A Sketch of the 29th Regiment of Connecticut Colored Troops

In this first‑hand account, a former Union soldier recounts the birth of the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment during the Civil War. Drawing on his own journey—from a child denied formal schooling because of his race to his enlistment after hearing the call for colored troops—the narrator provides a vivid portrait of the men who answered that call. He explains the promises of bounties, the challenges of recruitment, and the hopes that sustained these volunteers as they assembled at New Haven and prepared to march to Annapolis.

The narrative then turns to the regiment’s early engagements, listing the key battles they would face across Virginia and beyond, while preserving the immediacy of the soldiers’ experiences. Readers are invited to follow the regiment’s movements, the camaraderie among its ranks, and the determination that propelled them into combat despite limited resources. The author’s reflective tone, rooted in faith and a desire for lasting peace, frames the story as both a historical record and a testament to the resilience of those who fought for freedom.