“Mother inquired if they were not white soldiers, as they were S. Shooters –
no they are as black as any of the rest, & shoot just well I believe as if they were white,
can’t see as the color affects their shooting power at all, and why should it.  The Indians were
considered very good marksman I believe, & they were neither black nor white.  No I haven’t left
 the “Coons”, as they sometimes call each other, & don’t intend to – had rather command them than
any white troops outside of the regular army, especially than such a class as are now being sent to
the army as recruits, most of them foreigners, & the dregs of humanity, & many of them ready to
desert upon the first opportunity, or to do anything else than their duty.  Suppose you hear
peace & rumors of peace at home.  We hear here, rumors that Sherman & Sheridan have
been ordered to suspend hostilities for awhile in view of the prospects of peace.”

This is perhaps the finest U.S. Color Troop letter we have had!  It was written by Lieut. Thomas Young, 8th U.S. C. T., 2nd Brigade 2 Division 25th Army Corps, Army of the James… and this full regimental I.D. is the way Young signs the letter.  He does sign the letter “Thomas” and he is writing to his brother.  There is no question that it is Thomas Young as he states, “I am in command of a company of Sharp Shooters” (Further reference Volume 42 of the Official Records). 

For the black heritage collector, this letter is truly exciting as Lieut. Young is emphatic about the quality of his excellent black troops. 

 

Transcription:
                                                                                                                      Camp 8th U.S. C. T. near Chapin’s 
                                                                                                                                            Farm, Va. Jan. 30/65

Dear Brother,

                I believe I owe you one letter & I don’t know but two or three but I will not spend
 my time in talking about that, but proceed hoping you will consider this and answer to
all deficiencies.

I am where I was when I last wrote, to Lartitia I believe, am well, & as I wrote her am in
 command of a comp. of S. Shooters. 

Mother inquired if they were not white soldiers, as they were S. Shooters – no they are
as black as any of the rest, & shoot just well I believe as if they were white, can’t see as
the color affects their shooting power at all, and why should it.  The Indians were
considered very good marksman I believe, & they were neither black nor white.  No I
haven’t left the “Coons”, as they sometimes call each other, & don’t intend to – had rather
 command them than any white troops outside of the regular army, especially than such
a class as are now being sent to the army as recruits, most of them foreigners, & the
dregs of humanity, & many of them ready to desert upon the first opportunity, or to do
anything else than their duty.  Suppose you hear peace & rumors of peace at home.  We
 hear here, rumors that Sherman & Sheridan have been ordered to suspend hostilities
 for awhile in view of the prospects of peace.

            Also one of our new Lts. who has just reported, says he heard Senator Wilson say
 that in 3 months this war would be over & in 12 months we should be in war with Europe.
  I am not so much interested in the later clause as the former.  I want this war to end &
then the powers that be, may fight with whom they choose 12 months hence.  If Grant &
 Lee were united I don’t think it would take much fighting to clean all the European
 powers off from this continent.

            I have not been paid since I left the hospital & in consequence am about out of
money.  There is now $500 now due me & I suppose we shall be paid before a great while.
  I wish you and father would send me $30 when you write which I will refund as soon as
 paid.  I received mother’s letters both of them, & was very glad to get them as I always
am.  I will endeavor to write to Joseph much.

            My love to all.  Write when you get this & tell L. W. write.

                Affectionately your brother,

                                        Thomas

My address is as before viz.

            8th U. S. C. T.

            2nd Brig., 2nd Div. 25th A. C.

                        Army of the James

#B70 - Price $395