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Blacks soldiers and civilians during the American Revolution
Liberty to Slaves Blacks soldiers and civilians during the American Revolution
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The American Revolution, 1775-1783
Black soldiers fought with both the British and American armies About 5000 Blacks enlisted with the American army during the war Initially, neither side recruited black soldiers British commanders preferred professional soldiers Americans commanders were unwilling to use slaves
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The Battles of Lexington and Concord
19 April 1775 First battle of the war A dozen blacks fought in it Blacks fought in other early battles Blacks fought in state militias Blacks barred from Continental Army
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Slaves in the British Army
British offer slaves freedom and land Lord Dunmore freed slaves willing to serve 300 Blacks enlisted The “Ethiopian Regiment.” “Liberty to Slaves” Spies, informants, and couriers
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Slaves in the American Army
Northern states first to recruit Black soldiers New England states allow slaves to enlist on their own ◆ Owners were compensated at public expense. New York freed slaves who enlisted in the army ◆ Owners were given land as compensation Maryland and Virginia enlisted slaves Georgia and South Carolina refused to arm slaves ◆ Whites offered slaves as an incentive to enlist Slaves allowed to substitute for their masters ◆ except in Georgia and South Carolina
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Slave recruits offered several advantages
Enlisted for the duration of the war Slaves were less likely to desert
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Blacks in the Continental (National) Army
In the Continental Army begins to enlist Blacks Most who served came from New England. By July 1778 each brigade averaged about 42 Black soldiers Units were integrated. Two Black soldiers crossed the Delaware with Washington All Black units emerged “The Bucks of America”
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Most Blacks in the army and militia served as . . .
■ Drummers ■ fifers ■ trumpeters ■ Orderlies ■ guides ■ cooks ■ Pilots on waterways ■ teamsters ■ Artisans ■ Pioneers
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Blacks in the American Navy
Blacks always welcomed in the Navy About 2000 blacks in Continental Navy Blacks also served in state navies
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Blacks escape during the war
Maryland and Virginia – 5000 escaped South Carolina -- 25,000 escaped Georgia -- 75% of all slaves escaped 20,000 left with the British after the war Some were taken to freedom Others sold into slavery
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