The following report was submitted by a student in the Research History Class at Washington Senior High School, Washington Court House, Ohio. The student researched further and identified Richard Gray, landsman as being of African descent along with the contraband, James Haywood. Research is continuing to determine if any of the wounded were of African descent.

The instructor stated that one student has been assigned this unique project which will be ongoing throughout the 2003/04 school year. The student will focus on identifying Union sailors of African descent who served on the Mississippi River during and after the Siege of Vicksburg.

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REPORT
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U.S.S. Pittsburg, April 30, 1863

SIR: I have the honor to report the following list of casualties occurring on board this vessel during the engagement at Grand Gulf April 29, 1863:

Killed. --- John Carroll, captain forecastle; Richard Gray, landsman; William Springer, marine; Gotlieb Stinger, marine; Absolom E. Leffier, marine; James Haywood, contraband.

Wounded. --- James Ovatt, master's mate, slightly; James Kehoe, seaman, severely; Austin Fowler, seaman, severly; John Scott seaman, severely; Alex. Smith, seaman, slightly; Charles Strand, sea­man, slightly; Robert.Hartly, seaman, slightly; Fred Kruse, seaman, slightly; J. Fartiz, marine, amputated leg; A.Westenberger, marine, severely; D.. Hufford, marine, slightly; Addison Deets, marine, slightly.

Respectfully, F. M. Follett,

Acting Assistant Surgeon.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wm. R. Hoel,
Commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg.

SOURCE: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion

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Richard H. Gray

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Place of Birth - New Haven, Connecticut
Age - 18
Complexion - Mulatto
Occupation - Blacksmith
Height - 5'6"

NAVAL SERVICE

Place of Enlistment - New London, Connecticut
Date of Enlistment - July 27, 1862
Term of Enlistment - 1
Rating - Landsman

DETAILED MUSTER RECORDS

December 31, 1862 - Pittsburgh
March 31, 1863 - Pittsburgh

SOURCE: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System (A Howard University Research Project)

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No further information on the contraband, James Haywood.