in touch. Still, knowing that I might be stationed here for weeks trying to stay sharp for any moment’s notice still scares me a little. Like other recruits, I write constantly in my free time. I might write my parents a letter if the confederates don’t attack soon. Or maybe have a domino or chess game, maybe even a horseback race. There is not much to do after our battle techniques and drills. After that it’s just waiting and games, sometimes even gambling if we are that daring. I guess it’s better than fighting constantly. I have seen the surgeon’s medical supplies and have had glimpsed at some of the operations. It’s grim; dull cutting tools for amputation, complete disregard for cleanliness-the list get just gets worse. Then again, I hope we can get the fighting done and fall back before winter. I don’t think my canvas tent or rugged uniform can truly keep the bitter winds out, and the condition of the food gets worse over time. I’m going to stop writing now. Looks like that horseback race I’m hoping for is about to start.
Work Cited
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/june2003.htm Dhalle, Kathy “A BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT GOULD SHAW,” june2003
Reef, Catherine. "African Americans in the military." African Americans in the Military, A to Z of African Americans. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2004. African-American History Online. Facts On File, http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE01&NewItemID=True
Dear Press, Our son Robert Gould Shaw was a Boston Abolitionist, that was born on October 10, 1837. He went to St. John’s College Roman Catholic school for five years, then to Europe to finish his studies abroad. When he returned home in 1855, he enrolled at Harvard the following year. After three years of Robert going to Harvard, Robert withdrew from Harvard so he could take his Uncle Henry’s position. Robert found a passion for politics while in New York. After Lincoln’s election, Robert joined the seventh New York Regiment. May of 1861 Robert joined the Second Massachusetts Infantry as first Lieutenant to provide for the common defense. During about two years of service, in which he rose the rank of captain. At the Battle of Antietam Robert saw some of his closest comrades die in battle, in which he got wounded himself. On February 2, 1863 my husband received a letter from John A. Andrew offering Robert to command the first black regiment. Francis traveled to Virginia just to offer Robert the job, he was ultimately persuaded by his family to accept. On June 30th, Robert figured out that the whites were getting paid more then the black soldiers, Robert told his men to boycott their pay until their pay was as much as the whites. Robert complained about the darian raid to establish justice by trying to make sure his soldiers got paid the same as the whites. Robert led two brigades of white troops, in an assault on Confederate Battery Wagner. Marching over open beach, the 54th came under heavy fire from the Confederate fires. As Robert stood up and waved his men forward he was shot in the heart and killed. The Confederates were mad because of him using black soldiers. This ended up as them stripping him and burying him with his fellow black comrades. We Robert Gould Shaw’s parents are proud of him believing that blacks should be in the military . Also, we were the ones who told the Confederates that Robert would have wanted to be buried with his men. Finally, we believe that Robert was an important leader to those who died serving under his command. We hope Robert Gould Shaw rests in piece with his men. Sincerely,
Francis George Shaw and Sarah Blake Sturgis Shaw
Works Cited DeFord, Deborah. African Americans during the Civil War. New York: Chelsea , 2006. N. pag. Print. Hickman, Kennedy. “Civil War: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.” about.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. . “Robert Gould Shaw.” United States Civil War. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. . “Shaw.” National Gallery of Art. United States of America, 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. . Sifakis, Stewart. “Civil War Biographies.” Shotgun’s Home of the Civil War. N.p., 2 Sept. 2008. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
I have just been offered the job as the Commander of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment, Colored, by Governor John Andrew. I am not quite sure if I am equal to the responsibility of such an amazing position. I guess for my age of twenty- five it is a large accomplishment. Since this first black regiment to be recruited in the north and I was picked to lead it, I’m sure the Governor has faith that I can handle it. But it really is not a big surprise for an only child; I mean I received most of the attention growing up. And not many people get the opportunity to attend Harvard University even though I did withdraw before receiving my degree. My parents and my fiancée, Annie Haggerty are very proud of what I have accomplished. My mom said, “God rewards a hundred-fold every good aspiration of his children, and this is my reward for asking for my children not earthly honors, but souls to see the right and courage to follow it. Now I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.” When my mom said that to me I knew I had to take this opportunity to free the African Americans and follow my father’s lead; work for the good of the people. I am leaving on the 7th of May to travel north. On May 11th I will arrive at Camp Andrew in West Roxbury for training. When training is finished my regiment and I will head to Simons Island, Georgia by water on May 28th. Then we will be put under command of Col. James Montgomery, who I hear has brutal hatred for the enemy. Then on July 18th we head to Fort Wagner, which is near Charlestown, South Carolina and from what I hear it is supposed to be the most brutal battle. From there, whoever survives will go to Olustee, Florida; Honey Hill and Boykin’s Mill, South Carolina to fight. I am trying to help the African Americans gain freedoms and make it possible for them to fight alongside with the white. But recently I found out that while I will be earning thirteen dollars a month all of the blacks who will working just as hard will be paid only ten dollars a month. What I have also heard is that many people look at this opportunity for the blacks as a test of their strength. What makes people think that they are not as capable or strong as white are? Look at all of the blacks that worked every day of every year without a break as slaves when the whites just bossed them around. I am not trying to put down my own race, only trying to change them. Even though I am worried that I am not the best person for the job, I know that this is a giant step forward for the African Americans.
Works Cited Dhalle, Kathy. “A Biography of Robert Gould Shaw.” Bits of Blue and Gray. N.p., June 1997. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. . “The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry.” US Civil War. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “History of the 54th.” 54th Massachusetts. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Saint-Gaudens’ Memorial to Shaw and the Fifty-fourth.” NGA. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Shaw, Robert Gould.” Facts on History. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
My name is Russ and I was in the Civil War as a black soldier. It was brutal because they (as in the white soldiers) especially treated blacks with no respect. I was part of the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment. I was one of the first black soldiers in the United States of America. Although Robert Gould Shaw died in battle, he will go down in history. Robert was born on October 10th, 1837. He was the only son of Francis Gould and Sarah Sturgis Shaw. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was lucky and was born into a wealthy family. He attended Harvard University from 1856 to 1859. He dropped out before receiving his degree. After he dropped out he decided to work for his uncle’s business in New York. Shaw joined the Seventh New York Regiment and defended Washington in April of 1861. After his short service of 31 days he realized that that is were he belonged. He liked the enthusiasm and respect. After, in May he joined the Second Massachusetts. After two years in his second time serving he rose to the rank of captain. However he was wounded at Antietam and saw some of his closest comrades and friends fall. In 1863 Robert’s father, Francis, gave the offer of command for the new Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment. At first he declined but he had a strong sense of duty and accepted. After he accepted this position his mother wrote, “Now, I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.” This means that she is proud that you are willing to take this position to show what is right. Now I was in that Regiment but it was very segregated. We blacks were paid 10 dollars per month for fighting for our country but 3 dollars was deducted from our salary for clothing. On the other hand white soldiers were paid 13 dollars per month and given an additional $3.50 for clothing. This was the way it was until 1864 when protests forced the army to grant black troops equal pay. To be continued on another post…
Although Robert Shaw was a strong supporter for blacks in the military he had no true connection with blacks at all. He was surprised at how high his comrades’ skills were. Throughout our battles we all became very close but it was very heart breaking to see him fall dead on the battlefield. We were assaulting fort Wagner but they saw us coming. It was a brutal fight but in the end we had failed. 272 of the men who enlisted were wounded, captured or dead. One of these who had fallen being our good friend, and comrade, Robert Gould Shaw. The scene was almost unbearable but in the end those who had fallen were honored, especially Robert. He died when he was only 25. This was a young age and very depressing. Out of those 272 men that went down it included 255 enlisted men that were killed or wounded. I myself was almost blown to pieces by a grenade and now I only have one leg. Shaw was a great man and will go down in history as one of the greatest comrades ever. Even though I and many other African American people served for our country the government did an extremely bad job at establishing justice. We are all supposed to be considered equal. Luckily Robert Shaw was a strong supporter for blacks in the military we were not as treated as bad as we were in public places. Also, we were providing for the common defense so justice should have been there. Also they weren’t especially insuring domestic tranquility. Most of us were not happy and were less than safe. Many of the men were abusive and mean. Except for Robert he was calm most of the time and for the most part did not disrespect us. Robert Gould Shaw was definitely one of the most amazing men that ever lived.
