African-American Contraband Fund Autographed Document. for Self-Emancipated Freedmen, 20 February 1863

[SLAVERY & EMANCIPATION] Autographed document regarding the Contraband Fund. Washington, DC, 20 February 1863. 2 pages, folio, 7 7/8 x 12 1/2 in., on Head Quarters Provost Marshall's Office letterhead. Signed by Henry B. Todd. A precursor to the Freedmen's Bureau, which was not established until 1865, the Contraband Fund was one of many efforts by the Federal Government or Military to furnish newly emancipated African Americans with basic necessities and opportunities. These self-emancipated Freedmen set up camps near Union forces, often with army assistance and supervision. The army helped to support and educate both adults and children among the (truncated) refugees. Thousands of men from these camps enlisted in the United States Colored Troops when recruitment started in 1863. Many contraband slaves and free blacks voluntarily served in the Union Army, forming the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Some also became scouts, guides, spies, cooks, hospital workers, blacksmiths, and mule-drivers, contributing immensely to the Union war effort for the balance of the Civil War. Document reads, in part: "Received of Lt. Col. H.C. Doster 21st Penna Cavalry, the Sum of Two hundred and five Dollars & Sixty-seven cents $205.67/100, being the amount of money in full belonging to [the] Contraband Fund." Numerous Union officers became more aware of both the potential and plight of the contrabands, and worked for and made contributions to educational efforts for them, of which this document is just one example. Separations along old folds with neat closures to verso, minor toning. In very good condition. (Inventory #: 18608)