For Their Own Cause by Kelly D. Mezurek

Author:Kelly D. Mezurek
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kent State University Press

6

A Veteran’s

Life

Members of the 27th United States Colored Troops returned to Ohio in September 1865 with little recognition, unlike some other black regiments that received welcome home celebrations throughout the Union. Earlier that summer, residents of Washington, D.C., gave a patriotic homecoming to its sable sons. Men from the 28th USCT had listened to speeches, participated in a military display, and enjoyed a special dinner in Terre Haute, Indiana. But when Gen. Ulysses S. Grant came to Columbus on October 3, 1865, his parade did not include the soldiers of the 27th. Instead they remained at Camp Chase, a former military training ground and prison camp, where they collected their final pay. Once discharged, they made their way to the statehouse for somewhat of a celebratory send-off. Afterward, the Cincinnati Enquirer called out “prominent Republicans” for not participating in the event, which had included local blacks but only one member of the white command in the audience. The day had ended with the “fierce and belligerent” words of a “colored preacher” named Graham, who warned the new veterans that some in Ohio wanted all blacks out of the state within sixty days. Rallying the men, he had said, “And now … as you have muskets in your hands; you should go for these Copperheads.”1

Most of the 27th USCT had to wait for their families and friends in their home towns to salute them upon their return. Although African Americans planned a “Grand Celebration” for all soldiers from Ross, Pike, and Highland counties, the veterans of the 27th failed to arrive home in time to participate. That did not stop one member, who attempted to demonstrate his bayonet skills in front of a Chillicothe grocery store on October 8. Instead, his gun fired, killing one man and injuring another. Several days earlier, another member of the regiment had stolen $100 from one of his comrades. Although the money was recovered, the story made the newspaper. It was incidents such as these that provided some white residents with evidence against the claims of black valor and contributions to the Union victory and led others to question if black veterans were worthy of civil rights. But by early October most men in the 27th had other things on their minds than racialized political debates. Instead, they focused on the fact that they had made it home alive and that they could finally put down their muskets and return to civilian life.2

Settling accounts at Camp Chase was the most important order of business before the Ohioans departed for home. By October 6 officers had tallied back pay and deducted monies due to the regimental sutler and the U.S. Army for missing accoutrements. Some soldiers purchased their army-issued gear, including their muskets, while other men saw their final pay reduced by the amounts they owed for lost items and overdrawn clothing allowances. Uncollected bounties did, however, increase many of the soldiers’ receipts. In May 1865 Congress had passed legislation that equalized bounties for African American soldiers.

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