Tag «Ethiopian Brigade»

The Ethiopian Brigade & Liberty to Slaves

Ethiopian Brigade soldier's Liberty to Slave on uniform.

The Ethiopian Brigade was the brainchild of John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore, Royal Governor Lord Dunmore of Virginia. On November 7, 1775, he issued a proclamation that rattled the chains of slavery; that which fueled the economy of both the northern and southern thirteen rebellious British Colonies in North America.   Open warfare had …

Washington and the Enlistment of Black Soldiers in the Continental Army

Enlist no Stroller, Negro, Or Vagabond General George Washington In 1775, when rhetoric turned to open conflict, some militia commanders welcomed freemen and slaves into their ranks.  Twenty percent of the country’s residents were of African heritage with four percent of that number freeman.  For many, especially recruiters pressured to meet Congress’ demands for enlistment …