Works Cited “Civil War: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.” Military History. About.com, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . “Robert Gould Shaw.” Robert Gould Shaw. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . “Saint-Gaudens’ Memorial to Shaw and the Fifty-fourth.” NGA -- Shaw Memorial -- Historical Background -- Shaw Biography 1. NGA, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . Sifakis, Stewart. Robert Gould Shaw Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. . “Who2 Biography: Robert Gould Shaw, Soldier / Civil War Figure, US Military Dictionary: Robert Gould Shaw.” Robert Gould Shaw: Biography from Answers.com. Answers.com, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Hi I am Robert Gould Shaw and I was born into an antislavery family, I studied abroad and at Harvard, and then entered an uncle's mercantile firm in New York City. Although for some time he had favored disunion, he supported Lincoln's candidacy. As soon as the Civil War started he went south with the New York state militia, which he had already joined, and in May 1861, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2d Massachusetts Regiment. After a year of service behind the lines, with such distasteful duties as apprehending runaway slaves and returning them to their masters, he fought his first battle in May 1862, at Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley. Other battles, including Antietam, turned him into a seasoned veteran. In the civil war an assault was led by 54th Massachusetts colored volunteer infantry. These people were under the command of the 26 year old Robert Gould Shaw. He had a mass infantry charge and failed and his soldiers fell back after the heavy losses. But the courage of the troops and the heroic death of Colonel Shaw made the battle famous. On January 30, 1863, at age 25, he was offered the command of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment, Colored, by Gov. John Andrew. In the face of his youth, his engagement to Annie Haggerty, and the near-certainty that the Confederacy would retaliate against the Union's use of black soldiers by declaring their white officers criminals guilty of inciting insurrection, he hesitated, refused, and then accepted. His mother wrote: "God rewards a hundred-fold every good aspiration of his children, and this is my reward for asking [for] my children not earthly honors, but souls to see the right and courage to follow it. Now I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding. Shaw led his regiment through concentrated cannon and rifle fire and became the first man to mount Fort Wagner's south curtain. Confederate riflemen shot him down as he urged his men forward. The 54th Massachusetts matched Shaw's courage, suffering 272 casualties out of 622 personnel engaged. Instead of returning Shaw's remains to his friends, Confederate troops dumped him into a common trench with 25 dead black soldiers. The circumstances of Shaw's death and burial transformed him into a Union martyr.
Schneider, Dorothy, and Carl J. Schneider. "Shaw, Robert Gould." Slavery in America, American Experience, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2007. African-American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/ (accessed March 25, 2010).
Reef, Catherine. "Vogelsang, Peter." African Americans in the Military, A to Z of African Americans. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2004. African-American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/ (accessed March 25, 2010).
Kathy Dhalle Famous Families of Massachusetts" Boston Little, Brown, 1930. We'll Stand by the Union Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Regiment (colored)," New York Facts on File, 1993. Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune The Civil War Letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw," University of Georgia Press, 1992
Luke Per.4 3/25/10 Journal Entry: Civil; War: 22 August 1st, 1862, I am currently traveling to my next destination for battle. My most triumphant battle so far was Fort Donelson. At Donelson we defeated the Confederates behind their leader General Floyd. I had the aid of Commander Foote because he brought six gunboats in on the Cumberland River. Even though Foote’s fleet was damaged but it helped me surround the fort on the land side. That night the Confederates launched an attack on us and pushed us back a mile but then they retreated because I had a powerful counter attack planned. I told them word for word “No terms except an unconditional surrender and immediate surrender can be accepted.” and sure enough they did. I opened up a huge route for my fellow Union troops to march their way in to Alabama. It was a major victory for the Union Army. I believe I changed my bad reputation and I deserve the position Brigadier General. Through all these battles I have looked back on my life, thinking about my past. Being born on April 27th, 1822 and living through the Mexican War and this war so far to my current age of 40. I am the son of a tanner in Ohio and a year after my family and I moved to Georgetown, Ohio. There I received my first education. At the age of fourteen I attended the school of Richeson and Rand at Maysville, Kentucky. Two years later I attended Presbyterian Academy at Ripley Ohio. In 1839 I was appointed to West Point against my will and four years later I placed twenty-first in my class out of thirty-nine. I fought in the Mexican War under General Zach Taylor. I found myself under fire for the first time at the Battle of Palo Alto. That day I said "You want to know what my feelings were on the field of battle! I do not know that I felt any peculiar sensation. War seems much less terrible to persons engaged in it than to those who read of the battles... During that night I believe all slept as soundly on the ground at Palo Alto as if they had been in a palace. For my own part I don't think I even dreamed of battles." After the war I settled in and started a family, me and my wife Julia had four wonderful children. Then after that it is the war that I am fighting today. It is necessary that we let the Blacks be free. - to be continued
-Continuation of previous post Luke Per.4 Before the freedom of the slaves, many of them wanted to fight in the war but they were denied. After the Emancipation Proclamation many free African Americans from states volunteered to fight for the Union. That is why we are fighting this war because we want to slavery gone and the south doesn’t so they want to break away. We want them to be part of our nation but we are not just going to let them keep blacks as slaves because they are human beings just as much as us whites are. The first black regiment of freed African Americans came from Massachusetts, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The regiment was slow until leaders such as Frederick Douglas helped out and encouraged Blacks to volunteer. At first equality and justice was not established for the Blacks because they were not able to fight for their own rights. Abraham Lincoln established justice and secured the blessings of liberty with the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in the Union states so the African American are allowed to fight and they were freed. They are human beings so they have the right to be free. They don’t deserve to have a man whipping them nearly every day. The Blacks are doing their best in the war and it is a large contribution that we have them on our side. They are probably fighting harder than anyone else because this situation affects them more. These challenges were overcome by many of us. We are fighting for the African Americans and so far we are succeeding. Also, the Blacks were freed with the Emancipation Proclamation that our current President put through. That challenge has been overcome and for fighting in the war we are on our way to victory. The Union is doing everything in our ability to help our country stay united and help free the slaves. We are doing the right thing and overcoming our obstacles.
