Sharon, Tom and Others,

Has anyone run across any document indicating whether or not the Black Regulars during the 1800s and early 1900s considered the term "Buffalo Soldier" derogatory or a term of honor?

Reason for the query -- A few years ago I assisted a friend in researching and retrieving records at the National Archives on numerous soldiers who served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, ie; service, pension, and unit records. The term "Buffalo Soldier" or "Buffalo Soldiers" was never listed on any of the numerous records I reviewed, not even on the narratives written by some of the Non-commissioned officers. Some of these documents were dated as late as 1912-1915.

The depositions/affidavits by others usually stated, "he was a soldier in the 10th Cavalry" or "he served in the 10th Cavalry", etc.

By the way I have heard five or six versions of how the name "Buffalo Soldiers" came about.

Bennie