Commander of a Black refugee camp in Washington, D.C., refuses to assign Black Surgeon Alexander Augusta to duty
James J. Ferree refuses to assign Black Surgeon Alexander Augusta to duty at camp in Washington D.C. as required in Special Order 109.
A Black church elder reports the destruction of his church and the army investigates
Brig. Gen. H.H. Lockwood to Capt. O. Matthews reporting that James Ross, and elder of Western Md Circuit, reports that a Black church near Reisterstown was torn down and its members harassed. Includes endorsements from Gen. Lewis Wallace and others ordering an investigation and possible tax assessment levied on disloyalists in neighborhood to pay for rebuilding Black churches.
Black nuns in Baltimore petition Black Superintendent of Schools William Howard Day for support for their school and orphanage
Oblate Sisters of Providence to William H. Day (supt of F Schools) gives a history of the school, which the Black sisters established for the education of Black children. Opened a free school and orphan asylum since the war. Petition for financial assistance. Claim that they don't show any preference to religious denomination of students.
Rev. Adam Wallace reports on the progress of rebuilding Black churches burned by white Marylanders
Rev. Adam Wallace (late Presiding Elder of Methodist Church, Dist of Eastern Shore of MD) to Brig. Gen. John Kenly, reporting that the Black churches in Somerset Co, MD "are in a fair way of being speedily rebuilt." They had been destroyed by fire late in 1864 (John Reddish was arrested as the alleged arsonist). Numerous letters and endorsements included in the file deal with the arrest of Reddish, the prgress of rebuilding the churches, and the process by which the army collected funds for rebuilding them from rebel sympathizers.
Governor Bradford complains to Lincoln that Black Marylanders have been unjustly freed from jail by Black soldiers
A.W. Bradford to Lincoln complains that a troop of colored soldiers committed an outrage in Prince Georges County by freeing prisoners from the county jail. Bradford asks Lincoln to have those guilty of this outraged punished and orders issued to prevent a recurrence. Ensclosed letter (published) relates that Black troops under the command of Lt. Perkins released the prisoners from the county jail. BiIt concludes his letter by stating: ’’Your excellency will not fail to observe that the practical working of this affair is to invite the Negroes to the perpetration of any crime and to offer practical protection and indemnity to them.”
General Henry H. Lockwood attempts to break up the abusive apprenticeship system on the Eastern Shore, but is countermanded by headquarters
Extract from Samuel B. Lawrence (AAG 8th AC) to Henry H. Lockwood (Comdg. 3rd sep brig) from Special Order No. 112 breaking up the widely abused apprentice system that bound formerly enslaved children to their former enslavers against the wishes of their parents. Includes copy of a telegram suspending that order, which left the apprenticeship system in place, as well as Lockwood's reply in protest of the decision.
Free Black Baltimore resident Anthony Armstrong applies to raise a Black militia to defend the city
General William W Morris acknowledges orders to fire a salute in Baltimore celebrating the end of slavery in Maryland
Bt Brig Genl W W Morris to Major James R Ross (AAAG) acknowledging receipt of orders to fire a salute from Federal Hill in celebration of the free state of Maryland following the passage of the new state constitution abolishing slavery.
Free Black resident of Baltimore seeks help retrieving property taken by the family of his former enslaver
Formerly enslaved Black resident of Baltimore L Meads to Gen. Lew Wallace reporting having been turned off of his property by the nephew of his former enslaver and requesting advice on how he might retrieve his property.
White Baltimore resident Sarah Alnutt petitions the military for help returning a Black child taken from her residence by family members
White Baltimore resident Sarah Alnutt to Gen. Lew Wallace asking for help returning Black child Dolly Parran, who was apparently taken from her residence by distant relations. Includes a letter from the Baltimore police, who investigated the incident.