- General Ulysses S. Grant
Works Cited “The Family of Ulysses S. Grant.” The Family of Ulysses S. Grant. . Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . McPherson, James M. Fields of Fury The American Civil War. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002. Print. “Teaching With Documents: The Fight for Equal Rights: Black Soldiers in the Civil War.” The National Archives... Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Timeline: Ulysses S. Grant.” American Experience... Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Ulysses S. Grant.” The White House Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Hi, my name is Wilson Brown. I was born in 1841 in Natchez Mississippi. I grew up in a terrible thing called slavery. I am unaware of who my parents are. I work on a plantation in the southern region. Life is rough as a slave and I really wish I could be free. So that is why I have ran away from my master and why I have chosen to fight for my freedom and my country. Today’s date is December 31 1864. I am a landsman in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hartford. Today is New Years Eve. It is very cold aboard this ship, I haven’t gotten much rest lately. We are on high alert for any enemy sittings. I have a feeling some thing is going to happen to day. Today’s date is August 5 1864. Today is extremely hot, one of the hottest days of the summer. We have spotted an enemies fort the first time we have spotted enemy territory in a few months. The name of the fort is Fort Morgan actually. We are having a successful attack until enemies gun ships started to attack. Today’s date is August 5 1864. Today is extremely hot, one of the hottest days of the summer. When they started to attack all of the men aboard the ship starting diving for the ground and cover. I had fallen and got knocked unconscious when the enemy ship crashed into the hull of our ship. Knocked unconscious I thought I was a sitting duck.
When I regained consciousness I had a splitting headache. But I new if I sat here like baby me and fellow men would die. I ran to my position and performed my duties as best as I could to help serve my country to the best of my abilities even though2 of the 6 men was not present. The fighting was intense and very tiring and I was surprised that I have made it through. For a reward for my courageous acts I received a medal of honor.
"Civil War Real African American History." raahhistory. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. <http://raahistory.com/moh/civilwarmoh.htm. Naval Historical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-b/w-brwn.htm . ancestry.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~ilissdsa/text_files/database_intro_files/oral_histories/wilson_brown.htm. Jones, Brandon Astor. BrandonAstorJones.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. http://www.brandonastorjones.com/pages/wilsonbrown.htm Daut, Marlene L. African American National Biaography. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
July 18th 1863
ReplyDeleteMy name is Robert Gould Shaw and I write this with haste before my regiment, assaults Fort Wagner, on Morris Island. We are stationed at the southern end of Morris Island now, but it will not be that long of a march before we face our enemy. I’ve only lived 25 years, but I can’t help but think about my life so far. I was born on Oct. 10th 1837 in Boston. My parents, Francis Gould, and Sarah Shaw, were major abolitionists. I really got interested in politics when Abraham Lincoln was running for president and when it was time to vote, cast my very first and so far the only ballot in his name. On April 12th, 1860, Fort Sumter was fired on by Southerners who seceded. This prompted me to join the fight, as I either wanted the southern states recognized as a new country, or joined back by force.
I then joined the 7th New York Regiment. Our first order was to march to the capitol and defend against the Confederates. I was a private, then and my regiment was one of the first to get there. I actually got to meet with Abe Lincoln and it was very inspiring. I decided then to apply for a permanent position in the army. I got a second lieutenant’s commission in the 2nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. One of our duties was to capture runaway slaves and return them to their masters. I did not like this one bit, but I felt obligated to do the policy of my government.
I have often felt that our government, though democratic, does not establish equality among all Americans. Blacks were forced into slavery because of their skin color. This meant nothing as I later discovered for myself when on January 30, 1863, Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts offered me the position of leading the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as well as the rank of Colonel. This unit was made up of all black people even from as far away as the Caribbean. I found these men to be great soldiers and they proved themselves many times so far. When I first took control of the 54th, I noticed that the black soldiers were paid less than the white ones. I didn’t like this at all, and neither did the rest of the 54th, so to overcome this challenge to their equality we boycotted payment.
On June 10th I further saw examples of my men’s character and righteousness. My commander, Colonel James Montgomery, planned to raid a town in Georgia called Darien. I was horrified to find out that his plans extended to loot and burn the town to the ground. I stood there and watched as Montgomery burned the town. I knew that my men would never willingly take part in this, and I was dismayed to see that one of my companies was ordered out to help with the burning. When we got back to camp, I was determined to find out who ordered the raid. I wrote to Governor Andrew asking if Montgomery acted of his own accord. He did not and was ordered to burn the town by General Hunter, who was replaced by General Quincy A. Gilmore, much to my own enjoyment. I was proud of my men for not willingly destroying a town that didn’t need to be destroyed.
I’ve received orders just now that we are to march on Fort Wagner and take it by hand to hand combat and by bayonet. As I get ready to march with my comrades, I can say only one thing; Forward 54th, Forward!
Works Cited
Altman, Susan. "Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment." www.fofweb.com. 2 Feb.
2009
Dhalle, Kathy. "A Biography of Robert Gould Shaw." www.bitsofblueandgray.com. 5
Feb. 2009
"Robert Gould Shaw." www.wikipedia.org. 26 Jan. 2009. 4 Feb. 2009
"Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment." www.nps.gov. 4 Feb. 2009
"Robert Gould Shaw quotes." www.thinkexist.com. 4 Feb. 2009
Schneider, Dorothy, and Carl J. Schneider. "Shaw, Robert Gould."
www.fofweb.com. 2 Feb. 2009
Jared Dunn
ReplyDeleteCathay Williams
1842-1924
I was born without freedom in a place close to Missouri. I was just a slave, my father, was on the other hand was free meanwhile me and my mother Martha Williams worked and worked. Our owner William Johnson was a wealthy farmer. When I was still young our owner decided to move to Missouri where I worked at home. Our owner died sometime before the civil war. Around the same time as his death the civil war broke out and I was freed by Union soldiers.
I then decided to work for the army as a servant first I worked for Colonel William P. Benton of the 13 army corpse even though I had no knowledge of cooking, and yet they insisted that I’d cook. It wasn’t as bad as I thought though. The others helped me learn to cook. Eventually I was cooking high class meals. Then I worked for General Sheridan and his staff and was eventually recruited by Washington as a cook. And laundress I learned a lot from that time, and during it I traveled to many places including the Shenandoah Valley raids in Virginia. After leaving Virginia I traveled to Iowa and then on to St. Louise.
After the war I decided that I wanted to be financially independent so I joined the army, also I wanted to see a cousin and a special friend. So in November 1866, in the thirty eighth US infantry company A. I enlisted as William Cathay and disguised myself as a man since women were not yet allowed to join the army. Only my friend and cousin however knew about my real identity. Luckily medical examinations were not needed. Our company arrived at Fort Cummings in New Mexico October 1, 1867. There was some subordination during this time I, however was not involved, and kept moving forward. At the fort we protected miners traveling merchant and immigrants from Apache Indians. However I grew ill and when I went for a medical examination my secret had been found out. I was discharged from the army. I decided not to dwell in the past and move forward. I spent the rest of my days as a laundress. I later asked for a pension because of the illnesses I suffered during the army including deafness but not only did they not believe me but because of my discharge I got nothing out of it all. because I was a woman I couldn’t be in the army.
Works Cited for Cathay Williams
ReplyDeleteDavis, Stanford L. “An Analysis of Cathay Williams’ Medical Condition and Efforts.” Cathay Williams, Female Buffalo Soldier with Documents. 2002. 9 Feb. 2009 http://buffalosoldier.net.
Kent, Cathy. “Williams, Cathay.” African-American History Online. Facts On File. 9 Feb. 2009 http://www.2facts.com/.
McElrath, Jessica. “Cathay Williams: Female Buffalo Soldier.” About.com African American History. 9 Feb. 2009 http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/buffalosoldiers/p/cathaywilliams.htm.
