June 11, 2023
2pm - 3pm
The role of African Americans, most free but some enslaved, in the regiments of the Continental Army is not well-known; neither is the fact that relatively large numbers served in southern regiments and that the greatest number served alongside their white comrades in integrated units. John Rees will discuss black soldiers’ acceptance, service, and experiences during and after the War for American Independence, focusing on those who served in Continental regiments. African American women in the army will also be featured.
John U. Rees, a lifelong resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has been writing about common soldiers’ experiences in the War for American Independence for over 30 years, on subjects ranging from battle studies, army food, and the soldier’s burden, to army wagons and watercraft, campaign shelters, Continental Army conscription, and women with the army. He has authored approximately 200 articles, and one book, “They Were Good Soldiers: African Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783.
