This is a Re-post of an earlier thread and my first contribution for peer critique and/or discussion. I would greatly appreciate if you could give refs for facts as you understand them. If you opione please state so. Anything really outlandish will probably be vigorously debated. Unless you have the map for the lost CSA gold … if so count me in!
OTC
Spotsy CH
The First United States Colored Troops (USCT) Engagements North of the James : Alrich Farm and Salem Church in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
by
R. R. Hamilton (pen name).
Abstract: The purpose of this brief paper is to document and present a mystery regarding the USCT 23rd. This was an all-black soldier unit within the USA army, and how they purported themselves in two engagements after the Battle of the Wilderness.
All rights are reserved. Brief excerpts and references are okay if properly cited.
The United States Civil War (USCW-1861-1865) was a time of significant technological change and an attempt to sew a nation's social and cultural fabric together– torn asunder by major differences.
As the war raged on, United States of America (USA) President Abraham Lincoln decided to move with a bold announcement to the nation and the world. Slave power was the cruel currency that fueled a significant part of the South's agrarian economy. Early civil rights proponents like the powerful orator Frederick Douglas and a courageous small black woman (Harriet Tubman) inspired the USA and, at last, the President acted.
The Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, acknowledged the nation's enormous moral and ethical stain. This seminal moment proclaimed freedom and liberty for all, regardless of color. By freeing the enslaved Black people - who had suffered centuries of suffering and oppression in America - Lincoln was, in effect, breaking up the inhuman plantations (feudal manor-like system) that were fueling the Confederate States of America (CSA). Military activities in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and the infamous Sherman's March to the Sea in Georgia are just two examples of this effort.
James M. McPherson describes Lincoln's actions in this matter, writing: "…Lincoln had decided to issue an emancipation proclamation, and so he informed his cabinet on that same day, July 22. Two months would pass before he actually issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, after the Union military victory at Antietam."
As with many problems and issues, Lincoln wasted nothing. Not only was the Emancipation Proclamation (Final version January 1, 1863) the right thing to do; it was also a political plus to bolster his chances in the 1864 election and fend off any possible physical assistance to the CSA from overseas – notably Great Britain. One hears Lincoln's further views on the need for the proclamation through a quote from McPherson: "…Lincoln had become convinced, as he told the cabinet, that 'slaves were undeniably an element of strength to those
who had their service, and we must decide whether that element should be with us or against us…?'"
Freedom at last! This was not an immediate reality for those who continued to labor under oppression in the South, but a renewed sense of the Black race's dignity and pride swelled. Young and older Black men volunteered to serve in the USA military and to help liberate they're not so fortunate folks in the South.
The 23rd USCT and Pre-Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse
These were not symbolic volunteers but became a critical and vital need for the USA. McPherson notes: "…organized around Lincoln's slow but inexorable steps toward emancipation, 'hard war,' and the eventual mobilizations of 300,000 black laborers and soldiers to work and fight for the Union. Without them, the North might not have prevailed, as Lincoln himself acknowledged on more than one occasion."
The 23rd USCT appears dramatically on the scene in the opening moments of the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. Led by white officers and under the command of Brigadier General Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, Fourth Division, Independent IX Corp and inspired by their color Sergeant Nimrod Burke, they arrive in their first appearance and save the day in support of Ohio cavalry.
Steward T. Henderson (the USCW Expert/Black Historian/Author/Reenactor on the 23rd ) writes: of the unit's history:" In January 1864, General Ambrose E. Burnside was asked to reorganize the IX Corps. He asked for and was granted permission by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, to form a division of "colored troops."
Henderson further writes: "The men of the 23rd were recruited in Washington, D.C. and trained at Camp Casey, Virginia, located near the area where the Pentagon is today. A lot of these soldiers were free men and ex-slaves from Virginia, several from Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Orange, and Caroline. Sgt. Burke was from Prince William."
Other members included Peter Churchwell, Andrew Weaver, and Abraham Tuckson.
