BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY: BLACK SOLDIERS IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR :

At the beginning of the Civil War in America, African American were not allowed to serve in the US Military, by summer of 1862 it was clear that additional troops were needed. To meet the need, Congress pass two Bills that allowed the participation of Black Soldiers in the Union Army. William Matthews was so enthusiastic about the New Kansas Coloured Volunteer Infantry in 1862, that he was one of the first to volunteer.  Matthews   enthusiasm  spreads and he convinced a number of ex-slaves to enlist in the regiment. The Leavenworth businessman soon was appointed Captain the highest ranking African American Officer in the Regiment.

At the beginning of the Civil War, African American were not allowed to serve in the U S Military, by the summer of 1862 it was clear that additional troops were needed and to meet the need, Congress pass two Bills that allowed the participation of Black soldiers in the Union Army.  The first Kansas Coloured was assigned to escort Union supply train south to Indian Territory and a large force of Texans attacked their supply train, This mark the first time that Black and White troops fought together.