TY - BOOK AU - Higginson,Thomas Wentworth TI - Army Life in a Black Regiment AV - E456 PY - 2004/// CY - Salt Lake City, UT PB - Project Gutenberg KW - United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives KW - United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Regimental histories KW - United States. Army. South Carolina Volunteers, 1st (1862-1864) KW - United States. Army. Colored Infantry Regiment, 33rd (1864-1866) KW - Soldiers -- United States -- Biography KW - Higginson, Thomas Wentworth, 1823-1911 KW - United States. Army -- Biography KW - African American soldiers -- History -- 19th century KW - United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Participation, African American N1 - Release date is 2004-10-01; Produced by Eric Eldred, and David Widger; Original publication data not identified N2 - "Army Life in a Black Regiment" by Thomas Wentworth Higginson is a historical account written in the late 19th century that chronicles the experiences of the First South Carolina Volunteers, the first regiment of formerly enslaved African-Americans mustered into the U.S. Army during the Civil War. The narrative is anchored in Higginson's reflections as he assumes command of this unique regiment, and it delves into the challenges and triumphs of training and leading a group of men who had the time only begun to transition from slavery to soldiering. The opening of this work sets the scene as Higginson receives the unexpected offer to lead the first regiment comprised almost entirely of enslaved men, navigating his own apprehensions and expectations about their capabilities. He reflects on the societal perceptions of black soldiers, the rigor of military discipline needed to mold them into effective fighters, and the cultural richness of their backgrounds. As the narrative unfolds, Higginson begins to appreciate the soldiers' quick adaptability to military drills and their vibrant spirit, which combines both camaraderie and resilience. The early entries of the camp diary provide glimpses into camp life, revealing the soldiers' personalities, struggles, and the evolving dynamics of a regiment grounded in hope and the pursuit of freedom. (This is an automatically generated summary.) UR - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6764 ER -