Buffalo Soldiers: The Colored Regulars in the United States Army (Dover Books on Africa-Americans)

Formed in 1866, the African-American army units known as Buffalo Soldiers acquired near-mythical status for their fortitude and courage. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Buffalo Soldiers were among the first units to depart for Cuba. Dr. T. G. Steward, who served as chaplain of the Twenty-fifth Infantry for 16 years, wrote this fascinating firsthand account of the Cuban campaign. Dr. Steward's narrative offers a wide-ranging view of black military history that covers the beginning of the Republic as well as the service of black regulars. Captivating episodes from the Spanish-American War include the rescue of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the capture of the stone fort at El Caney, and service by black infantrymen as volunteer nurses in the yellow fever camps. Additional gripping firsthand testimony is provided by long excerpts from the diary of Sergeant Major Edward L. Baker of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, who was awarded the Medal of Honor. Formed in 1866, the African-American army units known as Buffalo Soldiers acquired near-mythical status for their fortitude and courage. This history by a chaplain of the Twenty-fifth Infantry includes firsthand accounts of the Spanish-American War, including the rescue of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, as well as an overview of African-American participation in prior wars and conflicts. African American soldiers distinguished themselves for valor during the Civil War and their service in defense of the Union went a long way toward securing the civil rights of all black Americans after the war. On the frontier, African American units of the U.S. Army (nicknamed "buffalo soldiers" by their Indian opponents) became renowned for fortitude, courage, and being able to handle difficult assignments. Despite this progress in the military, by the end of the nineteenth century, black folks at home were still being subjected to Jim Crow laws, lynchings, and continuous discrimination. Paradoxically, at the same time newspapers were reporting glowing accounts of the heroism of four black regiments during the Spanish-American War of 1898. In an effort to bolster black pride and stem the increasing racism of the age, Dr. T.G. Steward, chaplain of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry, requested and received permission from the Army to publish this account of the black soldier's military service in Cuba. After summarizing the exploits of African American soldiers during all of the wars and conflicts leading up to the Spanish American War, Steward then concentrates on the war in Cuba. Among the many intriguing episodes recounted are the rescue of the Rough Riders led by future President Theodore Roosevelt, the capture of the stone fort at El Caney, the service of black infantrymen as volunteer nurses in the yellow fever camps, and long excerpts from the diary of Medal of Honor winner E.L. Baker of the Tenth Cavalry Formed in 1866, the African-American army units known as Buffalo Soldiers acquired near-mythical status for their fortitude and courage. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Buffalo Soldiers were among the first units to depart for Cuba. Dr. T.G. Steward, who served as chaplain of the Twenty-fifth Infantry for 16 years, wrote this fascinating firsthand account of the Cuban campaign. Dr. Steward's narrative offers a wide-ranging view of black military history that covers the beginning of the Republic as well as the service of black regulars. Captivating episodes from the Spanish-American War include the rescue of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the capture of the stone fort at El Caney, and service by black infantrymen as volunteer nurses in the yellow fever camps. Additional gripping firsthand testimony is provided by long excerpts from the diary of Sergeant Major Edward L. Baker of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, who was awarded the Medal of Honor.--Publisher's description