JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION June 17, 2006June 17, 2006Bedford, PABedford, PA

David E. BrownDavid E. BrownColumbia, MDColumbia, MDwww.5thuscc.netwww.5thuscc.net5thuscc@comcast.net5thuscc@comcast.net

My My Personal Personal DiscoveryDiscovery

Great-GreatGreat-GreatGrandfather’s photoGrandfather’s photoat Grandmother’sat Grandmother’sCivil War Documents found in 1990sCivil War Documents found in 1990sSearch of Internet - Civil War Soldier Search of Internet - Civil War Soldier and Sailors Projectand Sailors ProjectInterest in developing a web siteInterest in developing a web site

Private Samuel TruehartPrivate Samuel Truehart

Pre- war Pre- war – Born in Indiana in 1843Born in Indiana in 1843– Slave, according to muster roles Slave, according to muster roles – Married to Mary Elliott, also a slave, Married to Mary Elliott, also a slave,

in summer of 1864 in summer of 1864 War ServiceWar Service

– Mustered into 5Mustered into 5thth USCC at Camp USCC at Camp Nelson Kentucky on Sept. 12, 1864Nelson Kentucky on Sept. 12, 1864

– Likely participated in two raids on Likely participated in two raids on SaltvilleSaltville

– Mustered out in Arkansas in 1866Mustered out in Arkansas in 1866

Samuel TruehartSamuel Truehart

Post-warPost-war– Children born after war in KentuckyChildren born after war in Kentucky– Four children survived to adulthoodFour children survived to adulthood– Part exodus of Black Kentuckians to black Part exodus of Black Kentuckians to black

township - Nicodemus, Kansastownship - Nicodemus, Kansas– Lived in Acheson, Kansas and farmed Lived in Acheson, Kansas and farmed

land granted and purchased in Western land granted and purchased in Western KansasKansas

– Died August 12, 1897Died August 12, 1897– 160 acres of land in Graham County, 160 acres of land in Graham County,

Kansas still held by lone great-grand Kansas still held by lone great-grand daughterdaughter

History of African History of African Americans in the Civil Americans in the Civil War War

"Once let the black man get upon his "Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters, U.S., let him get person the brass letters, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pockets, his shoulder and bullets in his pockets, and there is no power on earth which can and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right to deny that he has earned the right to citizenship in the United States." - - citizenship in the United States." - - Frederick DouglassFrederick Douglass

These words moved many African These words moved many African Americans to enlist in the Union Army and Americans to enlist in the Union Army and fight for their freedom. fight for their freedom.

With With Abraham Lincoln'sAbraham Lincoln's issuance of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the Civil War became a war to save the union Civil War became a war to save the union and to abolish slavery. and to abolish slavery.

African Americans in African Americans in the Civil Warthe Civil War

On July 17, 1862, Congress passed two acts allowing On July 17, 1862, Congress passed two acts allowing the enlistment of African Americans,the enlistment of African Americans,

Official enrollment occurred only after the issuance of Official enrollment occurred only after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation the Emancipation Proclamation

Approximately 180,000 African Americans comprising Approximately 180,000 African Americans comprising 163 units served in the Union Army during the Civil 163 units served in the Union Army during the Civil War:War:– 1 LIGHT ARTILLERY REGIMENT 1 LIGHT ARTILLERY REGIMENT – 7 CAVALRY REGIMENTS 7 CAVALRY REGIMENTS – 13 HEAVY ARTILLERY REGIMENTS 13 HEAVY ARTILLERY REGIMENTS – 144 INFANTRY REGIMENTS 144 INFANTRY REGIMENTS

Both free African-Americans and runaway slaves Both free African-Americans and runaway slaves joined the fight. joined the fight.

Louisiana furnished 24,000 men; Kentucky - 23,000 Louisiana furnished 24,000 men; Kentucky - 23,000 men; Tennessee - 20,000 men; and Mississippi - men; Tennessee - 20,000 men; and Mississippi - 18,000 men. 18,000 men.

African African AmericansAmericans in the Civil War in the Civil War

Many white soldiers and officers believed that black Many white soldiers and officers believed that black men lacked the courage to fight and fight well. men lacked the courage to fight and fight well.

