‘They Were Good Soldiers’ African-Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783

African-Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783

A book talk with John Rees

Thursday, October 10, 5:30pm

Newport Historical Society, 82 Touro Street, Newport, RI

African Americans, free and enslaved, served from the first action at Lexington to the end of the War for Independence, for the most part in integrated military units, alongside their white fellow-soldiers. John Rees will present an overview of their service, before focusing on black soldiers in the Rhode Island regiments, with an emphasis on correcting several long-held myths. African American women with the army will also be featured, as will the only known wartime letter written by a black Revolutionary soldier.

John U. Rees has been writing about common soldiers’ experiences in the War for American Independence for over 30 years, on subjects ranging from battle studies, army food, and the soldier’s burden, to army wagons and watercraft, campaign shelters, Continental Army conscription, and women with the army.

General admission costs $5 per person, $1 for Newport Historical Society members along with retired and active duty military. RSVP by clicking the button below.

Sponsored by the Harborside Inn.