Henderson describes the Corp structure this way: "…The regiments were divided into two brigades: the first brigade was made up by the 27th, 30th, 39th, and 43rd USCT; the second brigade was made up by the 30th Connecticut Colored Infantry (only 4 companies), 19th, and 23rd USCT. Later in May, the 30th Connecticut was merged into the 31st USCT, which had joined the second brigade. In late June, the 28th and 29th USCT regiments were added to the second brigade. These regiments came from all across the North, from Illinois to Connecticut and the east from New York to Virginia."
The need for these men became even more critical as the USA's effort accelerated under Generals Grant and Sherman's attempt to break the back of the CSA both figuratively and literally. After that, more of everything came for the USA, and the sand slowly drained from the CSA's glass of time.
Lincoln said in an interview: "…'No human power can subdue this rebellion without using the Emancipation lever as I have done,' he insisted. Lincoln pointed out that 100,000 or more black soldiers and sailors fighting for the Union. 'If they stake their lives for us they must be prompted by the strongest motive-even the promise of freedom. And the promise being made, must be kept…'"
In late April 1864, the 4th Division of the IX Corps left Camp Stanton in Annapolis, Maryland; they were marched in formation in front of Lincoln and General Burnside in Washington, D.C. The 23rd USCT joined the Division when they crossed the Potomac River into Virginia.
They were sent to Manassas by train and arrived on May 1, 1864. General Burnside ordered General Edward Ferrero to practice his troops "at target and drill.". On May 4, the Division marched to Warrenton Junction.
Henderson sets the stage for the 23rds, the first USCT troop north of the James to see action in the USCW. "On May 5, General Ferrero wanted to rest his men since they had marched over 30 miles within 24 hours. However, as soon as General Burnside heard about the fighting in the Wilderness, the 4th Division was told to move immediately. By May 6, they crossed Germanna Ford and were ordered to report to General John Sedgwick of the VI Corps. Two regiments were ordered to guard the ford, and the rest were deployed to the right of the VI Corps. After the VI corps was broken by Confederate General John B. Gordon's flank attack, the 4th Division was ordered down the Plank Road to guard wagon trains"
Little did they know, but soon they would be called into hot lead service for the USA. From May 7 until the end of the battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the 4th Division primarily guarded and escorted wagon trains behind the lines and to the Belle Plains depot.
The Skirmish (Engagement) at Alrich Farm (May 15th, 1864)
Shelby Foote relates a conversation Lee had with General Gordon "Lee was marching too, by then having divined, once more his adversary's intention….'Grant is not going to retreat,' Lee told him. 'He will move his army to Spotsylvania…. that is the next point that the armies will meet. Spotsylvania is now General Grant's best strategic point.'"
The early action in the movement of the armies to Spotsylvania Courthouse was primarily cavalry versus cavalry. This changed suddenly when a CSA cavalry brigade under the command of Brigadier General Thomas Rosser drove the Second Ohio Cavalry northeast on the Catharpian Road and the junction with the Orange Plank Road at the house and large clearing on John and Jane Alrich Farm. The 2nd Ohio attempted to dislodge them from their position on the farm. Unable to do so, they requested assistance.
General Edward Ferrero's commanding officer marched the 23rd at the double quick to the intersection, now known as the Catharpin and Old Plank Roads (Orange Plank Road) intersection. An Ohio veteran remembers: "'It did us good to see the long line of glittering bayonets approach, although those who bore them were Blacks," … 'and as they came nearer they were greeted by loud cheers.'" See Appendix for Official USA Report of the Engagement & photos and movie of this historic battlefield.
Noel G. Harrison relates: "Moving in column along the plank road, the reinforced 23rd first made contact through its deployed skirmishers with Rosser's men. The Confederate troopers had stopped short of the Catharpin-plank road intersection to occupy the southwestern side of the Alrich clearing, holding an edge-of-treeline position that likely straddled Catharpin Road."
