Lot 108
The 51st United States Colored Infantry Regiment Arms Itself. Originally formed from freed slaves in 1863, the 51st, then designated the 1st Mississippi, was one of the first Black regiments raised during the Civil War. It proved to be an excellent unit, seeing combat less than a month after it was initially formed. This pair of oversized documents (10 x 19") details the complete rearmament of the 51st United States Colored Infantry in June, 1864, likely in reponse to them becoming a regular United States Regiment. Both documents are in very good to fine condition, with just some weakening at the folds.
605 Enfield rifles, all listed as unserviceable, were exchanged for 520 Springfield rifled muskets. As the 1st Mississippi, the 51st was raised as an experiment on the part of Union generals seeking to prove that Blacks could serve effectively in the army. As such, they had no access to Federal weapons, except for what could be scrounged from the regular army's cast offs. These documents demonstrate an acknowledgment of the Negro soldier's worth and a change of attitude toward Black regiments: they were now being armed in the same manner as the White soldiers. Estimated Value $300 - 500
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| Realized $240 |