Cathay Williams
ReplyDeleteVirginia in 1866
I have been many places in the country because of my jobs which have been serving soldiers, serving the generals and his staff, being a cook, and a laundress. I’ve had many experiences dealing with my gender and race, but I don’t believe that should stop me from doing something I would like to achieve. As I subside in Virginia as a twenty-two year old African American woman, I realize that being independent is something I strive to do. In 1866 a year after the Civil war I began preparing myself for this life changing experience that would also disguise me as a man so I could be enlisted into the 38th U.S. Infantry. This army group, which was newly formed, segregated African American regiment led by white officers. Although before just acting like a man and putting myself into this, I needed to dress like a man. I needed help though, so I had to tell two people who I trusted more than anyone else in the world. These people were my cousin and a close friend, I knew they would help me because they believed in me and we both wanted to show that I was just as equal as any other man in the army.
Preparing me to look like a man was a difficult task, but during this rough patch I hummed the songs to myself reminding me of all the wonderful achievements all of us African Americans have made and the songs we wrote about them. Some of the songs that I sang in my head most of the times are about soldiers coming back from war, an African American of course and that song gave me hope about going into the army. As I worked hard with my cousin and friend coming up with an outfit for me we bought all the pieces of clothing for people, men of course that I would need to dress the part. We walked all over town to go with the money that I had saved up that I found or from little jobs that would pay some money. From all of the houses in my neighborhood to a little bit outside of that we rummaged through clothing from many people and found a few good outfits that will make my presence as a man going into the army and accomplished one. I am also six feet so height was not the issue. As I spent weeks acting and dressing like a man I thought to myself that I was going to be able to pull this off because I wasn’t the only woman who had disguised them self as a man , but I was the first African American woman to disguise myself.
On November 15, 1866 I marched myself into the U.S army field office and signed myself up for the 38th Infantry under the name of Williams Cathay. I had to switch around my name because otherwise they would be suspicious about my gender and they already were not pleased with my race so I felt obligated to change my name for safety reasons. As they accepted me into the army I felt that I had accomplished my life goal. Nobody of my race and gender had ever done this and to know for me that it worked was a breath of fresh air. Being in the army was not at all what I expected it to be. This was a hard adventure to be on, definitely not a relaxing one. We had training at the crack of dawn until sundown and even as a woman in her twenties I didn’t always have the energy it took to be as strong as they wanted me to be. We had weight lifting and running and all these strong men around me. I started to worry that maybe this was too much, but I was still glad that I put myself through this.
To be continued on another post....
By: Maddie K. per.1
Even though it was torture at times I lasted a few years with these men and was able to prove that women, African American women, can do just as much as men could and that we were equal. I know this because during my training nobody had any sense that I was different, I was treated just like everyone else and I’ve never had that treatment before. While I worked hard serving for the army I sang spiritual songs about my people that lifted my spirits and reminded me that I was doing this for all the people out there that wasn’t able to fulfill my position. They were harsh and rougher than woman, but they are more respected and now I know that we women are treated unfairly and that women can do just as much as men can. Although after a few years of being enlisted in the army I became ill. After many weeks of being ill and no doctors knowing what was wrong with me I was diagnosed with a sickness called neuralgia, this was a name given to any acute pain thought to do with the nervous system. As I finished off my days in the army, still ill, I walked away having the joy that I Cathay Williams, also known as Williams Cathay to the soldiers, was never found to be a woman and happily participated in the army.
ReplyDeleteBy: Maddie K per.1
Works Cited
Kirkpatrick, Linda. “Cathay Williams’ History.” The Cathay Williams Regiment. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Lloyd, Ruth, and Norman Lloyd. The american heritage songbook. N.p.: n.p., 1969. Print.
Searles, Michael N. African American Registry. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
Time-life books, and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. African American Voices of Triumph. N.p.: Tine-Life custom publishing, n.d. Print.
Tyson, Mike, and Doris Zollar. “Cathay Williams.” African Americans Biographies. 2006. Print.
July 17 1863- My name is Robert Gould Shaw the commander of the 54th regiment. We are a regiment of all black soldiers. I am 25 years old and the son of abolitionists. I wasn’t always supportive of the union at first but when Lincoln ran for president I decided to switch sides. I joined the army in May of 1861 and haven’t left since. We are mounting an attack on Fort Wagner tomorrow and I know that we will succeed.
ReplyDeleteI was born into an abolitionist family but I never fully agreed with this until Lincoln ran for president. When I joined the army the put me in the 2d Massachusetts Regiment. Our job was to capture slaves that were escaping from the south and bring them back to their masters. I disliked this very much but it was government policy and I knew that I had to do it.
I have always felt that the idea of slavery had been a bad one. They were enslaved and it was only for their skin color. It was unconstitutional and I really learned about what happened When Gov. John Andrew asked me to command the Massachusetts 54th regiment. I was a bit hesitant but I decided to do it. I know now that this was both a noble and horrific chose. We were sent to St. Simons island were we gained a new leader, Col. James Montgomery. I remember one day in Darien, Georgia. Montgomery wanted us to loot and burn the town. I was disgusted that they would want us to this so I watched as this happened. But I knew I had caused in impact rather than just watched. Later I had found out the blacks were being paid less money than white soldiers and me and my regiment boycotted. We later got our demands on the raise.
If I die tomorrow with my regiment I will know that I fought for a great cause. Also I had helped further the fight against slavery.
-Jack.M Pd2
"Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment."
http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/
default.asp?ItemID=WE01&NewItemID=True
"Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment Attacks Fort Wagner ."
http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/
default.asp?ItemID=WE01&NewItemID=True
"Robert gould Shaw."
http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE01&NewItemID=True
"Robert Gould Shaw quotes."
http://thinkexist.com/quotes/robert_gould_shaw/
Sifakis, Stewart. "Robert Gould Shaw."
http://www.civilwarhome.com/shawbio.htm
Sean Pd 2
ReplyDeleteMy name is William C. Benson. I don’t exactly know how old I am. All I really know is that my home town is Gibson County, Princeton. I joined the 120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co in 1863. The date is March 1, 1865. My location is Tennessee. We were just involved in combat. Nobody was killed; we just have a few injured men. I know for a fact that we did not kill all of our enemies. All I know is that we scared them off, for the moment. I don’t know how much time we have to recover.
The date is March 8, 1865. We have not been in any combat for almost a week. I was just informed that a week ago President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which freed three and a half million slaves around America. I was also informed that the Federal Army has over 200,000 men. Their population is increasing fast. Ours is increasing too, but at a much slower pace.
The date is March 10, 1865. My location, a hospital somewhere in Georgia. We were just involved in violent combat. I was injured very badly and hospitalized. My time off has allowed me to do some research. I realized that I was unaware when I joined the army that, it was because of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, that I was able to join the army. Also not just me but over 180,000 African Americans had also joined the fight.