Harrison continues: "The 23rd charged southwest toward the treeline. Rosser's men withdrew, pursued by the now-reformed Ohio cavalrymen. The engagement had taken the lives of several Confederates and wounded several Federals. A small action indeed, otherwise not important, save for the first shots in anger fired by USCTs–some of them former slaves."
General Ferrero wrote the engagement report and sent it to Brigadier-General Rawlins, General Grant's Chief of Staff.
"Rosser, on the other hand, mentioned the engagement in his report only briefly and, even then, he neglected to mention that he'd encountered black troops."
The Mystery at Salem Church (May 19th, 1864)
A second engagement, unknown aside from a mention in Noah Andre Trudeau's Like Men of War: Black Troops in the Civil War, featured the USCT four days later.
Noel G. Harrison sets the stage for this USCW mystery. "On May 17, 1864, the six USCT regiments (and a detachment from the 29th Connecticut Infantry) composing the two infantry brigades of Brig. Gen. Edward S. Ferrero's Division moved east from bivouacs in the vicinity of the Alrich and Isaac Silver farms, both on the Orange Plank Road, to the area of Salem Church."
General Ferrero writes in a report of the action for May 19th, 1864: "[A]t 5.30 p.m. my outpost, on the road leading from Alsop's to Silver's, on the plank road, was driven in and attacked by a strong force, consisting, as far as I was able to judge, of cavalry and artillery, and seemed to be determined to penetrate my lines. The Second Ohio Cavalry was ordered to engage the enemy until I could bring infantry support."
Ferrero heard musket and artillery fire to his left and rear and immediately formed his Division in a battle line. The unit had a brief skirmish with the CSA, and then night descended, and the action was over. Ferrero's men captured five CSA soldiers belonging to General Ewell.
This action is frequently confused with the USCT's (23Rd ) activity on May 15th, 1864. Harrison adds more meat to the bones that General Ferrero provided in his report. He writes: "The cavalry advancing against Ferrero's cavalry and infantry were from the brigade of Gen. Thomas Rosser, the same unit that had fought them at Alrich's on the 15th. Ferrero, it seems, was accurate in claiming that the enemy's forces on the 19th included artillery as well as horsemen. George Neese, a gunner in Thomson's Battery of horse artillery, later wrote of accompanying Rosser on 'a reconnaissance" on the 19th and, in an evening engagement at an unspecified location, firing two shots 'to cool the ardor of the Yankee infantry and to acquaint them with the fact that we had something around there a little heavier than a common musket.' "
USCT (30th) Lieut. George H. Walcott, diary notes that on May 19, his company of the 30th left Salem Church "at seven o'clock P.M., upon the double-quick, through woods and swamps, and were soon under the shells of Ewell's batteries."
Herein lies the mystery. Where was the May 19th skirmish site area that involved the USCTs?
This is made more difficult because the main landmark (the Alsop) farm is located in different places on maps. For those interested in a complete treatment of this modern-day USCW map sleuthing. Please consult The Mysterious, Second Combat-Action for USCTs in Spotsylvania County, Noel G. Harrison, Mysteries and Conundrums blog if interested in this fascinating USCW mystery.
The gist of the article (after using many prewar and post maps and the analysis of it) is that" …the principal fighting of the May 19 skirmish as described by Ferrero, between the Second Ohio Cavalry and the Confederates, occurred at points along or near the side road, roughly midway between its intersections with Gordon Road and the plank road…."
Conclusion
For the remainder of the war, the 23rd USCT and the 4th Division would fight on in the Overland Campaign. Their most famous battle was in Petersburg at the "Battle of the Crater" on July 30, 1864. The 23rd suffered more casualties than all of the Black regiments in the battle. They were there at Appomattox Courthouse.
The service that the 23rd and other USCT soldiers and sailors did during the USCW is immeasurable. They most certainly shortened the war with their blood sacrifice and very lives. They did not die in vain, although the absolute freedom was not genuinely achieved until the Civil Rights Movement - under Dr. Martin Luther King and others' blood, sweat, and tears – of the 1960s.
