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America’s First Black Regiment Earned Their Freedom by Fighting Against the British Historians in the News The 1 st Rhode Island Regiment, widely regarded as the first Black battalion in U.S. military history, originated, in part, from George Washington’s desperation. In late 1777 during the American Revolution, the Continental Army, led by General Washington, faced severe troop shortages in its war with the British. “No less than 2,898 men now in camp [are] unfit because they are barefoot and otherwise naked,” Washington wrote to Congress, begging for material support. Disease claimed nearly 2,000 soldiers during the army’s winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. When enough white men couldn’t be persuaded to enlist in the depleting army with bounties of land and money, Congress resorted to the draft. Its mandate: Each state must fill a quota of militias, based on its population. ....
Americaâs First Black Regiment Gained Their Freedom by Fighting Against the British The Slave Enlistment Act of 1778 stipulated that any enslaved person accepted to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment be âimmediately discharged from the service of his master or mistress, and be absolutely free. Author: Frank Quagan, Soldiers in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. (Photo: Varnum Armory Museum) The Slave Enlistment Act of 1778 stipulated that any enslaved person accepted to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment be âimmediately discharged from the service of his master or mistress, and be absolutely free. The 1 st Rhode Island Regiment, widely regarded as the first Black battalion in U.S. military history, originated, in part, from George Washington’s desperation. ....