"Army Life in a Black Regiment" by Thomas Wentworth Higginson is a historical memoir that tells the story of the First South Carolina Volunteers, a pioneering U.S. Army regiment of formerly enslaved African-American men during the Civil War. The book centers on Higginson’s experiences as he takes command, revealing the trials and victories of turning men fresh from slavery into soldiers. Initially, Higginson faces his own doubts and society’s low expectations of Black soldiers, while also seeing the difficulty of instilling military discipline. The book shines a light on the soldiers' surprising ability to learn military tactics and their strong sense of unity and determination. Higginson's diary entries show everyday life in the camp, highlighting the soldiers' characters, their battles, and how they build a hopeful and freedom-driven community.
Army Life in a Black Regiment
By Thomas Wentworth Higginson
A white commander chronicles the journey of formerly enslaved African-American men as they defy expectations and transform into a formidable fighting force during the Civil War.
Summary
About the AuthorThomas Wentworth Higginson, who went by the name Wentworth, was an American Unitarian minister, author, abolitionist, politician, and soldier. He was active in abolitionism in the United States during the 1840s and 1850s, identifying himself with disunion and militant abolitionism. He was a member of the Secret Six who supported John Brown. During the Civil War, he served as colonel of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the first federally authorized black regiment, from 1862 to 1864. Following the war, he wrote about his experiences with African-American soldiers and devoted much of the rest of his life to fighting for the rights of freed people, women, and other disfranchised peoples. He is also remembered as a mentor to poet Emily Dickinson.
Thomas Wentworth Higginson, who went by the name Wentworth, was an American Unitarian minister, author, abolitionist, politician, and soldier. He was active in abolitionism in the United States during the 1840s and 1850s, identifying himself with disunion and militant abolitionism. He was a member of the Secret Six who supported John Brown. During the Civil War, he served as colonel of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the first federally authorized black regiment, from 1862 to 1864. Following the war, he wrote about his experiences with African-American soldiers and devoted much of the rest of his life to fighting for the rights of freed people, women, and other disfranchised peoples. He is also remembered as a mentor to poet Emily Dickinson.
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