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
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Civil War Cannon
How did the contents of this glass tube impact the first hours of the Civil War?
-
Related Investigation
Our Colored Heroes
Is this a WWI recruitment poster... or something else?
-
Also in Season 9
Japanese Carved Cane
What can the message on this cane expose about life behind barbed wire in World War II America?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Face Jug
What does this ceramic face reveal about the Middle Passage and a captive people’s search for identity?
-
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
GAR Photograph
How did two African Americans come to be part of this photograph in Reconstructionist-era America?
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.