The date is March 14, 1865. I just visited the White House and was reassigned to go and fight in North Carolina. I was just informed that we are going to set up a defensive position in an hour. All of the other guys and I have a very low chance of surviving, so this will probably be my last journal entry.
http://www.indiana.edu/~imaghist/online_content/vcsfrmpst/voices_cvlwr/benson.html
William C. Benson, "Civil War Diary of William C. Benson," Indiana Magazine of History 23, no. 3 (September 1927): 333-364.
http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/timeline/civilwar/aasoldrs/soldiers.html
The Library of Congress. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861 to 1867. African American Soldiers during the Civil War. Last updated 09/26/2002
http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/timeline/civilwar/aasoldars/nsoldiers.html
The Library of Congress. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861 to 1867. African American Soldiers during the Civil War. Last updated 09/26/2002
http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/timeline/civilwar/aasoldars/dobbs.html
The Library of Congress. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861 to 1867. African American Soldiers during the Civil War. Last updated 09/26/2002
Kelly M.,prd.4, Social Studies, 3/25/10
ReplyDeleteNovember 14,1866 Grassland, USA
Dear Journal,
Tomorrow I will become a free person, a person with the world in their hand, (well...not exactly in my hand but in my mind). I have to write fast, my tent is not secure and I want to get some sleep before my tent blows away. I hung my old dishrags from my old job as a cook over the brittle sticks I found in this dry, grassland. The long pieces of grass are poking at my flesh, with bugs biting me. I’ve grown to get used to what life throws at me. Especially when I was a house servant to that greedy man that “owned” me. Okay, I’m wasting time... I’ll get to the point. In order for me to be free, I have to join the army. I’ve seen battles before for which I was the cook for soldiers. I know how to fight; I’ve been fighting my whole life-to keep my life. No doctor visits are necessary to join the army; therefore know one will know I’m not a boy. Only boys are aloud to serve in the army. Those men become free when they join. I crept into a soldier’s stuff before I escaped my cooking job. I took a shirt and pants. I will wear them tomorrow then I will look like a boy. I pray every night for my plan to work, hopefully it will.
I’m sick of being treated like dirt, walked all over and seen as a nobody. When the soldiers took their meals, they would make rude comments that still stab my heart. They would make sure their plates were dirty, so I would have more dishes to clean. They would break plates and tell the chief I did it. The beat marks of the whip still sting every time I move. I got an extra beating when “I” would break a plate because they said I was a girl and girls should know how cook properly. And cooking properly also meant taking care of the dishes. I don’t have to think about those scary times anymore, I’ll fight for the people of our country-not just for my life-for every ones. I’ll be a man...I’ll be free. My papa once told me, “The only way to be free... is for all those around you to be equal.” I never got what he meant; I just recited it every night to myself when I was a young girl. He was a free man; my mom on the other hand was not. That meant I had to live with my mom and fight for my freedom. That was the last time I saw him. His eyes twinkled as he held my hand. The shouts of the people surrounded me, yet they did not get to me. I was off in another world when his hand held mine. A few seconds went by and his, and mine slowly... drifted apart. I was chained to a long chain that stretched for miles, while a man pulled us along. I ended up on a plantation and was released of the chain. When that chain was released another came. It wasn’t like the other chain; this was tied around my heart. I cared for no one but myself, for I didn’t want my heart to get broken again. Well here I am now pouring out my feelings in this journal when I should really be getting prepared for joining the army tomorrow. I’ve never had someone to talk to. This journal is my best friend because it will listen to me and no matter what I say, I won’t get hurt.
Kelly M. prd 4-To be continued
Kelly M. prd4 Continued...
ReplyDeleteI finally understand my papa’s quote after all these years. In the army tomorrow, I won’t be fighting for my life and others to be saved... but equality. But for all us people of the nation to be equal. No matter what color skin we have, no matter what we like, no matter what gender we are, we will all be treated the same. When there is equality we all will be free because the only thing that is keeping us from being free is the lack of equality. If we were all equal, I wouldn’t have to dress up as a man tomorrow to fight in the army. I could be myself, a woman. If we were all equal, I wouldn’t have had to work all those long hours and get beaten. All us people would work fairly. To be equal we have to establish justice. Justice is being fair and fair means equal. If our nation had justice (or in other words, equality) we wouldn’t be facing all these challenges we have today. A way we could stop being unfair and establish justice is by not judging people on what they look like or what gender they are. By doing that, and working together, our country can be fair and unified as one big equal country. We can also have an open mind and except things that are different to us. Like when I was a cook, instead of when the soldiers saw a blob of much on their plate and then refuse to eat it, they could try it first and if they do like it-eat it and if they don’t-don’t eat it. I guess what I’m trying to ultimately get to is that in order to create equality we, as a country, must work together to be equal.
Well I better get to bed; I need a lot of rest before tomorrow. Thank you journal for being my first friend and now I would like to pray something different tonight. I pray that I meet many other friends all different than each other and we can all hang out peacefully.
Love, Cathay Williams (or as of tomorrow: William Cathay)
Works Cited
Armstrong, Jennifer. Photo By Brady, a picture of the Civil War. New York: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, 2005. Print.
“Cathay Williams, Female Buffalo Soldier.” Buffalo Soldiers-lawtonfortsills. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Davis, Stanford L. “Female Buffalo Soldier-With Documents.” Buffalo Soldier. www.buffalosoldier.net, 2002. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
Facts on File. “Williams,Cathay.” Facts on File . Facts on File, 2010. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
Nelson, Christopher. Mapping the Civil War. Japan: Starwood Publishing Inc., 1992. Print.
Sarah Per. 4
ReplyDeleteFebruary 2nd, 1963
My name is Robert Gould Shaw, and I would like to write down something that happened to me today. Today I was offered the command of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment. My Father traveled from Massachusetts to Virginia, where I am now; to give me the letter they sent to him. I have always wanted to help free the African Americans and this is a big opportunity for me to be able to. I was raised very nicely. My parents are Francis and Sara Shaw. They always were an anti slavery family so I was brought up to be just like them. Today, when I got the letter telling me this, my family was so proud. At first I wasn’t sure if I should accept the offer however my family persuaded me to accept. My Mom said, “God rewards a hundred-fold every good aspiration of his children, and this is my reward for asking for my children not earthly honors, but souls to see the right and courage to follow it. Now I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.” This is what really persuaded me because my Mother was very proud of me for being accepted.
I am going to start training on February 15th at Camp Meigs. I believe that this will be a great beginning and great introduction into the regiment life. I am expecting the men to be very strong and very experienced. Also I am engaged to my wonderful fiancé Annie Haggerty and we are expecting to get married on May 2nd of this year. She is wonderful and I am hoping to be with her for my whole life, until I die. Although I am white and the soldiers are black, I believe that there should be no difference in strength or ability. We met at a pre civil war opera and I knew that I loved her.
In my mind before I accepted, I was thinking that it was very dangerous and I would never want to die and leave my wonderful fiancé a lone. I believe that my decision was risky however I need to fight for the rights of others before myself. My family is very proud of me for accepting and I know that through out the whole experience they will help me through it. My families dream was for me to grow up and become who I am today, so they feel like their job has been completed successfully. From my friends, I heard that the black soldiers were not getting paid as much as the white soldiers and this really upset me. I feel like this is going against establishing justice because they aren’t being treated as fairly as the other white soldiers. Once I get there I will make that change.
Works Cited
Hickman, Kennedy. “Civil War: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.” about.com. New York Times, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Marciano, Michele Peretta. “Find A Grave.” findagrave.com. Michele Peretta Marciano, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Sifakis, Stewart. Who Was Who in the Civil War. New York: Facts On File, 1988. Print.
- - -. “Who Was Who in the Civil War.” civilwarhome.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Wikipedia. “Robert Gould Shaw.” wikipedia.com. Wikipedia, 25 Mar. 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
August 5, 1863
ReplyDeleteToday was my fifteenth birthday.
Truth be told, I’m somewhat surprised I even remembered. The sweltering South Carolina heat and abundance of bruised and broken bodies has slingshot my nursing duties to first in line on my list of priorities. I was conducted into the 1st South Carolina Volunteers in January along with many others, myself being the youngest, and since then my involvement in warfare has increased far past the amount I could have ever imagined. It’s been seven months. I think I’m a little young to have seen this much death.
