signed
by African American, Civil War
[CIVIL WAR] [African American Military] Partly printed discharge document for Private. Philip Pledger, Company B, 20th Regiment United States Colored Troops. New Orleans, 1 June 1865.As recorded on this official US Army discharge document, Pledger enlisted in January of 1864 for 3 years' service, and was mustered into Company B of the 20th USCT. He was discharged for disability on 1 June 1865 at "Corps d'Afrique U.S. Gen. Hosp" in New Orleans. Pledger, was described as having a "Black complexion, Black eyes," and "Black hair," and being a barber by trade. The document states that Pledger was born in Pennsylvania, but a Madison County, New York record notes the existence of a Philip Pledger who was a resident of DeRuyter, NY, served in the war as a private in Co. B, 20th United States Colored Troops and was born in South Carolina, likely a slave.
A year before his joining, the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1963 allowed Black soldiers to volunteer for the Union Army. Being the very first non-slave state, Pennsylvania brought in many former enslaved people through the underground railroad. Having witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg in his home state and being newly allowed to serve in the army, Pledger dedicated his efforts for the remainder of the war. This document is one page, and the heading reads "To All Whom it May Concern", illustrated with a U.S. eagle holding flags and arrows., 4to, 8 1/2" x 10 3/4". Document is filled out in hand and signed by "F.E. Prynette, New Orleans, 1 June 1865. Sarg. in charge Corps d'Afrique U.S. Gen. Hosp." The 20th Regiment United States Colored Infantry was organized at Rikers Island, New York on 9 February 1864, mustering under the command of Colonel Nelson B. Bartram. The 20th was ordered to New Orleans in March, arriving on the 20th and moving to Pass Cavallo, TX in April. It then moved back to Louisiana, through the winter of that year, until being ordered to West Pascagoula, FL on 26 December. It returned to New Orleans in February of 1865, where it remained until June. The regiment was mustered out on 7 October 1865 at Nashville, TN. It suffered a total of 285 losses during service. Partly printed document, heavy creasing with some separation, spotting, taped repair and adhesive residue to verso. Undersigned, with docketing to recto. Overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 20145)
A year before his joining, the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1963 allowed Black soldiers to volunteer for the Union Army. Being the very first non-slave state, Pennsylvania brought in many former enslaved people through the underground railroad. Having witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg in his home state and being newly allowed to serve in the army, Pledger dedicated his efforts for the remainder of the war. This document is one page, and the heading reads "To All Whom it May Concern", illustrated with a U.S. eagle holding flags and arrows., 4to, 8 1/2" x 10 3/4". Document is filled out in hand and signed by "F.E. Prynette, New Orleans, 1 June 1865. Sarg. in charge Corps d'Afrique U.S. Gen. Hosp." The 20th Regiment United States Colored Infantry was organized at Rikers Island, New York on 9 February 1864, mustering under the command of Colonel Nelson B. Bartram. The 20th was ordered to New Orleans in March, arriving on the 20th and moving to Pass Cavallo, TX in April. It then moved back to Louisiana, through the winter of that year, until being ordered to West Pascagoula, FL on 26 December. It returned to New Orleans in February of 1865, where it remained until June. The regiment was mustered out on 7 October 1865 at Nashville, TN. It suffered a total of 285 losses during service. Partly printed document, heavy creasing with some separation, spotting, taped repair and adhesive residue to verso. Undersigned, with docketing to recto. Overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 20145)