The 14th Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery: Colored 1861-1865

CHENERY, William. The Fourteenth Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery: Colored 1861-1865. Snow & Farnham, Printers and Publishers. 1898. First Edition. 337 pp. Some black and white photographs of lieutenants, colonels, and generals throughout. Bound in red cloth board. 8vo. This book is a dedication to the history and battles won by the Fourteenth Regiment, which was made up of primarily black soldiers, during the Civil War. The Fourteenth Regiment played a crucial role in protecting Union-held territory from Confederate attacks under the command of Colonel Viall, who's portrait is shown alongside the title page. Private William H. Carney, a member (truncated) of the Fourteenth Regiment, became the first African American to earn the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Fort Wagner. The contents in this book showcase the appreciation for former enslaved black men for their participation in the war, as the preface reads: "In the War of the Revolution we learn that the colored soldier proved a valuable auxiliary to the Continental forces. While there were only a few distinct organizations of colored troops, yet side by side with their white compatriots they fought gallantly for American Independence, from Bunker Hill to Yorktown." Book is in overall very good condition, the pages are crisp and text is clear. Very minor wear to front and back cover. (Inventory #: 18730)