Men of Color, To Arms!: Vermont African-Americans in the Civil War [Paperback]

James Fuller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 2001

"Forward! Double-Quick!" and away we all rushed toward the fort... capturing two brass field pieces, one of which the rebels left loaded." A true account of Vermont men of color in battle during the Civil War. A barely known fact is that the tiny state of Vermont provided over one hundred and fifty African American soldiers to fight for the Union and by doing so, free millions of their own race. This is their story. Derived from historical archives and through their own words, discover the soldiers who answered the call, "Men of Color, To Arms!"

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Fuller has published many articles on Vermont history, as well as many other topics for local, state and national publications. He is a school-based municipal police officer who works closely with youth issues. He is married with four children and resides in South Burlington, Vermont.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 11, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595158269
• ISBN-13: 978-0595158263
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,331,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vermont's African Americans get their due, finally!, March 2, 2001

By 

Tom Ledoux (Ellicott City, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men of Color, To Arms!: Vermont African-Americans in the Civil War (Paperback)

The Green Mountain State sent slightly more than 10 percent of its population to fight in the Civil War, but Vermont African Americans enlisted at a rate of over 21 percent (152 out of a population of 709 according to the 1860 census)! But no one has adequately documented these contributions, until now.

"Men of Color, To Arms!" details Vermont's unique relationship with African Americans, from its 1771 constitution outlawing slavery to its rabid support of the Abolitionist movement. It also explains the difficulties facing African Americans in general, in the early days of the war when they tried to enlist and serve, but were denied the privilege, and finally, the prejudices, lack of pay and uniforms and other difficulties they faced once they were allowed to join.

Among other units, Vermont African Americans served in the 10th, 31st, 41st, 43rd, 45th U.S. Colored Infantry, and the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry (Colored). After brief regimental histories of each of these, Jim details the service of each man and often details of their pre and post-war lives. His Appendices include a complete roster, including regiment, company, rank and town, and known burial places for these Vermont veterans.

The highlight of this study, in this reviewer's humble opinion, are two letters written by Louden S. Langley, of Rutland, who served as a Private in the 54th Massachusetts and later as Sergeant-Major of the 33rd U.S. Colored Infantry. Eloquent and obviously well educated, Langley is troubled by the treatment of African Americans in the service; nevertheless he provides a balanced report of the activities of his regiment in battle and provides ample evidence that African Americans had `the right stuff,' to be and call themselves American soldiers.

Jim Fuller has produced a definitive work, well written and carefully researched. It should be required reading in every high school in the state that proudly claims to be the first to outlaw slavery. The contributions of these men should not be forgotten. Jim's work has made sure they won't be.