****
REFERENCES
Original and Other Sources:
1) Official USA military report, No. 248, Operations SE. VA. and N.C, Reports of Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, Page 986, For Alrich Farm
2) Official USA military report, No. 249, Operations SE. VA. and N.C, Reports of Brig Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, Page 986, For Salem Church
3) The United States Colored Troops: Fighting for Freedom (part two): Emerging Civil
War, Steward T. Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2011/10/06/the-usct-in-action/ October 6, 2011, See for Spotsylvania Court House Battle and history of the 23rd.
4) The Civil War: A Narrative: Shelby Foote, 1986, Vintage Books, New York Volume 3. Background for Pre-Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse
5) This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War, James M. McPherson, 2007
Oxford University Press, Oxford, Pages 28, 46, 147-148 Information on USCT and Emancipation Proclamation
6) In Our Midst: First Combat of the USCTs in Northern Virginia, Noel G. Harrison
Mysteries and Conundrums
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/in- our-midst-first-combat-of-the-uscts-north-of-the-james/ June 10, 2010, Alrich Farm Skirmish
7) The Mysterious, Second Combat-Action for USCTs in Spotsylvania County, Noel G. Harrison, Mysteries and Conundrums,
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2012/...at-action-for-uscts-in-spotsylvania-county-2/ March 1, 2012, Salem Church Engagement
8) The 23rd USCT at Spotsylvania: Emerging History, Steward T. Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2014/05/15/the-23rd-usct-at-spotsylvania/ May 15, 2014
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) were interviewed in the field by the author of this paper on September 6th, 16th, 18th, and 19th, 2022.
These private intellectual property research notes can be made available upon request.
FOOTNOTES
The author will use the USCT abbreviation when necessary. He opines that the terms "colored," Negro, and especially the unmentionable n-word are horrid vestiges of the past. He will use more enlightened and appropriate words. Example: The Black troops advanced, or the 23rd won glory in the Crater.
2 North of the James is being used as there was a change after the War. The region of Spotsylvania County is today to be Central Virginia and not Northern Virginia.
3 This Mighty Scourge Perspectives on the Civil War, James M. McPherson, 2006, Oxford University Press, Page 127
4 Ibid
5 Ibid. Page 46
6The 23rd USCT at Spotsylvania: Emerging History, Steward T. Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2014/05/15/the-23rd-usct-at-spotsylvania/ May 15, 2014
7 The United States Colored Troops: Fighting for Freedom (part two): Emerging Civil
War, Steward Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2011/10/06/the-usct-in-action/ October 6, 2011
8 The 23rd USCT at Spotsylvania: Emerging History, Steward T. Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2014/05/15/the-23rd-usct-at-spotsylvania/ May 15, 2014
9 This Mighty Scourge Perspectives on the Civil War, James M. McPherson, 2006, Oxford University Press, Pages 176-177
10 The 23rd USCT at Spotsylvania: Emerging History, Steward T. Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2014/05/15/the-23rd-usct-at-spotsylvania/ May 15, 2014
11 The Civil War: A Narrative: Shelby Foote, 1986, Vintage Books, New York, Volume 3, Page 191
12 The 23rd USCT at Spotsylvania: Emerging History, Steward T. Henderson
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2014/05/15/the-23rd-usct-at-spotsylvania/ May 15, 2014
13 In Our Midst: First Combat of the USCTs in Northern Virginia, Noel G. Harrison
Mysteries and Conundrums
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/in- our-midst-first-combat-of-the- uscts-north-of-the-james/ June, 10, 2010
14 In Our Midst: First Combat of the USCTs in Northern Virginia, Noel G. Harrison
Mysteries and Conundrums
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/in- our-midst-first-combat-of-the-uscts-north-of-the-james/ June, 10, 2010
15 The 23rd USCT at Spotsylvania: Emerging History, Steward T. Henderson,
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2014/05/15/the-23rd-usct-at-spotsylvania/ May 15, 2014
16 The Mysterious, Second Combat-Action for USCTs in Spotsylvania County, Noel G Harrison , Mysteries and Conundrums,
