United States Colored Troops in the Army of the James

Thousands of African-American troops served in the Army of the James under the official designation of United States Colored Troops, and Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, a strong proponent of their use, commanded more of these regiments than any other general. One of the hospital wards at Point of Rocks served these regiments. In the opening days of the Bermuda Hundred Campaign, the units played a key role by seizing and holding strategic points on the James River at Wilson's Wharf, Fort Powhatan, and City Point. On May 24, 1864, the troops at Wilson's Wharf repulsed several attacks by Confederate cavalry. The African-American troops under Butler's command were among the first to assault the defenses of Petersburg on June 9 and June 15, and they played a supporting role in the Battle of the Crater on July 30. In August 1864, they were assigned to work on the Dutch Gap Canal while under fire from Confederate artillery. Their bloodiest day came on September 29, 1864, at the Battle of New Market Heights, where fourteen black soldiers and two white officers received the Medal of Honor for their actions. The citation for Corporal James Miles of the 36th United States Colored Troops said, “Having had his arm mutilated, making immediate amputation necessary, he loaded his piece with one hand and urged his men forward; this within 30 yards of the enemy's works.” At a time when the abilities of African-American troops were widely questioned in the military establishment, these men proved beyond doubt that they were as brave and hard fighting as any other combat unit.

Virginia · United States