Tag «History of African Americans»

Black Hessians: German Troops Enlisted Former African American Slaves in the American Revolution

Champer Ederson was an African American soldier from Rhode Island.  In January 1779, during the American Revolution, he enlisted in the Fifth Company of the Hessian Knyphausen Regiment, serving as a drummer.  When the British and Hessian troops abandoned Rhode Island in October, 1779, he sailed with them to New York City.  He would not …

A Black Soldier in Washington’s Army

Welcome my friends, from every land. Where freedom doth not reign; Oh! Hither fly from every clime, Sweet liberty to gain – John Mason Harlem Heights, ten miles north of New York City as the crow flies; September 16th 1776 –  one hour before dawn. The Continental Army is entrenched on the high ground facing the British army, …