2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
A truly historic African-American related Civil War document being, a large folio, double sided, partly-printed, regimental muster roll for, Co. I, 1st Louisiana Corps de Afrique Volunteer Infantry (73rd U. S. C. T.), Port Hudson, La., for the period from June 30 to Aug. 31, 1863. Arguably, one of the first all-Black military units organized to fight for the cause of their freedom and preservation of the Union. In July 1862, the First Louisiana Corps de Afrique was organized by General Godfrey Weitzel in New Orleans. He found his volunteers among the huge number of runaway slaves that filled Federal lines near the newly captured Southern port. They fought gallantly at the battle of Port Hudson, La. during that city's siege on May 27, 1863. While storming the Confederate fortifications on that day Company suffered over ten killed! A huge price to pay and but for this muster roll will be mostly forgotten. Aside from the nineteen (19) men listed as killed there are five (5) "diserions," and discharges plus one resignation that reduced the company about seventy. Most of the enlisted men (runaway slaves) sign with "his mark." The unit's equipment is shown as "very much worn," while the arms are "fair," and clothing is "badly worn." Signed and made official by Lieut. Col. Chauncey J. Barrett [promoted colonel who was KIA onboard U. S. Transport "City Belle," Red River campaign, May 3, 1864] and the company's commander. Captain Edward Carter. Also, mentioned are three servants, each named black men to the officers of the company. War-date mending at fold splits, toned with minor soiling, else VG.
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