African Americans in the Union Navy: Honor, Courage, Commitment

Crewmembers cooking on deck, in the James River, Virginia, 9 July 1862. Photographed by James F. Gibson.  The contraband sailor in the foreground of the image is Siah Carter.  

 A Call to Arms

USS Miami, 1864-1865

The enlistment of African Americans changed the makeup of the Union Navy, even if it often split public opinion.  Any attempt to block African Americans from entering the service were halted during the war, allowing them to swell the ranks.  One estimate placed roughly 16% of the total enlisted force as black.  "Rather than restrict black enlisted men to special units," historian James Harrod posited, the Navy "placed the races side by side in the same vessels as they had before the war."  Indeed, a prewar familiarity of black sailors on U.S. Navy ships existed since the American Revolution.  In all, approximately 185,000 African Americans served the Union cause during the Civil War.  Over 20,000 African Americans served in the Union Navy alone.

Proudly They Served

USS Sacramento "Kroomen" from Monrovia, Liberia, on board, in January-February 1867

African Americans fought in every naval campaign during the war, from the blockading squadrons of the Atlantic and Gulf to the brown water tributaries of the southern states.  Black women also played a role in the naval war, offering their services as nurses aboard the hospital ship USS Red Rover on the Mississippi River.  By war's end, eight African American sailors won the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military medal offered in the United States to this day.

After the War

Depicting Jim Crow

Restrictions to African American enlisted resumed once the war ended in 1865, flowing into the socially and racially troubled era of Jim Crow.  African Americans still remained a fixture in the peacetime Navy in the thirty years after the war, averaging between 10 and 14% of the total enlisted force.  The necessity of manpower and fresh recruits waned in the late 19th century, as society turned a blind eye to continued service of the African American sailor.  It is the service and dedication during the greatest American crisis, however, that is ultimately remembered and honored today.  Their honor, courage, and commitment provided the stepping stones to the official desegregation of armed forces in 1948.  African Americans continue the pride and tradition in today's United States Navy, owing much gratitude and thanks to those who tread a path of freedom and equality on land and at sea.     

Pictures are produced here courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

For more information on African Americans in the United States Navy, go HERE. 

Black History Month Highlight: Aaron Anderson

Aaron Anderson served on USS Wyandank during the Civil War. While part of a boat crew clearing Mattox Creek, Virginia on 17 March 1865, Anderson performed his duties in the face of devasting enemy fire. For his courage during this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

According to the 18 March 1865 account included in the Official Records, Anderson recieved special notice of his courage during the boat expedition. According to T.H. Eastman, commanding USS Don, "the crew of th eboat were all black but two," further adding that a white boatswain's mate and Aaron Anderson were specifically "reported to me by Acting Ensign Summers as having assisted him gallantly."

Although little is known of Anderson's life after the war, his actions merited him the Congressional Medal of Honor. 

Medal of Honor citation of Landsman Aaron Anderson (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 13):

"Served on board the U.S.S. Wyandank during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek, 17 March 1865. Participating with a boat crew in the clearing of Mattox Creek, ANDERSON carried out his duties courageously in the face of a devastating fire which cut away half the oars, pierced the launch in many places and cut the barrel off a musket being fired at the enemy."

Black History Month Highlight: Medal of Honor Recipient John Lawson

Biography and images courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

John Lawson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 16 June 1837. In 1864, he was a member of USS Hartford's crew. During the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, while serving as a member of the ship's berth deck ammunition party, he was seriously wounded but remained at his post and continued to supply Hartford's guns. For his heroism in this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. John Lawson died on 3 May 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is buried at Mount Peace Cemetery, Camden, New Jersey.

An August Morning with Farragut

William Heyshand Overend

1883

Medal of Honor citation of Landsman John Lawson (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", pages 34-35):

"On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Wounded in the leg and thrown violently against the side of the ship when an enemy shell killed or wounded the six-man crew at the shell whip on the berth deck, LAWSON, upon regaining his composure, promptly returned to his station and, although urged to go below for treatment, steadfastly continued his duties throughout the remainder of the action."

For more information on the African American experience in the United States Navy, go to THIS LINK. 

Port Columbus Celebrates Black History Month

2/7/2011
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release Contact:    Jon Ezzell
(706) 327-9798 or (800) 742-2811
media@portcolumbus.org

Special Black History Month Programming at Port Columbus

COLUMBUS, GA – 150 years ago, at least 35 African American men from the Chattahoochee River Valley escaped slavery and joined the U.S. Navy. Throughout the Civil War, slaves, former slaves and freemen served on opposing sides in the service of the U.S. and Confederate Navies as both civilians and sailors.

In recognition the 2011 Black History Month theme of African Americans in the Civil War, Port Columbus will be holding a special program titled Black in Blue: African Americans in the Civil War Navies. Written and directed by Museum Director of Programs Ken Johnston, this program will feature the first-person stories of three black sailors who served on both sides in the battle for the USS Water Witch. The ship was captured by the Confederate Navy near Savannah in 1864 and has been recreated in full-scale on Museum grounds.

“These are stories you won’t hear anywhere else,” said Johnston. “Guests will see what the events surrounding the capture of the ship looked like from the perspective of each of these three men.” In addition, there will be special interpretive tours highlighting the African American Naval experience, using the Museum’s award-winning exhibits as well as personal stories.

The event will take place Saturday, February 19, with tours running at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m, and the main program at 1:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., guest speaker Dr. Steven Ramold, author of Slaves, Sailors, Citizens: African Americans in the Union Navy, will speak on the African American experience in the U.S. Navy, telling the story of black sailors in the struggle of slaves and freedmen to become citizens.

