Enslavement to
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The United States Colored Troops
acquitted themselves with distinction
From Algernon Ward, November 19, 2006
Dear Brothers In Arms,
Once again the United States Colored Troops acquitted
themselves with distinction in the two events where
they participated. At the Trenton Thanksgiving Parade
the 6th Regiment was joined by their loyal comrades
from the 22nd Regiment, Sgt. Rashid Khan, Cpls. Brian
Daniels and Charles Harris whose son accompanied him.
The Trenton Thanksgiving parade was marked by the
inclusion of several new cadets recruited by Pvt. Leon
Brooks that swelled the ranks offering a good portent
for the future of the 6th Regiment.
At the Gettysburg National Civil War Cemetery
where members of the 3rd, 6th and 22nd Regiments with
Miss Teretha Jones and Malcolm of the Contraband
Relief Society in support, rallied to render honors to
the two African American Civil War soldiers buried
there. You will also be pleased to know that Joe
Becton, as usual, captivated the assemblage with his
stirring words. Reverend Ezekiel Bey evoked the
blessings of a merciful God on the souls of the
gallant men buried there. To complete the tableau,
none other than Mr. Frederick Douglass, that peerless
abolitionist, reminded us all that freedom is never
given, it is taken by those who are willing to strike
a blow. All in all, I am happy to report that another
weekend has seen the members of the United States
Colored Troops continuing to "tell the story" in their
own inimical way. I am,
Yours truly,
Sgt.Ward - 6th Regiment USCT
Reply from Charles Hawley:
Algernon, you and your folks certainly did a
great job on Sunday. These old bones just couldn t
make it back to participate with you. We had a
spectacular time on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed
the camaraderie with all involved.
Charles (Ben) Hawley
Private, B Company, 54th Mass Vol Inf Reg
Washington, DC
www.54thmass.org