Description:

BLACK SOLDIERS IN UNIFORM PROHIBITED
(FITZ JOHN PORTER) (1822-1901) Union major general who fought at Second Bull Run and Antietam. He was later accused by Pope of disobedience and court-martialed from the army. Manuscript document bearing Porter's secretarial signature as Colonel of the 15th Infantry, 1p. 4to., "Headquarters, Department of Pa., Martinsburg, Va.," July 11, 1861, relaying the orders of General Pattison prohibiting Black soldiers from wearing the uniform of the United States Army. In full: "Members of the army have permitted Negroes to be dressed in the uniform of the army. This is prohibited and every officer is called upon to put an end to such a degradation, and guards are directed to take from Negroes, uniforms of the army". A very early reference to Blacks, in this case most likely laborers, in military uniform. The notion of Blacks under arms was considered anathema in both North and South at the start of the Civil War, yet just one year later, on July 17, 1862, Congress would pass two acts allowing for the enlistment of African Americans and actual enlistment began following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in the fall of 1862. During the Civil War, approximately 180,000 African Americans served in the Union Army and figured prominently at Fort Wagner, Port Hudson among other engagements. Usual folds, else fine condition. Note: this is a mystery piece and may or may not belong to Bill.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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