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Army Life in a Black Regiment is Thomas Wentworth Higginson's personal account of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, a black regiment mustered into the Army of the United States during the Civil War. It was composed of escaped slaves from South Carolina and Florida. Colonel Higginson transformed almost 800 former slaves into soldiers. The regiment was very effective along the Florida and Georgia coast. Harriet Tubman served with these men as a cook, nurse, spy, and scout. The regiment was re-designated the 33rd United States Colored Infantry Regiment on February 8, 1864.
About the author
Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1823-1911) was a prominent American author, historian, and abolitionist. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Higginson attended Harvard University and Harvard Divinity School, where he was deeply influenced by the Transcendentalist movement. His diverse career encompassed roles as a minister, soldier, and writer, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and commitment to social justice. Higginson was a prolific writer, contributing essays, poetry, and historical works to various publications. He wrote extensively on American history, literature, and social issues. His books include "Outdoor Papers," "Malbone: An Oldport Romance," and "Oldport Days," which reflect his deep connection to nature, history, and his New England roots. Higginson was born into a well-to-do family that valued education and reform. At Harvard, he became involved in the anti-slavery movement, which would become a defining cause of his life. His early exposure to Transcendentalist thinkers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau significantly shaped his philosophical outlook. Higginson's strong abolitionist stance led him to become an outspoken critic of slavery. He was involved in the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves, and was a member of the Secret Six, a group that supported John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Higginson also championed women's rights, advocating for suffrage and equal opportunities. Thomas Wentworth Higginson's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to justice, intellectual curiosity, and literary accomplishment. His legacy as a reformer, soldier, and writer continues to inspire and resonate with readers and scholars today.
