Portrayal of Private William Webb, Civil War Soldier of the 29^th Connecticut Volunteers

In 1861, there were rumors that a war was getting ready to start.  War did start in 1861, the North against the South. Now African Americans weren’t allowed to fight until 1862 when Congress passed an act allowing for the enlistment of colored soldiers.

Then, in 1863, the War Department established a Bureau of Colored Solders. Now, there were nearly 200,000 African American soldiers that fought in the Civil War, comprised of over 160 Artillery, Engineer, Infantry, and Cavalry Units.

There were at least 100 African American Officers.  Now, I wasn’t an Officer; I was just a Private. I was one of the little small guys.