‘They Were Good Soldiers’: African–Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783
December 27, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The role of African-Americans, most free but some enslaved, in the regiments of the Continental Army is not well-known; neither is the fact that relatively large numbers served in southern regiments and that the greatest number served alongside their white comrades in integrated units. John Rees will discuss black soldiers’ acceptance, service, and experiences during and after the War for American Independence, focusing on those who served in Continental regiments. African American women with the army will also be featured, as will the only known wartime letter written by a black Revolutionary soldier. Free.