Nineteenth Century Freedom Fighters: The 1st South Carolina Volunteers

by Bennie J. McRae Jr., Curtis M. Miller, Cheryl Trowbridge-Miller, et al.

The 1st South Carolina Volunteers, later the 33rd United States Colored Troops, were the first black unit of the Civil War. Preceding the famous 54th Massachusetts--seen in the film Glory--by one... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738524964
• ISBN13: 9780738524962
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.6" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Found! A Vital Historical Link!

Never before has such a vital historical link in American History been connected. Nineteen Century Freedon Fighters: The 1st South Carolina Volunteers documents the first participation of African American troops in the Civil War. This story has long been a blank page in American History books. The authors, MCrae, Miller, and Towbridge-Miller so movingly presented little known facts through vivid first person accounts and even photographs that captured the determination of exslaves who dared to fight for freedom. The book is packed with insights and "strait shooting facts" that the reader will find new and indeed captivating.

A necessary addition to the story of Black Civil War Service

by: Sharon Heist The small size of this volume should not deter anyone from its purchase. Valuable for the many National archives photos alone, the words of Charles Trowbridge make it a gem. My interest in the USCT began several years ago, with the Department of the South. As I learned more of General David Hunter, Colonel T. W. Higginson, and Lt. Col. Trowbridge and the men who served under them, there was no doubt that I would need to learn much more of these soldiers. That early research has become a quest to tell the stories of the USCT through the voices of the men themselves. This book has added a valuable piece to that history, a new primary source to enlighten us all. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to learn more of the real history that effects us all. History is best told in the words of the players, and having diary and personal experiences told here are a facet that has been missing from much Civil War literature, and especially that of the Black soldiers

The past is an amazing place

This book is a perfect antidote for people who think history is boring. This brief, dramatically illustrated volume opens up a whole unknown world of courageous ex-slaves fighting bravely and brilliantly not just against a slave-holding enemy, but a Federal Government often indifferent to their fate. The historical narrative and the reprinted first person accounts are vivid pieces of reportage and memory.

19th Century Freedom Fighters: The 1st SC Volunteers

This book was interesting and a wonderful find for a History Buff!

Poignant Accounting of 1st Black military unit of the Civil War

This is one of those quiet books that's easy to read and digest. At the heart of this text is Lieutenant Colonel Charles Tyler Trowbridge, commanding officer of the 33rd United States Colored Troops - the first Black unit of the civil war. Initially called The 1st South Carolina Volunteers, this unit preceded the 54th Massachusetts, of film 'Glory' fame, by one year. You learn about an emancipation proclamation declared by Major-General David Hunter; only to be repudiated by none other than Abraham Lincoln! Through Trowbridge's ".. anecdotal memoir.." we experience a vascillating federal government not sure what to do with Blacks who are willing and able to fight for the Union. The middle of the book (pgs. 35-97) contains photographs that tells the story of the Civil War as well as any text. Part two of the book begins " On March 3 1865, Congress establishes the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands". Lt. Col. Charles Trowbridge and his regiment of the 33rd USCT were assigned to provide military support to Freedman's Bureau activity in South Carolina. His recounting of the incidents and dangers faced by himself and others will send chills through you. At 127 pages, including the photographs, you could read this book in one sitting. You may find yourself re-reading it, as I did. This book should easily find its way into school history curriculums. Highly recommended. Peace, "Guided by the Ancestors" [...]