On Friday the 18th, tours and programs will be offered to school groups, and on Sunday the 20th, tours will be offered at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. for the general public. Only general admission will be charged.
Port Columbus is located at 1002 Victory Drive, and is open daily from 9 to 5. For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.portcolumbus.org or call 706-327-9798.

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Black History Month Highlight: William Tillman

"The Attack on the Second Mate." NHHC Photograph

The National and Department of Defense theme for this year's observance is "African Americans and the Civil War." In honor of this year's theme and every African American past and present in the United States Navy, we will be highlighting several African Americans who served during the American Civil War. Today, we will be highlighting civilian ship's cook William Tillman (also spelled William Tilghman).

This brief biography of William Tillman's courageous actions during the Civil War are reprinted here, courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command:

William Tilghman was serving as cook on board the American schooner S.J. Waring when she was captured by the Confederate Privateer Jefferson Davis at sea off the U.S. east coast on 7 July 1861. While she was en route to a Confederate port on 16 July, Tilghman, who as an African-American had every reason to fear for his future in Southern hands, used an axe to kill the prize crew and recapture the vessel. He then took S.J. Waring to New York City, where he received a hero's welcome. Reportedly, he later was given a six-thousand dollar award for his actions.
"Schooner 'S.J. Waring', Recaptured from the Pirates by the Negro Wm. Tillman," from Harpers Weekly 3 August 1861

The New York Tribune spoke highly of Tillman's bravery and conduct in the face of adversity:

"To this colored man was the nation indebted for the first vindication of its honor on the sea. Another public journal spoke of that achievement alone as an offset to the defeat of the Federal arms at Bull Run. Unstinted praise from all parties, even those who are usually awkward in any other vernacular than derision of the colored man, has been awarded to this colored man. At Barnum's Museum he was the center of attractive gaze to daily increasing thousands. All loyal journals joined in praise of the heroic act; and, even when the news reached England, the negro's bravery was applauded."

Please check back, as this is the first of many posts dedicated to African Americans serving in the Civil War.

New Events Posted

Need something to do to impress your sweetheart this Valentines Day weekend? Well, you could always take them to these updated Civil War Navy events. Events are located at the USS Constellation(Baltimore, MD), Hampton Roads Naval Museum(Norfolk, VA), and National Civil War Museum (Harrisburg, PA). The other event involves a 3 day bus tour through the Vicksburg Campaign. Fall in love with Civil War naval history this valentines day!

Living history, "Black Sailors in Navy Blue," USS Constellation

Date: Saturday, February 13th
Location: USS Constellation (Baltimore Harbor)
Institution/Affiliation: Historic Ships
Point of Contact: www.historicships.org
Description: Special tour of the USS Constellation will highlight the role of African-American sailors during the Civil War. 12 pm. Free with admission. Located in Baltimore's historic Harbor.
Link: http://www.historicships.org


HRNM Navy Heritage Series: Blacks in Blue

Date: Saturday, February 13th
Location: Hampton Roads Naval Museum (Norfolk, VA)
Institution/Affiliation: HRNM/NHHC
Point of Contact: 757-322-3168
Description: Since the American Revolution, African-Americans have served with dignity in the U.S. Navy, often in the face of discrimination. Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about these great African-American naval heroes at our presentation. Feb. 13th 2 p.m. Admission: Free
Link: http://www.hrnm.navy.mil


Free Day at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA

Date: Saturday, February 13th
Location: National Civil War Museum (Harrisburg, PA)
Institution/Affiliation: National Civil War Museum
Point of Contact: (717) 260-1861
Description: The National Civil War Museum is holding a "Community Free Day" on February 13th. All museum visitors will receive complimentary admission. Sponsored by M & T Bank. Make sure to check out their Civil War Navy Exhibit Gallery.
Link: http://www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/index_1.php


Grant's Road to Destiny: Part 3. The Vicksburg Campaign: Bayau Expeditions

Date: April 14th - April 17th
Location: Vicksburg, MS
Institution/Affiliation: Blue and Gray Education Society
Point of Contact: 434.250.9921
Description: This study shows us the intellectual agility of US Grant and his willingness to “get at the Rebels” in any way that he could.  This program shows Grant on the offensive—the risks are very high and there are points in which failure could be catastrophic!  Here we will look at joint operations and the key developing relationship between Admiral David D. Porter and both Sherman and Grant. For full itinerary for this bus tour, please see corresponding link.
Link: http://www.blueandgrayeducation.org/index.php?option=com_content&id=167&Itemid=55

Read On! The Origins of African-American Interests in International Law

(Read On! ... occasional posts on writing worth reading)

In honor of the celebration of Black History Month, I recommend Henry J. Richardson III's excellent book: The Origins of African-American Interests in International Law (2008). In this wide-ranging and probing exploration, Richardson, a professor of international law at Temple Law School, identifies and tracks the interests of African-Americans and African-heritage people in international law. His examination begins with the presence of African-heritage people in the New World before the arrival of the Jamestown Twenty, and continues up to and including the War of 1812.

Using the framework and theories of the New Haven School, Richardson deploys a detailed and thorough knowledge of history and international law to probe the "what ifs." That is, if the African-American and African-heritage people of those different eras had had access to the theories, international law conceptions, social institutions, and lawyers, what are the claims that they would have made in regard to their enslavement and subordination. How would they have advocated that international law be defined and interpretated? Acknowledging the necessarily speculative nature of some of his claims, throughout the this masterful work, Richardson demonstrates a passion for American and international legal history and responds to any potential skeptism regarding the interests, claims and stakes of the subordinated African-Americans and African-heritage peoples in the evolution and development of international law. Richardson ends with an invitation for further research.

Read this book, and respond to the two challenges: to learn more about African-American history and the implications for international law AND to be inspired to delve into further research on these topics.