In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Maine Memory Network exhibit template

Paperwork; Soldiers' Stories

Copy of Gen. Halleck order on black troops, Washington, 1863

Copy of Gen. Halleck order on black troops, Washington, 1863

Item 75085 info
Maine Historical Society

The Union began accepting black soldiers – in all-black regiments – in 1863 as this order from Gen. Henry Halleck reports.

Many of the regiments formed in Louisiana with free blacks and newly emancipated slaves; all had white officers.

Black regiments also formed in Northern states. More than 100 men of color from Maine joined these regiments.


Item 27 of 27
start | <previous