U.S. Colored Troops Civil War Muster Roll

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0960

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains a muster roll of a company of black soldiers in the American Civil War. The company was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.

This is a large printed form that was completed by hand, measuring 21x31 inches. This is a muster roll for Company F of the United States Army's Colored Troops recording 82 enlisted men and officers from Pennsylvania and their pay for the period from December 31m 1864 to April 30, 1865, The form also records remarks about each solider. The form is signed by Captain James Finkham, commanding officer, and Lt. Col. James Givin, the inspector. The roll is also signed by 3 servants of the 3 presiding officers.

One interesting aspect of the muster roll is that the unit was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. A note on the roll reads, "Broke Camp near Fort Harrison March 27th 1865. Was engaged in the Campaign commencing at Hatchers Run and ending in the surrender of General R.E. Lee at Appomattox Court House Va. Total distance marched near 300 miles.

Dates

1865 February 28-April 30

Conditions Governing Access

This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections in the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Collections should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.

Historical Note - 127th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops

The 127th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops served at Petersburg and City Point, Virginia until June 1865 before proceeding to Brazos Santiago, Texas. The regiment served in Texas, largely along the Rio Grande, until October 1865. They were then mustered out.

Extent

2.08 Linear Feet (1 flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains a muster roll of a company of black soldiers in the American Civil War. The company was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.