Synopses & Reviews
Formed in 1866, the African-American army units known as Buffalo Soldiers acquired near-mythical status for their fortitude and courage. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Buffalo Soldiers were among the first units to depart for Cuba. Dr. T. G. Steward, who served as chaplain of the Twenty-fifth Infantry for 16 years, wrote this fascinating firsthand account of the Cuban campaign.
Dr. Steward's narrative offers a wide-ranging view of black military history that covers the beginning of the Republic as well as the service of black regulars. Captivating episodes from the Spanish-American War include the rescue of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the capture of the stone fort at El Caney, and service by black infantrymen as volunteer nurses in the yellow fever camps. Additional gripping firsthand testimony is provided by long excerpts from the diary of Sergeant Major Edward L. Baker of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, who was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Formed in 1866, the African-American army units known as Buffalo Soldiers acquired near-mythical status for their fortitude and courage. This history by a chaplain of the Twenty-fifth Infantry includes firsthand accounts of the Spanish-American War, including the rescue of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, as well as an overview of African-American participation in prior wars and conflicts.
Synopsis
Based on the future President's diary from the Spanish-American War, this bestselling 1899 memoir abounds in scenes of patriotic valor and pointed observations on McKinley's War Department. Colonel Roosevelt presents a spirited chronicle of the First United States Volunteer Cavalry's bloody battles in Cuba against deeply entrenched Spanish forces.
Synopsis
Based on the future President's diary from the Spanish-American War, this bestselling 1899 memoir abounds in scenes of patriotic valor and pointed observations on McKinley's War Department. Colonel Roosevelt presents a spirited chronicle of the First United States Volunteer Cavalry's bloody battles in Cuba against deeply entrenched Spanish forces.
Synopsis
Based on a pocket diary from the Spanish-American War, this tough-as-nails 1899 memoir abounds in patriotic valor and launched the future President into the American consciousness.
Synopsis
With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Theodore Roosevelt resigned his post as assistant secretary of the navy to recruit the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. The legendary Rough Riders and#8212; an unlikely combination of cowboys, frontiersmen, Native Americans, African-Americans, and Ivy League alumni and#8212; trained in Texas before shipping off to Cuba. The regiment met their enemy in the tropical summer heat, fighting rain, mud, and malaria as well as the Spanish Army. Their battles climaxed with the assault on San Juan Hill, where Colonel Roosevelt rallied his troops to charge through a hail of gunfire to victory.
From Roosevelt's own pocket diary comes this gripping account of the Rough Riders' heroism. Published to instant acclaim in 1899, the year after the regiment's triumphant return from Cuba, it solidified the author's popularity and helped pave his way to the White House. A revealing personal memoir as well as a compelling historical narrative, it offers spirited, informative, and essential reading for every lover of true-life adventures.
Synopsis
This history by a chaplain of the Twenty-fifth Infantry includes firsthand accounts of the Spanish-American War as well as an overview of African-American contributions to prior wars and conflicts.
Synopsis
This book — originally a series of essays — was written by a Union colonel from New England, in charge of black troops training off the coast of the Carolinas. It offers a refreshing portrait of life in the Union Army as the narrator captures the raw humor that develops among the men in combat.
Synopsis
Union officer's lively, detailed wartime diary captures the raw humor that develops among the men in combat and paints unforgettable pictures of soldiers, routines of camp life, and southern landscapes.
Synopsis
"Army Life in a Black Regiment has some claim to be the best written narrative to come from the Union [side] during the Civil War. Higginson's picture of the battle which was the origin of "praise the Lord and pass the ammunition" and his reading of the Emancipation Proclamation to the black regiment are unsurpassed for eloquence." — historian Henry Steele Commager
Originally a series of essays, this important volume was written by a Union colonel from New England, in charge of African-American troops training on the Sea Islands off the coast of the Carolinas. A lively and detailed wartime diary, the book offers a refreshing portrait of life in the Union Army from an officer's point of view, recording opinions of other commanders and capturing the raw humor that develops among the men in combat. Higginson's descriptions of the soldiers, routines of camp life, and southern landscapes are unforgettable, as is the account of his near escape from a cannon ball.
An unusual historical document intended to introduce new generations of readers to an American past that should not be forgotten, Army Life in a Black Regiment will be invaluable to students of Black History and the American Civil War.
About the Author
Theophilus Gould Steward (1843-1924) was an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and chaplain to the Twenty-fifth U.S. Colored Infantry. For 17 years he was a Professor of History, French, and Logic at Wilberforce University.
Table of Contents
I. Raising the Regiment
II. To Cuba
III. General Young's Fight at Las Guasimas
IV. The Cavalry at Santiago
V. In the Trenches
VI. The Return Home
APPENDICES:
A. Muster-Out Roll
B. Colonel Roosevelt's Report to the Secretary of War of September 10th
C. The "Round Robin" Letter
D. Corrections