In October 1862, the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers In October 1862, the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers silenced critics by repulsing Confederates at battle of silenced critics by repulsing Confederates at battle of Island Mound, Missouri.Island Mound, Missouri.

Most widely known battle fought by African Americans Most widely known battle fought by African Americans was assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, by the was assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, by the 54th Massachusetts on July 18, 1863. 54th Massachusetts on July 18, 1863.

The 54th volunteered to lead the assault on the The 54th volunteered to lead the assault on the strongly-fortified Confederate position. strongly-fortified Confederate position.

The soldiers of the 54th scaled the fort's parapet and The soldiers of the 54th scaled the fort's parapet and were driven back after brutal hand-to-hand combat. were driven back after brutal hand-to-hand combat.

African AmericansAfrican Americans in the Civil War in the Civil War

The Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia The Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia became was one of the most heroic became was one of the most heroic engagements involving African Americans.engagements involving African Americans.

On September 29, 1864, the Eighteenth Corps, On September 29, 1864, the Eighteenth Corps, charged the earthworks and rushed up the charged the earthworks and rushed up the slopes of the heights. slopes of the heights.

During the hour-long engagement the division During the hour-long engagement the division suffered tremendous casualties. suffered tremendous casualties.

Of the sixteen African Americans who were Of the sixteen African Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, fourteen received the honor as a result of War, fourteen received the honor as a result of their actions at New Market Heights.their actions at New Market Heights.(Photo above is of Powhatan Beaty, First Sergeant 5(Photo above is of Powhatan Beaty, First Sergeant 5thth USCT who was USCT who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service at the Battle of New Market awarded the Medal of Honor for his service at the Battle of New Market

Heights)Heights)

History of African History of African Americans in the Civil Americans in the Civil WarWar

African American soldiers participated in every African American soldiers participated in every major campaign of 1864-1865 except major campaign of 1864-1865 except Sherman's invasion of Georgia. Sherman's invasion of Georgia.

The United States Colored Troops participated The United States Colored Troops participated in 449 engagements of which 39 were major in 449 engagements of which 39 were major battles battles

African American soldiers comprised 10% of African American soldiers comprised 10% of the entire Union Army the entire Union Army

Losses among African Americans were high, Losses among African Americans were high, approximately one-third of all African approximately one-third of all African Americans mustered lost their lives during the Americans mustered lost their lives during the Civil War. Civil War.

African American African American Civil War Civil War MemorialMemorial

Unveiled on July 18, 1998, the sculpture stands Unveiled on July 18, 1998, the sculpture stands ten feet tallten feet tall

The Spirit of Freedom sculpture is encircled by The Spirit of Freedom sculpture is encircled by the Wall of Honorthe Wall of Honor

The Wall of Honor lists the names of 209,145 The Wall of Honor lists the names of 209,145 United States Colored TroopsUnited States Colored Troops

The names include the 7,000 white officers who The names include the 7,000 white officers who served with USCTserved with USCT

First major art piece by a black sculptor to be First major art piece by a black sculptor to be placed on federal land in the District of Columbiaplaced on federal land in the District of Columbia

The African American Civil War MemorialThe Spirit of Freedom

My Initial Research in My Initial Research in 19961996

The Saltville MassacreThe Saltville Massacre by Thomas D. Mays, by Thomas D. Mays, published in 1995 by Ryan Place published in 1995 by Ryan Place Publishers, Publishers,

"The Battle of Saltville: Massacre or Myth?" "The Battle of Saltville: Massacre or Myth?" by William Marvel, August 1991 issue of by William Marvel, August 1991 issue of Blue and Gray Magazine / Blue and Gray Magazine / (Volume VIII, (Volume VIII, Number 6) Number 6)

The National Park Services’ Civil War The National Park Services’ Civil War Soldiers and Sailors ProjectSoldiers and Sailors Project

The InternetThe Internet

55thth United States United States Colored CavalryColored Cavalry

In early 1864, Union Gen. Stephen In early 1864, Union Gen. Stephen Burbridge, commander of Military District Burbridge, commander of Military District of Kentucky, authorized formation  of of Kentucky, authorized formation  of "colored" units comprised of freedmen, ex-"colored" units comprised of freedmen, ex-slaves, and slavesslaves, and slaves

On June 30, 1864, Adjutant General On June 30, 1864, Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas authorized officers of 5th Lorenzo Thomas authorized officers of 5th USCC to begin selecting recruits USCC to begin selecting recruits

Colonel James Brisbin, a well known Colonel James Brisbin, a well known abolitionist, became commander of 5abolitionist, became commander of 5thth USCC. USCC.

