Tag «African American Soldiers»

Battle of Groton Heights and Massacre of Fort Griswold’s Garrison

Also known as the Battle of Fort Griswold, the last major engagement of the American Revolution in the north was on September 6th, 1781, between mostly Connecticut militia under Colonel William Ledyard and professional soldiers and loyalists under the command of turncoat British Brigadier General Benedict Arnold. After a courageous defense of Fort Griswold, which …

Black Hessians: German Troops Enlisted Former African American Slaves in the American Revolution

Champer Ederson was an African American soldier from Rhode Island.  In January 1779, during the American Revolution, he enlisted in the Fifth Company of the Hessian Knyphausen Regiment, serving as a drummer.  When the British and Hessian troops abandoned Rhode Island in October, 1779, he sailed with them to New York City.  He would not …

African Americans in the American Revolution: Dragoon John Redman

Colonel Tye photo by Ken Bohrer

Revolutonary War Journal is published by Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. John Redman was no different than any other farmer who enlisted in the Continental Army. He was among thousands who fought for what he believed in. For over three years, he and others of …

African American Soldiers in the American Revolution – A Brief History

By Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. We all have seen the pictures and portrayals of Continental soldiers struggling with disease and malnutrition during the severe winter at Valley Forge – sacrificing all for liberty.And always, it is a white army that gazes up …

African Americans in the American Revolution: Boyrereau Brinch’s Breathtaking Battle with British Dragoons

Boyrereau Brinch, also known as Jeffrey Brace, left an account of his experiences and exploits as a light infantryman in General George Washington’s army. In this incredible excerpt of his memoirs, Brinch was confronted by a British Dragoon or horse-soldier. A desperate hand to hand struggle ensued in which he parleyed saber strokes with the …

African Americans in the American Revolution: Austin Dabney’s Astonishing Bravery

At the start of the American Revolutionary War, colonies scrambled to enlist men to fight. The northern states readily accepted African Americans in their ranks. Slavery was common throughout the colonies including the northern provinces. New York City had the greatest slave population than any other city and Rhode Island had the highest percentage of …

African Americans in the American Revolution: Black Patriots in the Continental Army

Josiah Book 1     &     Josiah’s Mettle Book 2         Shades of Liiberty is a new action and adventure historical fiction series that chronicles African Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War. Josiah is a blacksmith and runaway slave from Newport, Rhode Island. He, along with other escaped slaves, Scipio and Jeb, forged their marks to …

African Americans in the American Revolution: Plymouth County Roster of Soldiers

African Americans who Fought in the Revolutionary War From Plymouth County, Massachusetts Taken from recruiting documents in the collection of the Pilgrim Society.  Compiled by Jeremy D. Bangs in 1996, visiting curator of Manuscripts, Pilgrim Hall Museum. Silas Accro, age 29, from Plymouth, Col. Theo. Cotton’s regimentPero Blakely, age 28, from Bridgewater, Maj. Cary’s regimentWilliam …