With Susie Taylor etched in embroidery on the front pocket of my uniform, I’ve been spending my days as a laundress, a cook, a nurse, a teacher…educating soldiers twice my age as they return to camp physically scarred and mentally battered from the aftermath of this uncivilized war. Ever since after the battle of Chancellorsville not but three months prior to today, the other South Carolina volunteers and I were swarmed with wounded men and women. Sometimes, they’re not so lucky.
In this land of the free, we are tortured, burned, and our rights to a fair trial confiscated by this biased government in rule. We are killed for nonexistent crimes and wrongdoings conjured within the minds of racist white Man, while living under the false claims of this “one nation, indivisible.” I have witnessed unfathomable cruelties, lynchings, murder on the battlefield, and horrifying images that I will not be able to rid my conscious of until the day I die. I have been fortunate to obtain the right to an education as a child, to escape the gruesome bounds to enslavement that my brothers and sisters, less so by blood than by bond between similar suffrages, are forced to toil through. Freedom from Caucasian ownership is a lifestyle many gain.
I am certain that I possess the envy of many.
Web Site "Susie King Taylor." Nurses for Nurses Everywhere. Swingshift Nurses, n.d. Web.
24 Mar. 2010. .
Book African Americans in the Military, A to Z of African Americans. Facts on File.
Facts on File, 2004. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
Web Site "Susie King Taylor: African American Army Woman." Civil War Home. N.p., 28 Apr.
2005. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Web Site "Susie King Taylor: A Glimpse Into the Life of a CivilWar Contemporary."
Susie King Taylor. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
.
Book Taylor, Susie King. Reminisces of My Life in Camp. New York: Arno Press, 1968.
Print.
Shea period 6
Brad-Per 9
ReplyDeleteIt’s July 1, 1863. It is the first day of the battle of Gettysburg. As I lay on the cold, hard ground I look at a picture of my beloved children. Blood is gushing out of my left leg and sweet is dripping down my face. As I see an enemy approach me with a rifle in his hand, I know my time has come. I think about what is going to happen my children. I took one last glimpse of my children and peacefully laid back waiting, waiting, waiting…..
I am sad of my father’s death. My two brothers and I got put on this immigrant train not knowing where we are going to go. Kids have been let off every couple of minuets to farm owners. I am afraid of me and my brothers being split up. My mother runs an orphanage; I just want to be with her. Where am I going?
Kids have been getting dropped off and sold to these farmers for money and so they can work for the farmers. I may be young but one thing I know is that in the declaration of independence it says that everybody is to be treated equal and no one should be sold to slavery. The government should be protecting these rights and “establish justice” for all people. In the constitution it also states that. They tried to drop me off at a farmer to do slave work; I violently refused and stayed back. They couldn’t take me anymore so they let me stay. I huddled in a corner with my brothers to keep warm and I’m getting really hungry. I just want to go home. I miss my daddy.
Alice and private Amos Humiston
"Battle of Gettysburg." The History Place 1996: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
.
Bryant, Mary. "The Story of Amos Humiston." Painted hils genealogy society 10
Apr. 2000: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Murphy, Jim. Across America on a Emigrant Train1. New York: Clarion Brooks,
1993. Print.
Murphy, Jim. Across America on a Emigrant Train1. New York: Clarion Brooks,
1993. Print.
Wills, Garry. The Gettysburg Address. Boston: Houghton mifflin company, 1995.
Print.
Brendan Period 2
ReplyDeleteApril 15th 1861, Camp Cameron Washing D.C.
7th Regiment New York State Militia
Robert Gould Shaw
I write with much haste, for the confederates might be assaulting the capitol at any moment. Right now a good 75, 000 of us are stationed at Camp Cameron defending the Capitol of these United States, Washington D.C. I am 23 years old today, and I am already homesick. In Boston on Oct 10, 1837 I was born by Francis George and Sarah Blake Sturgis Shaw. I was accompanied through my childhood by my four sisters- Anna, Josephine, Susannah and Ellen. My parents sent me to private school after we moved for a more “wholesome, simple life”-and I hated it. After my interest in politics peaked and I voted for President Lincoln during his presidential campaign, I decided to leave the school and serve in the 7th Regiment New York State Militia to proudly defend him in the capitol.
I can’t find another reason to be in this war. Racism is as bad in this country as any other even though they promote freedom-even in the armed forces. Checking the recruitment roster, I noticed that whites are paid more than blacks. They also get to harass us with derogatory sayings once we join our units. Just yesterday I heard two from some higher ranked soldiers. They firmly told my fellow recruits, “a Negro soldier is a Negro first, and then a soldier” and "No Negro or Mulatto will be received as a recruit of the Army." Hopefully President Lincoln will fix this after the country reunites. Many of us would like to be will our families again during that time. Most of us have never been so far away from our families, and even though I went to my private school I still kept in touch. Still, knowing that I might be stationed here for weeks trying to stay sharp for any moment’s notice still scares me a little. Like other recruits, I write constantly in my free time.
I might write my parents a letter if the confederates don’t attack soon. Or maybe have a domino or chess game, maybe even a horseback race. There is not much to do after our battle techniques and drills. After that it’s just waiting and games, sometimes even gambling if we are that daring. I guess it’s better than fighting constantly. I have seen the surgeon’s medical supplies and have had glimpsed at some of the operations. It’s grim; dull cutting tools for amputation, complete disregard for cleanliness-the list get just gets worse. Then again, I hope we can get the fighting done and fall back before winter. I don’t think my canvas tent or rugged uniform can truly keep the bitter winds out, and the condition of the food gets worse over time. I’m going to stop writing now. Looks like that horseback race I’m hoping for is about to start.
Work Cited
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/june2003.htm Dhalle, Kathy “A BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT GOULD SHAW,” june2003
Reef, Catherine. "African Americans in the military." African Americans in the Military, A to Z of African Americans. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2004. African-American History Online. Facts On File, http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE01&NewItemID=True
http://www.old-picture.com/civil-war/Militia-Cameron-State-DC-002.htm “7th New York State Militia, Camp Cameron, D.C., 1861,” Copyright © 2006-2008
http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/usaHistory/CivilWar/Life.htm “Life of the Soldier during the Civil War,” Copyright © 1998-2010 Kidport
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war-medicine.htm “Civil War Medicine,” Copyright 2003
Jack
ReplyDeleteper. 9
Dear Press,
Our son Robert Gould Shaw was a Boston Abolitionist, that was born on October 10, 1837. He went to St. John’s College Roman Catholic school for five years, then to Europe to finish his studies abroad. When he returned home in 1855, he enrolled at Harvard the following year. After three years of Robert going to Harvard, Robert withdrew from Harvard so he could take his Uncle Henry’s position. Robert found a passion for politics while in New York. After Lincoln’s election, Robert joined the seventh New York Regiment.
May of 1861 Robert joined the Second Massachusetts Infantry as first Lieutenant to provide for the common defense. During about two years of service, in which he rose the rank of captain. At the Battle of Antietam Robert saw some of his closest comrades die in battle, in which he got wounded himself. On February 2, 1863 my husband received a letter from John A. Andrew offering Robert to command the first black regiment. Francis traveled to Virginia just to offer Robert the job, he was ultimately persuaded by his family to accept. On June 30th, Robert figured out that the whites were getting paid more then the black soldiers, Robert told his men to boycott their pay until their pay was as much as the whites. Robert complained about the darian raid to establish justice by trying to make sure his soldiers got paid the same as the whites.