Many companies recruited at Camp Nelson, Many companies recruited at Camp Nelson, KentuckyKentucky

Nearly all recruits were former slavesNearly all recruits were former slaves

55thth United United States States Colored Colored CavalryCavalry Regiment was attached to the 1st Division, Regiment was attached to the 1st Division,

District of Kentucky, Dept. of Ohio until District of Kentucky, Dept. of Ohio until February 1865. February 1865.

They bravely participated in Burbridge's They bravely participated in Burbridge's Raid from Kentucky into Southwestern Raid from Kentucky into Southwestern Virginia from Sept. 20 to Oct. 17, 1864, Virginia from Sept. 20 to Oct. 17, 1864, during which they saw fierce action at during which they saw fierce action at Saltville, Virginia.Saltville, Virginia.

The regiment participated in Stoneman's The regiment participated in Stoneman's Raid December 10 to 29, which resulted in Raid December 10 to 29, which resulted in capture of Saltville and destruction of the capture of Saltville and destruction of the salt workssalt works

The unit was mustered out in Helena, The unit was mustered out in Helena, Arkansas on March 20, 1866.   Arkansas on March 20, 1866.  

The First The First Battle of Battle of SaltvilleSaltville

Regiment participated in Gen. Burbridge’s Raid Regiment participated in Gen. Burbridge’s Raid to capture saltworks before being organizedto capture saltworks before being organized

Troops were unprepared for battle, many Troops were unprepared for battle, many mustered just a few weeks before raidmustered just a few weeks before raid

Regiment was poorly equipped; issued rifles not Regiment was poorly equipped; issued rifles not suitable for shooting from horsebacksuitable for shooting from horseback

Ridiculed by white Union troops on way to Ridiculed by white Union troops on way to SaltvilleSaltville

Chosen to lead charge of Chestnut Ridge Oct. 2Chosen to lead charge of Chestnut Ridge Oct. 2 Took ridge, but were not reinforced and were Took ridge, but were not reinforced and were

forced to retreat when ammo was depletedforced to retreat when ammo was depleted

The First Battle of The First Battle of SaltvilleSaltville

Despite the outcome of the battle, their fellow Despite the outcome of the battle, their fellow soldiers lauded the performance of the 5th soldiers lauded the performance of the 5th USCC during the assault of Chestnut Ridge. USCC during the assault of Chestnut Ridge.

An officer of the 13th Kentucky Cavalry stated: An officer of the 13th Kentucky Cavalry stated: "never saw troops fight like they did. The rebels "never saw troops fight like they did. The rebels

were firing on them with grape and canister were firing on them with grape and canister and were mowing them down by the scores but and were mowing them down by the scores but

others kept straight on."others kept straight on." Col. Brisbin wrote:Col. Brisbin wrote: "I have seen white troops fight in twenty-seven "I have seen white troops fight in twenty-seven

battles and never saw any fight any betterbattles and never saw any fight any better

Saltville MassacreSaltville Massacre

After the battle, the wounded were abandoned After the battle, the wounded were abandoned on battlefieldon battlefield

Gen. Burbridge hightailed it to Kentucky for Gen. Burbridge hightailed it to Kentucky for his own safety fearing Confederate his own safety fearing Confederate reinforcementsreinforcements

Wounded and captured Black troops were Wounded and captured Black troops were murdered morning after by Confederate murdered morning after by Confederate troops led by Champ Ferguson, a confederate troops led by Champ Ferguson, a confederate guerilla, and Gen. Felix Robertsonguerilla, and Gen. Felix Robertson

Confederate reports of the day indicated over Confederate reports of the day indicated over 150 black troops were massacred 150 black troops were massacred

Perpetrators were sought by Confederate Perpetrators were sought by Confederate Government, but never capturedGovernment, but never captured

Ferguson was executed for war crimes after Ferguson was executed for war crimes after war for murder of white Union officer and war for murder of white Union officer and other crimesother crimes

Similar to events at Fort Pillow and Millken’s Similar to events at Fort Pillow and Millken’s BendBend

Conflicting AccountsConflicting Accounts

Historians to this day dispute the true Historians to this day dispute the true extent of the massacreextent of the massacre

Thomas Mays:Thomas Mays: "A conservative estimate is the "A conservative estimate is the number of black murdered at Saltville is forty-number of black murdered at Saltville is forty-six. These are the men listed and kept on the six. These are the men listed and kept on the rolls as MIAs (missing in action) until well after rolls as MIAs (missing in action) until well after the war."the war."

