When Irish Immigrant Henry Sweeney Joined the USCT

[Pat Young]

Dublin-born immigrant Henry Sweeney, who led the Freedmen's Bureau in Helena, Ark, sought a commission in the United States Colored Troops in 1863. This is the third article in my series on this immigrant officer:

https://longislandwins.com/columns/...d-to-command-black-troops-after-emancipation/

 

[matthew mckeon]

Interesting look at the selection process for officers. Only 25% became officers out of all the applicants.

 

[wausaubob]

Finding competent officers to command the USCT was a significant problem. Even Grant commented that the USCT would make good soldiers if good officers could be found to command them.
Sweeney's advance is evidence that he was a good reader and a fast learner.

 

[Pat Young]

Interesting look at the selection process for officers. Only 25% became officers out of all the applicants.

Yeah. For those in the east there was even a sort of officers candidate school.

 

[Pat Young]

Finding competent officers to command the USCT was a significant problem. Even Grant commented that the USCT would make good soldiers if good officers could be found to command them.
Sweeney's advance is evidence that he was a good reader and a fast learner.

Yes. A particular problem arose when an officer was killed or wounded because there could be no promotion from the ranks.