Letters

Explore the letters written during the Civil War by both the Black men who served in the United Stated Colored Troops and U.S. Navy and by their white officers. Most of the letters are transcribed from newspapers, but there are also links to transcribed private letters. Use the links below or you can use the drop-down menu above.

Letters from Black Soldiers and Sailors

Civil War Letters from White Officers in the United States Colored Troops

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Letters from Black Soldiers and Sailors

Click on the names below to read letters written by Black soldiers in the United States Colored Troops and Black sailors in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War

Editorial methods for the transcribed letter s

Private William C. Newark, 20 USCI

“Spartan,” a soldier from the 27th USCI

Capt. O.S.B. Wall, 104 USCI

There are also published sources that include the soldiers from
Black Civil War soldiers and veterans.

Grand Army of Black Men

Soldiers, you have lady friends in Cleveland

In the News: Oneonta Herald, February 10, 1864

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RIKERS ISLAND, Jan. 29, 1864.

SIR i must Tell you a little a bout the Camp a fairs & how thing Goes here last nite we had a mobe fite bee twixt the Clord & white But the ofesers sune stop it But if they had let the nigs goe they wood Not have benn a sun of the Eemeral Ile left here for the Colord Trupes at Rikers Island & i for my self am Just as well as Ever i was & As tuff But when i First a Rived i thought it hard but now i am Natueralised to the Camp Lif there is a Bout 2000 Colord troups here and one Ridgiment Will Leave sune that Is the 20 Ridg I thout Colord men wood not Make good Solgers but I was greatly mistaken For they are as fine as is here & learn Just as fast as the whites & More Promp & spunkey The wether is mild & warm Spring like Mine to the oneonte herald untill a Beter one or Beter ComPosed & more time i have got to bee a Coprill and will sune get to Bee a sarjant i make the Boys stand a Round as fare as my athorety.… Read more

In the News: Oneonta Herald, February 10, 1864 Read More »