William Marvel: William Marvel: ""The remaining loss breaks The remaining loss breaks down as follows: 20 killed outright, 63 wounded, down as follows: 20 killed outright, 63 wounded, and 31 missing...By April of 1865, one white and 31 missing...By April of 1865, one white officer and 15 enlisted men had returned to officer and 15 enlisted men had returned to duty.”duty.”

Probing the MysteryProbing the Mystery

Conducted extensive Research at National Conducted extensive Research at National Archives, with help of four others. Reviewed: Archives, with help of four others. Reviewed: – Muster RollsMuster Rolls– Individual and Regimental Service RecordsIndividual and Regimental Service Records– Surgeon RecordsSurgeon Records– Pension RecordsPension Records

Undertook process of elimination to identify MIAsUndertook process of elimination to identify MIAs Duplicated research of historians, Marvel and Duplicated research of historians, Marvel and

Mays, and went further than eitherMays, and went further than either Revealed that at least 45 to 50 of men were Revealed that at least 45 to 50 of men were

never accounted for, presumed to have been never accounted for, presumed to have been murdered murdered 

This research affirmed Mays' conclusion. This research affirmed Mays' conclusion.

Additional ResearchAdditional Research

Examined service records of white Examined service records of white soldiers who witnessed massacre, and soldiers who witnessed massacre, and Ferguson’s trial transcript Ferguson’s trial transcript

Discovered Lt. George Cutler was witness Discovered Lt. George Cutler was witness not not CarterCarter

Marvel Responds: Marvel Responds: “ …“ …if I only a few of them proved to be if I only a few of them proved to be

victims -- say 24, instead of my 12 -- it victims -- say 24, instead of my 12 -- it would still increase my earlier would still increase my earlier calculations by a significant proportion.”calculations by a significant proportion.”   

Saltville RecognitionSaltville Recognition

First recognition ceremony held on October 2, First recognition ceremony held on October 2, 1999 1999

First tribute to fallen men of 5First tribute to fallen men of 5thth & 6 & 6thth USCC USCC Consecration of ground & “funeral” 134 years Consecration of ground & “funeral” 134 years

after the massacreafter the massacre Luminaries lit for each of the fallenLuminaries lit for each of the fallen Ceremonies held each year since organized by Ceremonies held each year since organized by

residents of Saltville and nearby Bluefield, WVresidents of Saltville and nearby Bluefield, WV 54th Massachusetts, white Union, and 54th Massachusetts, white Union, and

Confederate Reenactors have participatedConfederate Reenactors have participated Memorial statute being commissionedMemorial statute being commissioned NASA aerial images of Saltville using specialized NASA aerial images of Saltville using specialized

equipment mounted on a DC-8 and a modified U-equipment mounted on a DC-8 and a modified U-2 spy plane to locate mass burial site2 spy plane to locate mass burial site

www.5thuscc.netwww.5thuscc.net

History of 5History of 5thth USCC USCC Battle SummariesBattle Summaries Complete Regimental RosterComplete Regimental Roster Bio of my ancestorBio of my ancestor Analysis of the Massacre and the Analysis of the Massacre and the

Conflicting AccountsConflicting Accounts Table detailing and contrasting all Table detailing and contrasting all

archival records reviewedarchival records reviewed Documents & PhotosDocuments & Photos Accounts of Annual TributeAccounts of Annual Tribute Recent News CoverageRecent News Coverage

Reactions to web siteReactions to web site

Researching history - what is the Researching history - what is the truthtruth

Racist responses to web siteRacist responses to web site Neo-confederates - denial of Neo-confederates - denial of

massacresmassacres

Recent Media Coverage in:Recent Media Coverage in:

