The Negro as a soldier

by Christian A. Fleetwood

To the Honorable General Court of the Massachusetts Bay.

The subscribers beg leave to report to your Honorable House (which we do in justice to the character of so brave a man), that under our own observation we declare that a Negro Man named Salem Poor, of Col. Frye’s Regiment, Cap. Ames’ Company, in the late battle at Charleston, behaved like an experienced officer as well as an excellent soldier. To set forth particulars of his conduct would be tedious. We would only beg to say, in the person of this Negro centers a brave and gallant soldier. The reward due to so great and distinguished a character, we submit to Congress.

Jona. Brewer, Col.

Thomas Nixon, Lt. Col.

Joseph Baker, Lieut.

Jonas Richardson, Capt.

Ebenezer Varnum, 2 Lt.

William Smith, Capt.

Richard Welsh, Lieut.

Wm. Prescott, Col.