Tag «African Americans»

African American George Latchom’s Remarkable Strength and Courage Under Fire

African American soldier

Almost nothing is known of Virginian and former slave George Latchom. Most of what we do know relates to one incident during the American Revolution in which he displayed incredible strength and unselfish courage. He was not a Continental soldier; over eight hundred African Americans would ultimately fight alongside patriots in the Virginia Line. Nor …

Cliveden House (Chew Mansion) and the Battle of Germantown

Cliveden (Chew) House & Its Role in Battle of Germantown The Americans advanced in force caving in pickets, outposts and all resistance.  One hundred British regulars, outnumbered with shot canisters full and plenty of powder, streamed inside the stately country mansion of wealthy Quaker loyalist Benjamin Chew, Pennsylvania supreme court justice.  The British commander, battle …

Black Soldiers in the Continental Army

Black Soldier Rhode Island regiment.

Should African Americans Serve in the Continental Army? Washington and a new nation struggle with their convictions, morals, and necessity O’er the raging billows borne. Men, call’d Christians, bought & sold me, Paid my price in paltry gold; But though their’s they have enroll’d me, Minds are never to be sold. W. Cowper, Esq.            1774.   Humanity was not ready to bestow …