The Union
Colored Regiments from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania got their “Grand Review”
November 14th 1865 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Most Union
troops paraded through Washington, DC on May 23rd and 24th
1865 in front of dignitaries and citizen in a “Grand Review of the Armies”. There were however about 180,000 soldiers
missing, the United States Colored Troops.
The black
soldiers who had served in regiments formed in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania
gathered for a “Grand Review” of their own in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania November
14th 1865. A prominent
resident and recruiter of Colored Troops, Thomas Morris Chester was the grand
marshal for the parade. The troops
marched through the main streets of Harrisburg; the capital of Pennsylvania, to
the home of Senator Simon Cameron. Cameron,
who was an abolitionist and advocate for raising black soldiers, delivered the
speech in their honor. He said, “I
cannot let this opportunity pass without thanking the African soldiers for the
compliment they have paid me, but more than all to thank them for the great
service which they have been to their country in the terrible rebellion. Like
all other men, you have your destinies in your own hands, and if you continue
to conduct yourselves hereafter as you have in the struggle, you will have all
the rights you ask for, all the rights that belong to human beings.” There were letters read from those who
couldn’t attend, including Union General Benjamin F Butler, who wrote, I
“witnessed…[African American soldiers’] bravery and good conduct on the
battle-field, and, above all, their devotion and unswerving loyalty to the flag
and government.”
It was
reported that about 7,000 Colored soldiers attended the “Grand Review”. It ended with a grand ball held for the
soldiers.
2 comments:
Inconceivable points. Sound arguments. Keep going the truly amazing work.Gettysburg Museum of History
Thanks.
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