Contributions Made by Black NCOs from the American Revolution to the Civil War
Abstract
The First Rhode Island regiment was the first all-Black unit in America. The regiment assembled into service in July of that year they numbered 197 Black enlisted men commanded by white officers. The regiment saw further service, including Yorktown. At Yorktown, on the night of October 14, 1781, they took part in the assault and capture of Redoubt 10. The First Rhode Island was disbanded in 1783 when Congress decided to consolidate all regiments with less than 500 men and the state refused to spend additional recruiting money. Unfortunately, unlike their white counterparts, these Black American soldiers did not receive any compensation for their service after the war. Some Americans realized the irony of enslaved Blacks fighting under the banner of the Declaration of Independence. As Henry Laurens of South Carolina stated, "I am not one of those who dare trust in Providence for defense and security of their own liberty while they enslave and wish to continue in slavery thousands who are as well entitled to freedom as themselves." In 1778, the Black elite First Rhode Island defeated three assaults by British troops at the battle of Rhode Island Newport.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 14, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1140177
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy