The Case:
A couple of stamp enthusiasts found far more than stamps in a box they purchased. In the box, along with Civil War era stamps, we find letters addressed to a William Blackford, Senate Post, Washington, D.C.
One letter appears to be from his brother, John Blackford. In the letter John asks for help securing an officer position in an African American unit. A second letter informs William Blackford that his brother, John, has been wounded.
Why would John Blackford want to command an African American unit?
Did he survive his wounds and did he ever receive the commission?
History Detectives investigates.
More Information
African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
1200 U Street Northwest
Washington D.C., DC 20009-4443
(202) 667-2667
http://www.afroamcivilwar.org/
The Kansas State Archives and Historical Society
6425 SW 6th Avenue
Topeka KS 66615-1099
785-272-8681
http://www.kshs.org/
Poison Springs State Historic Park
Ark Hwy 76
Camden, AR 71722
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/poisonspring/
Civil War Battle: After Action Reports
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Eduardo Pagán Iwo Jima Map What role did this map play in one of World War II's fiercest battles?
-
Related Investigation Slave Banjo Is this the only surviving banjo carried by former slaves following Emancipation?
-
Related Investigation Confederate Eyeglass Is this how southern sympathizers identified each other during the Civil War?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877 Lookout Mountain Painting What can this painting tell us about a turning point in the Civil War?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877 Civil War Bridge Has a new discovery rewritten Civil War history?
-
Also in Season 9 Harlem Heirs How is this ornate document connected to the earliest settlers of New York City and a potential multi-million dollar land dispute?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.