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2012/...at-action-for-uscts-in-spotsylvania-county-2/ March 1, 2012
17 Official USA military report, No. 249, Operations SE. VA. and N.C, Reports of Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, Page 986
18 The Mysterious, Second Combat-Action for USCTs in Spotsylvania County, Noel G Harrison , Mysteries and Conundrums,
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2012/...at-action-for-uscts-in-spotsylvania-county-2/ March 1, 2012,
19 Ibid
20 The Mysterious, Second Combat-Action for USCTs in Spotsylvania County, Noel G. Harrison , Mysteries and Conundrums,
https://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2012/...at-action-for-uscts-in-spotsylvania-county-2/ March 1, 2012
APPENDIX
Official USA Army Reports on the 23rd USCT at Alrich Farm & Salem Church
Official USA Report on Alrich's Farm Engagement
Operations in SE VA and NC
No. 248
Reports of Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Miller's House, on Plank Road east of Alrich's, May 15, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that at 12:30 p.m. this day the Second Ohio Cavalry, stationed at Piney Branch Church, were compelled to fall back, being attacked by superior forces, consisting of one brigade of cavalry, with two pieces of artillery. I immediately ordered the Fourth Division in readiness and marched the Twenty-third U.S. Colored Troops to support the cavalry. On arriving at Alrich's, on the plank road. I found the Second Ohio driven across the road, and the enemy occupying the cross-roads. I ordered the colored regiment to advance on the enemy in line of battle, which they did, and drove the enemy to perfect rout. Not being able to pursue with infantry, the Second Ohio formed and gave chase to Piney Branch Church, which they (the Second Ohio) now occupy. All quiet elsewhere. Our loss amounted to about 8 or 10 wounded. The enemy lost about 5 horses killed. I have changed my position to a more secure one., to protect the trains and roads leading to the army. I have since learned from one of my scouts that Hampton's brigade is in full retreat, in perfect disorder, toward Todd's Tavern.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDW. FERRERO,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
Brigadier-General RAWLINS
Chief of Staff.
Official USA Report on Salem Church Engagement
Operations in SE VA and NC
No. 248
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Salem Church, Va., May 20, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to report that I was attacked by a strong force of cavalry and artillery at 5.00 p.m. last evening. The enemy were defeated in their attempt to break through my lines. Captured several prisoners belonging to Ewell's corps. I have given instructions for all trains proceeding [to the front] to take the Massaponax Church road. I would suggest that my lines be drawn back closer to Fredericksburg, as my left is too open and I have not troops enough to cover the extent of country intervening between Salem Church and Massaponax road. I await orders with reference to this change. I would add that we are constantly menaced by the enemy, both, in small and large parties. The amount of cavalry that I have, being about 700 men, is insufficient to do the duty.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDW. FERRERO,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
Brigadier-General RAWLINS
Chief of Staff
NOTE OF APPRECIATION
Acknowledgments:
This paper would not have been possible without the input and advice of the USCW SMEs the author contacted.
Special thanks go out to John "Chris" Landon and Laura O'Leahy of the Spotsylvania County Museum on Old Plank Road (Route 3) for the hour they spent talking to me and letting me browse through the museum.
To the famous 23rd USCT black historian/National Park Service (NPS) Employee/Author/Reenactor/CW Blogger, Steward Henderson, who dusted off his old USA Army Record book and showed me the two engagements discussed while he was on duty at NPS Chancellorsville. Thanks also to him for orienting me with the map!
To John Cummings, blogger, Spotsylvania County CW Blog, who, when I asked if he had any additional information, said everything he and Steward had posted was all I needed.
And to the good folks at NPS HQ Fredericksburg…Ranger Hilary G and Mr. Washburn and Gail in the bookstore. I never caught up with the elusive Ryan.
Bringing the