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From: Janey Joyce <>
Subject: Re: Question about military records/USCT
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 15:24:27 -0700


> I'm trying to find out the status of my ancestor MOSES BERRY. He
> served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War, in Kentucky.
> I have copies of his military and pension records. There is no
> indication whether he was still a slave when he enlisted as a
> private, in June, 1865.
>
> Do I have to find an official emancipation record or should I assume
> he was a freedman when he enlisted? (Jeez, I can't remember the
> exact date of Emancipation!)
>
> Kberry <>


On 24 Sept. 1862 President Abraham Lincoln declared that all slaves
in areas still in rebellion would be free as of 1 Jan 1863. Before
the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, Lincoln also
authorized the formation of black military units. As I understand
it, slaves in areas already conquered by Union forces had already
been freed..

You should read Forged in Battle - The Civil War Alliance of Black
Soldiers and White Officers written by Joseph T. Glatthaar and
published in 1990 by The Free Press, a division of Macmillan Inc.,
New York City. I found it a fascinating account of the history of
the black troops who fought in the Civil War.

I find one thing puzzling. You say your ancestor enlisted in the
U.S. Colored Troops in June 1865. The Civil War ended in April
1865.

Janey E. Joyce in San Antonio, Texas

Janey Joyce <>

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