Robert led two brigades of white troops, in an assault on Confederate Battery Wagner. Marching over open beach, the 54th came under heavy fire from the Confederate fires. As Robert stood up and waved his men forward he was shot in the heart and killed. The Confederates were mad because of him using black soldiers. This ended up as them stripping him and burying him with his fellow black comrades. We Robert Gould Shaw’s parents are proud of him believing that blacks should be in the military . Also, we were the ones who told the Confederates that Robert would have wanted to be buried with his men. Finally, we believe that Robert was an important leader to those who died serving under his command. We hope Robert Gould Shaw rests in piece with his men.
Sincerely,
Francis George Shaw and Sarah Blake Sturgis Shaw
Works Cited
DeFord, Deborah. African Americans during the Civil War. New York: Chelsea , 2006. N. pag. Print.
Hickman, Kennedy. “Civil War: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.” about.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
“Robert Gould Shaw.” United States Civil War. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
“Shaw.” National Gallery of Art. United States of America, 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Sifakis, Stewart. “Civil War Biographies.” Shotgun’s Home of the Civil War. N.p., 2 Sept. 2008. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
Elizabeth Per.4
ReplyDeleteJanuary 30, 1863
I have just been offered the job as the Commander of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment, Colored, by Governor John Andrew. I am not quite sure if I am equal to the responsibility of such an amazing position. I guess for my age of twenty- five it is a large accomplishment. Since this first black regiment to be recruited in the north and I was picked to lead it, I’m sure the Governor has faith that I can handle it. But it really is not a big surprise for an only child; I mean I received most of the attention growing up. And not many people get the opportunity to attend Harvard University even though I did withdraw before receiving my degree. My parents and my fiancée, Annie Haggerty are very proud of what I have accomplished. My mom said, “God rewards a hundred-fold every good aspiration of his children, and this is my reward for asking for my children not earthly honors, but souls to see the right and courage to follow it. Now I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.” When my mom said that to me I knew I had to take this opportunity to free the African Americans and follow my father’s lead; work for the good of the people.
I am leaving on the 7th of May to travel north. On May 11th I will arrive at Camp Andrew in West Roxbury for training. When training is finished my regiment and I will head to Simons Island, Georgia by water on May 28th. Then we will be put under command of Col. James Montgomery, who I hear has brutal hatred for the enemy. Then on July 18th we head to Fort Wagner, which is near Charlestown, South Carolina and from what I hear it is supposed to be the most brutal battle. From there, whoever survives will go to Olustee, Florida; Honey Hill and Boykin’s Mill, South Carolina to fight.
I am trying to help the African Americans gain freedoms and make it possible for them to fight alongside with the white. But recently I found out that while I will be earning thirteen dollars a month all of the blacks who will working just as hard will be paid only ten dollars a month. What I have also heard is that many people look at this opportunity for the blacks as a test of their strength. What makes people think that they are not as capable or strong as white are? Look at all of the blacks that worked every day of every year without a break as slaves when the whites just bossed them around. I am not trying to put down my own race, only trying to change them. Even though I am worried that I am not the best person for the job, I know that this is a giant step forward for the African Americans.
Works Cited
Dhalle, Kathy. “A Biography of Robert Gould Shaw.” Bits of Blue and Gray. N.p., June 1997. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
“The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry.” US Civil War. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“History of the 54th.” 54th Massachusetts. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Saint-Gaudens’ Memorial to Shaw and the Fifty-fourth.” NGA. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Shaw, Robert Gould.” Facts on History. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Sam K.
ReplyDelete3/25/10
Per. 9
Robert Gould Shaw
My name is Russ and I was in the Civil War as a black soldier. It was brutal because they (as in the white soldiers) especially treated blacks with no respect. I was part of the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment. I was one of the first black soldiers in the United States of America. Although Robert Gould Shaw died in battle, he will go down in history. Robert was born on October 10th, 1837. He was the only son of Francis Gould and Sarah Sturgis Shaw. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was lucky and was born into a wealthy family. He attended Harvard University from 1856 to 1859. He dropped out before receiving his degree. After he dropped out he decided to work for his uncle’s business in New York. Shaw joined the Seventh New York Regiment and defended Washington in April of 1861. After his short service of 31 days he realized that that is were he belonged. He liked the enthusiasm and respect. After, in May he joined the Second Massachusetts.
After two years in his second time serving he rose to the rank of captain. However he was wounded at Antietam and saw some of his closest comrades and friends fall. In 1863 Robert’s father, Francis, gave the offer of command for the new Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment. At first he declined but he had a strong sense of duty and accepted. After he accepted this position his mother wrote, “Now, I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.” This means that she is proud that you are willing to take this position to show what is right. Now I was in that Regiment but it was very segregated. We blacks were paid 10 dollars per month for fighting for our country but 3 dollars was deducted from our salary for clothing. On the other hand white soldiers were paid 13 dollars per month and given an additional $3.50 for clothing. This was the way it was until 1864 when protests forced the army to grant black troops equal pay. To be continued on another post…
Sam K.
ReplyDeletePer. 9
3/25/10
Although Robert Shaw was a strong supporter for blacks in the military he had no true connection with blacks at all. He was surprised at how high his comrades’ skills were. Throughout our battles we all became very close but it was very heart breaking to see him fall dead on the battlefield. We were assaulting fort Wagner but they saw us coming. It was a brutal fight but in the end we had failed. 272 of the men who enlisted were wounded, captured or dead. One of these who had fallen being our good friend, and comrade, Robert Gould Shaw. The scene was almost unbearable but in the end those who had fallen were honored, especially Robert. He died when he was only 25. This was a young age and very depressing. Out of those 272 men that went down it included 255 enlisted men that were killed or wounded. I myself was almost blown to pieces by a grenade and now I only have one leg. Shaw was a great man and will go down in history as one of the greatest comrades ever.
Even though I and many other African American people served for our country the government did an extremely bad job at establishing justice. We are all supposed to be considered equal. Luckily Robert Shaw was a strong supporter for blacks in the military we were not as treated as bad as we were in public places. Also, we were providing for the common defense so justice should have been there. Also they weren’t especially insuring domestic tranquility. Most of us were not happy and were less than safe. Many of the men were abusive and mean. Except for Robert he was calm most of the time and for the most part did not disrespect us. Robert Gould Shaw was definitely one of the most amazing men that ever lived.
Works Cited
“Civil War: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.” Military History. About.com, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
“Robert Gould Shaw.” Robert Gould Shaw. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
“Saint-Gaudens’ Memorial to Shaw and the Fifty-fourth.” NGA -- Shaw Memorial -- Historical Background -- Shaw Biography 1. NGA, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
Sifakis, Stewart. Robert Gould Shaw Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
“Who2 Biography: Robert Gould Shaw, Soldier / Civil War Figure, US Military Dictionary: Robert Gould Shaw.” Robert Gould Shaw: Biography from Answers.com. Answers.com, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Adam
ReplyDeletePer.2
Hi I am Robert Gould Shaw and I was born into an antislavery family, I studied abroad and at Harvard, and then entered an uncle's mercantile firm in New York City. Although for some time he had favored disunion, he supported Lincoln's candidacy. As soon as the Civil War started he went south with the New York state militia, which he had already joined, and in May 1861, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2d Massachusetts Regiment. After a year of service behind the lines, with such distasteful duties as apprehending runaway slaves and returning them to their masters, he fought his first battle in May 1862, at Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley. Other battles, including Antietam, turned him into a seasoned veteran. In the civil war an assault was led by 54th Massachusetts colored volunteer infantry. These people were under the command of the 26 year old Robert Gould Shaw. He had a mass infantry charge and failed and his soldiers fell back after the heavy losses. But the courage of the troops and the heroic death of Colonel Shaw made the battle famous.