Atlanta Journal ConstitutionAtlanta Journal Constitution Roanoke Times Roanoke Times Richmond Times DispatchRichmond Times Dispatch Southern Exposure MagazineSouthern Exposure Magazine The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Other ImpactsOther Impacts

Mays and Marvel have Mays and Marvel have incorporated findings in new incorporated findings in new works (Truehart photo in “Black works (Truehart photo in “Black Soldiers in Blue”)Soldiers in Blue”)

Descendants found information; Descendants found information; posted their ancestor’s biosposted their ancestor’s bios

Artist inspired to render paintingArtist inspired to render painting Website used in college and high Website used in college and high

school history curriculaschool history curricula Attention focused on locating the Attention focused on locating the

mass gravesmass graves

Members of the 5th USCC Listed as Members of the 5th USCC Listed as Missing in Action After the Battle of Missing in Action After the Battle of

Saltville Saltville and Still Unaccountedand Still Unaccounted

Anderson, JeffersonAnderson, Jefferson Baker, WilliamBaker, William Bedford, HenryBedford, Henry Black, JosephBlack, Joseph Blackmore, Peter Blackmore, Peter  Bradford, FrankBradford, Frank Brown, JeffersonBrown, Jefferson Brown, LewisBrown, Lewis

Browning, HenryBrowning, Henry Chinn, JohnChinn, John Cissell, CharlesCissell, Charles Cissell, William Cissell, William  Clay, John Clay, John  Clay, GeorgeClay, George Clay, John Will,Clay, John Will, Crutcher, AndrewCrutcher, Andrew Downing, HenryDowning, Henry Dunn, William Dunn, William Dunston, NoahDunston, Noah Finch, PeterFinch, Peter

Fox, WileyFox, Wiley Garry, William Garry, William  Gordon, PhillipGordon, Phillip Griffen, PerryGriffen, Perry Grigsby, Richard Grigsby, Richard  Grigsby, GeorgeGrigsby, George Hammond, GeorgeHammond, George Harriman, JacksonHarriman, Jackson Harris, SamuelHarris, Samuel Harrison, SamuelHarrison, Samuel Hicks, DavidHicks, David Hunter, John Hunter, John  Jackson, ThomasJackson, Thomas James, JamesJames, James Jefferson, AndrewJefferson, Andrew Johnston, BenjaminJohnston, Benjamin Leach/Lirch/Leich, JuliusLeach/Lirch/Leich, Julius Lewis, GeorgeLewis, George Lewis, JamesLewis, James

Martin, WilliamMartin, William Martin, ZachariahMartin, Zachariah Mason, Robert Mason, Robert  Massey, JosephMassey, Joseph Miller, Samuel/Saul Miller, Samuel/Saul  Money, JosephMoney, Joseph Neal, DudleyNeal, Dudley Robinson, SamuelRobinson, Samuel Scott, King Scott, King  Scott, LowrieScott, Lowrie Seals, AlexanderSeals, Alexander Simpson, Isiah Simpson, Isiah  Sloan/Slown, Sloan/Slown,

ThomasThomas Smith, JohnSmith, John Smithson, James TSmithson, James T Taylor, JamesTaylor, James Thomas, GrantThomas, Grant Thompson AlbertThompson Albert Tutt/Trott, Peter Tutt/Trott, Peter  Williams, JamesWilliams, James

U.S. Government’s U.S. Government’s ResponsibilityResponsibility

55thth USCC MIAs never officially accounted for USCC MIAs never officially accounted for No concerted effort to investigate the incident or No concerted effort to investigate the incident or

recover the fallen soldiers during or after the warrecover the fallen soldiers during or after the war Current reluctance to determine site of mass Current reluctance to determine site of mass

burialburial Park Service concerns about “disturbing burial Park Service concerns about “disturbing burial

grounds”grounds” Men of the 5Men of the 5thth USCC were not buried by their USCC were not buried by their

families, but unceremoniously dumped in mass families, but unceremoniously dumped in mass grave by their murderers (Kosovo)grave by their murderers (Kosovo)

The U.S. Government, for which they were killed The U.S. Government, for which they were killed serving, owes them no less for their sacrificeserving, owes them no less for their sacrifice

For more information:For more information:

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