Nineteenth Century Freedom Fighters, The 1st South Carolina Volunteers
by Bennie J. McRae Jr. (Author), Curtis M. Miller (Author), Cheryl Trowbridge-Miller (Author)
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (April 23, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0738524964
Family,

You need to get this book; for yourselves and your children!

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 vacillating 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 any school history curriculum. Highly recommended.
~~~
Go to the AfriGeneas Book Store to order.
http://astore.amazon.com/afrigeneascom

Go to WorldCat and find a nearby library that has a copy.
http://www.worldcat.org/isbn/0253336031

Peace,
"Guided by the Ancestors"
http://geder.wordpress.com