On January 30, 1863, at age 25, he was offered the command of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment, Colored, by Gov. John Andrew. In the face of his youth, his engagement to Annie Haggerty, and the near-certainty that the Confederacy would retaliate against the Union's use of black soldiers by declaring their white officers criminals guilty of inciting insurrection, he hesitated, refused, and then accepted. His mother wrote: "God rewards a hundred-fold every good aspiration of his children, and this is my reward for asking [for] my children not earthly honors, but souls to see the right and courage to follow it. Now I feel ready to die, for I see you willing to give your support to the cause of truth that is lying crushed and bleeding.
Shaw led his regiment through concentrated cannon and rifle fire and became the first man to mount Fort Wagner's south curtain. Confederate riflemen shot him down as he urged his men forward. The 54th Massachusetts matched Shaw's courage, suffering 272 casualties out of 622 personnel engaged. Instead of returning Shaw's remains to his friends, Confederate troops dumped him into a common trench with 25 dead black soldiers. The circumstances of Shaw's death and burial transformed him into a Union martyr.
Adam
ReplyDeletePer.2
Schneider, Dorothy, and Carl J. Schneider. "Shaw, Robert Gould." Slavery in America, American Experience, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2007. African-American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/ (accessed March 25, 2010).
Reef, Catherine. "Vogelsang, Peter." African Americans in the Military, A to Z of African Americans. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2004. African-American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/ (accessed March 25, 2010).
Kathy Dhalle Famous Families of Massachusetts" Boston Little, Brown, 1930. We'll Stand by the Union Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Regiment (colored)," New York Facts on File, 1993. Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune The Civil War Letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw," University of Georgia Press, 1992
Luke
ReplyDeletePer.4
3/25/10
Journal Entry: Civil; War: 22
August 1st, 1862,
I am currently traveling to my next destination for battle. My most triumphant battle so far was Fort Donelson. At Donelson we defeated the Confederates behind their leader General Floyd. I had the aid of Commander Foote because he brought six gunboats in on the Cumberland River. Even though Foote’s fleet was damaged but it helped me surround the fort on the land side. That night the Confederates launched an attack on us and pushed us back a mile but then they retreated because I had a powerful counter attack planned. I told them word for word “No terms except an unconditional surrender and immediate surrender can be accepted.” and sure enough they did. I opened up a huge route for my fellow Union troops to march their way in to Alabama. It was a major victory for the Union Army. I believe I changed my bad reputation and I deserve the position Brigadier General.
Through all these battles I have looked back on my life, thinking about my past. Being born on April 27th, 1822 and living through the Mexican War and this war so far to my current age of 40. I am the son of a tanner in Ohio and a year after my family and I moved to Georgetown, Ohio. There I received my first education. At the age of fourteen I attended the school of Richeson and Rand at Maysville, Kentucky. Two years later I attended Presbyterian Academy at Ripley Ohio. In 1839 I was appointed to West Point against my will and four years later I placed twenty-first in my class out of thirty-nine. I fought in the Mexican War under General Zach Taylor. I found myself under fire for the first time at the Battle of Palo Alto. That day I said "You want to know what my feelings were on the field of battle! I do not know that I felt any peculiar sensation. War seems much less terrible to persons engaged in it than to those who read of the battles... During that night I believe all slept as soundly on the ground at Palo Alto as if they had been in a palace. For my own part I don't think I even dreamed of battles." After the war I settled in and started a family, me and my wife Julia had four wonderful children. Then after that it is the war that I am fighting today. It is necessary that we let the Blacks be free.
- to be continued
-Continuation of previous post Luke Per.4
ReplyDeleteBefore the freedom of the slaves, many of them wanted to fight in the war but they were denied. After the Emancipation Proclamation many free African Americans from states volunteered to fight for the Union. That is why we are fighting this war because we want to slavery gone and the south doesn’t so they want to break away. We want them to be part of our nation but we are not just going to let them keep blacks as slaves because they are human beings just as much as us whites are. The first black regiment of freed African Americans came from Massachusetts, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The regiment was slow until leaders such as Frederick Douglas helped out and encouraged Blacks to volunteer. At first equality and justice was not established for the Blacks because they were not able to fight for their own rights. Abraham Lincoln established justice and secured the blessings of liberty with the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in the Union states so the African American are allowed to fight and they were freed. They are human beings so they have the right to be free. They don’t deserve to have a man whipping them nearly every day. The Blacks are doing their best in the war and it is a large contribution that we have them on our side. They are probably fighting harder than anyone else because this situation affects them more. These challenges were overcome by many of us. We are fighting for the African Americans and so far we are succeeding. Also, the Blacks were freed with the Emancipation Proclamation that our current President put through. That challenge has been overcome and for fighting in the war we are on our way to victory. The Union is doing everything in our ability to help our country stay united and help free the slaves. We are doing the right thing and overcoming our obstacles.
- General Ulysses S. Grant
Works Cited
“The Family of Ulysses S. Grant.” The Family of Ulysses S. Grant. . Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
McPherson, James M. Fields of Fury The American Civil War. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002. Print.
“Teaching With Documents: The Fight for Equal Rights: Black Soldiers in the Civil War.” The National Archives... Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Timeline: Ulysses S. Grant.” American Experience... Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Ulysses S. Grant.” The White House Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Thomas pd1
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Wilson Brown. I was born in 1841 in Natchez Mississippi. I grew up in a terrible thing called slavery. I am unaware of who my parents are. I work on a plantation in the southern region. Life is rough as a slave and I really wish I could be free. So that is why I have ran away from my master and why I have chosen to fight for my freedom and my country. Today’s date is December 31 1864. I am a landsman in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hartford. Today is New Years Eve. It is very cold aboard this ship, I haven’t gotten much rest lately. We are on high alert for any enemy sittings. I have a feeling some thing is going to happen to day.
Today’s date is August 5 1864. Today is extremely hot, one of the hottest days of the summer. We have spotted an enemies fort the first time we have spotted enemy territory in a few months. The name of the fort is Fort Morgan actually. We are having a successful attack until enemies gun ships started to attack. Today’s date is August 5 1864. Today is extremely hot, one of the hottest days of the summer. When they started to attack all of the men aboard the ship starting diving for the ground and cover. I had fallen and got knocked unconscious when the enemy ship crashed into the hull of our ship. Knocked unconscious I thought I was a sitting duck.
When I regained consciousness I had a splitting headache. But I new if I sat here like baby me and fellow men would die. I ran to my position and performed my duties as best as I could to help serve my country to the best of my abilities even though2 of the 6 men was not present. The fighting was intense and very tiring and I was surprised that I have made it through. For a reward for my courageous acts I received a medal of honor.
"Civil War Real African American History." raahhistory. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar.
2010. <http://raahistory.com/moh/civilwarmoh.htm.
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http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-b/w-brwn.htm
. ancestry.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
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~ilissdsa/text_files/database_intro_files/oral_histories/wilson_brown.htm.
Jones, Brandon Astor. BrandonAstorJones.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
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Daut, Marlene L. African American National Biaography. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar.
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