Creating the United States

{ object_type: 'Exhibit Item',embed_type: 'image',embed_detail: 'http://myloc.gov/_assets/Exhibitions/creatingtheus/DeclarationofIndependence/BattleJoined/Assets/us0012_03_th125.jpg',embed_alt: 'African Americans Serve in American Army',thumbnail: {url: 'http://myloc.gov/_assets/Exhibitions/creatingtheus/DeclarationofIndependence/BattleJoined/Assets/us0012_03_th125.jpg',alt: 'African Americans Serve in American Army',height: '66',width: '125'} }

See Silverlight version of this item » About this item        

In 1775, Washington’s generals recommended against enlisting African Americans, and on January 17, 1776, a congressional resolution passed, limiting their enlistment. In practice Washington and other American military leaders considered it fair and expedient to continue to enlist hundreds of freemen and slaves. On August 20, 1778, Washington ordered a roster count of African American troops. Adjutant General Alexander Scammel (1747–1781) listed 755 on the rolls of the main Continental Army.

(Transcription)

“It has been represented to me, that free Negroes who have served in this Army . . .”


In 1775, Washington’s generals recommended against enlisting African Americans, and on January 17, 1776, a congressional resolution passed, limiting their enlistment. In practice Washington and other American military leaders considered it fair and expedient to continue to enlist hundreds of freemen and slaves. On August 20, 1778, Washington ordered a roster count of African American troops. Adjutant General Alexander Scammel (1747–1781) listed 755 on the rolls of the main Continental Army.