African American Soldiers of Connecticut and the 29th Regiment CT Colored Infantry
In the summer of 1863, African Americans were included in Connecticut town recruitment quotas. In November of 1863, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation authorizing creation of black state regiment commanded by white officers. Three men, William E. Miller, Peter Johnson, and John Bennis enlisted in Bridgeport, for Washington, in the 29th Regiment
Connecticut Colored Infantry. All three men gave their occupations as seaman or sailor, and all three were illiterate. There is no indication that any of them ever came to Washington.
There was resistance at first to allowing African Americans to join the war effort, but as
the war did not end, the need for more men overcame the racism that had kept them out. Connecticut followed Massachusetts in creating a ‘colored’ regiment. Governor William A. Buckingham dispatched recruiters to sign up newly liberated slaves. These soldiers fought valiently for the cause of freedom.
Connecticut Colored Infantry. All three men gave their occupations as seaman or sailor, and all three were illiterate. There is no indication that any of them ever came to Washington.
There was resistance at first to allowing African Americans to join the war effort, but as
the war did not end, the need for more men overcame the racism that had kept them out. Connecticut followed Massachusetts in creating a ‘colored’ regiment. Governor William A. Buckingham dispatched recruiters to sign up newly liberated slaves. These soldiers fought valiently for the cause of freedom.
Timeline of the 29th Connecticut Volunteers
1863-1864
August 11, 1863
1st recruit enlisted into the 29th January, 1864 29th met the number of recruits necessary to form a regiment March 8, 1864 29th mustered into US Service March 12, 1864 William B. Wooster appointed Colonel of the 29th March 19, 1864 29th left CT on the "Warrior" for Annapolis, MD March 22, 1864 29th disembarked in Annapolis, MD. Encamped at Camp Parole. |
1864
April 6, 1864
29th issued muskets April 9, 1864 29th sailed for Hilton Head, SC April 13, 1864 29th arrived in Hilton Head, and ordered to Beaufort, SC, for duty August 8, 1864 29th ordered to VA August 14, 1864 29th arrived at Bermuda Hundred, VA August 16-17, 1864 29th as part of 10th Corps engaged in advance at Deep Bottom, VA; Repulsed a Confederate attack August 24, 1864 29th as part of 10th Corps, relieved the 18th Corps in the trenches of Petersburg, VA September 24,1864 After a month of heavy fighting, the 29th was ordered to the rear for rest. September 28,1864 29th was ordered to Deep Bottom, VA September 29,1864 29th with the 18th Corps took Fort Harrison October 7, 1864 29th assisted in repelling a Confederate attack October 13, 1864 29th encountered heavy fighting while on a scouting mission beyond Newmarket Road |
1864-1865
October 27-28, 1864
29th, in the skirmish line, drove Confederate troops into their battle works; Battle at Kell House October-November, 1864 29th had garrison duty on the line of forts along Newmarket Road December 5, 1864 29th was organized with other units into the 25th Corps, an African American Corps December-January, 1865 29th on duty to the left of Fort Harrison March, 1865 29th moved into Fort Harrison April 2, 1865 29th witnessed last Confederate dress parade |
1865
April 3, 1865
Confederates evacuated defensive positions. The 29th in pursuit finds deserted Confederate camp April 13, 1865 29th moved through and to Petersburg, VA. Set up camp near Patrick's Station, near City Point railroad April 18, 1865 29th marched to City Point then sailed to Point Lookout in MD, where they guarded about 20,000 prisoners May 28, 1865 29th transferred back to City Point June 10, 1865 29th sailed with the 25th Corps for TX July 3, 1865 29th arrived at Brazos de Santiago, TX. Set up camp at Brownsville, where they awaited orders to CT. October 14, 1865 Orders came to muster out October 27-November 11, 1865 29th awaited transport to CT in New Orleans November 24, 1865 29th arrived in CT November 25, 1865 29th Paid and Discharged Hooray! |