Treasures from the SFC: Recruiting Black Soldiers for Continental Service

"I am sorry that the raising of the black Corps, hung in suspense when you last wrote; but hope, if your assembly then about to sit adopted the measure, it is now in a degree of forwardness and may be useful to the public cause..."

While the Civil War is known for its regiments of African-American volunteers in Federal service, similar attempts were made during the Revolution. One of the lesser known, but perhaps most important as a precursor for what would come later, was Col John Laurens' attempt to raise a regiment of slaves for service in the defense of South Carolina. The son of Henry Laurens, the famous South Carolina politician and president of the Second Continental Congress, John Laurens first argued that African slaves should be armed and outfitted for the defense of South Carolina after the British seized Savannah, Georgia, in December 1778. From this base, Royal troops could easily mount expeditions against Charleston, one of the most vital American ports. In 1779, a small force of British regulars penetrated the South Carolinian defenses and almost made it to Charleston before being forced to turn back. In the face of this threat, the South Carolina legislature seriously considered the measure of arming slaves, but never adopted it. Laurens continued to revise and update his plans while campaigning for an African-American regiment until his death in battle later in 1782. For the full text of this letter, the original of which is part of the Sol Feinstone Collection, please read below. For more information on African-American troops in the Southern theatre, please see Three Peoples, One King by Jim Piecuch. Our thanks go to Library intern David Niescior for transcribing this letter.

WPT III

Sol Feinstone Collection No. 2198

George Washington to John Laurens, Philadelphia 22 March 1782

Transcribed by David Niescior February 2012

                                                                                                             Phil^a 22^d March 1782

My dear Laurens,

                               Your order in favor of Genl. Lincoln is paid- and I shall, with great pleasure, pay the further sum which may be due for the articles you brought from France for me, when called upon.-

            I am sorry that the raising of the black Corps, hung in suspense when you last wrote; but hope, if your assembly then about to sit adopted the measure, it is now in a degree of forwardness and may be useful to the public cause

__We have had such frequent reports of the evacuation of Charles Town, corroborated by Circumstances & latterly by ideas in the Parliamentary debate, even from the Minister, that little doubt seems to be entertained by people in this quarter of the measures taking place. __the Capture of S^t Kitts & the enemy’s fears for Jamaica, would, certainly have facilitated this event if the disaster of [illegible Do Eachin?] fleet, & consequent delay & disappointment [pg1] does not give them fresh spirit & produce some change in their system.

             I am within half an hour of setting off for the army in the h^o River, & surrounded with Visitors. I can only add therefore, & I do it with much truth, that

I am

            D^r Sir

                        Y^r most Obed^t &

                             Affect^t  H^ble Serv^t

                                    G^o Washington

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