Letter and Newspaper References regarding the African-American
Union Soldier
1)
Valley
Spirit, March 18, 1863, p. 1, c. 7: "'We learn from the Boston papers . . .'"
Reports concerning black soldiers in Boston.
2)
Franklin
Repository, August 5, 1863, p. 5, c. 2: "The Retaliation Order." Lincoln
issues a retaliation order concerning Union and Confederate soldiers held as
prisoners.
3)
Franklin
Repository, September 2, 1863, p. 8, c. 2: "The Draft." Describes the atmosphere
during the draft proceedings of black soldiers in Chambersburg and in Antrim
Township.
4)
Franklin
Repository, December 2, 1863, p. 4, c. 1: "Rebel Atrocities." Reports the
terrible conditions of the military prisons and questions the fate of captured
black soldiers.
5)
Valley
Spirit, March 9, 1864, p. 4, c. 3: "'It is now reported . . .'" Notes a
report that points to the cowardice of black troops as the cause for the disaster
in Florida.
6)
Franklin
Repository, March 30, 1864, p. 4, c. 4: "The Black Soldiers in Florida."
The troops of the 54th Massachusetts 8th United States and the 1st North Carolina
are commended for their bravery, quickness, and patience in the "desperate battle
of Olustee."
7)
Franklin
Repository, July 27, 1864, p. 4, c. 1: "'A Bedford County Correspondent . .
.'" The Repository dispels the rumors--supposedly spread by copperheads--that
the amendment granting suffrage to soldiers includes black soldiers
8)
Franklin
County: William Tell Barnitz to the Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph, March 27,
1863 writes a very patriotic letter that sings the praises of the Union
and the defeat of the Copperheads. He also commends the ex-slaves for being
eager to learn and expresses his support for African-American troops, whom he
describes as more brave and honorable than their copperhead adversaries.