Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland) (1808-1873) to Alexander Sankey Latty
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00197 Author/Creator: Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland) (1808-1873) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Letter signed Date: 03 March 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.9 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Chase, Secretary of the United States Treasury, discusses Judge Latty's recommendation of Mr. Huyck "for a commission in the colored regiment." States he will refer the recommendation to Edwin McMasters Stanton, Secretary of War. Predicts that Huyck "will receive a commission in accordance with his merits." Written on Treasury Department stationery.
Although many blacks (including those who were runaway slaves) unofficially enlisted in the Union Army throughout the Civil War, it was not until after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on 1 January 1863 that blacks were officially allowed to enlist in the Union Army. Approximately 186,000 black soldiers served in the Union Army throughout the war and 38,000 were killed in action. In all, six regiments of the US Colored Cavalry, eleven regiments and four companies of US Colored Heavy Artillery, ten batteries of the US Colored Light Artillery, and 100 regiments and sixteen companies of US Colored Infantry were raised during the war.
[Draft Excerpt:]
Your letter commending Mr Huyck for a commission in the colored regiment is just received. I will refer it to the Secretary of War with an endorsement which will ensure to its statement entire respect. Otherwise I do not interpose in military appointments. I think, however, from what I know of the course of these appointments, Mr Huyck will receive a commission in accordance with his merits.
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