African American Military History United States Colored Troops and Buffalo Soldiers Officer Archive 1874 to 1900 Post Civil War Service and Administration

U S. Colored Troops

Archive

Hincks, Edward W.; Pickler, John A.; Hugo, William H. United States Colored Troops and Buffalo Soldiers officer archive, 1874–1900, documents the postwar careers and administrative roles of Union officers associated with Black military service during and after the Civil War. The materials connect directly to the legacy of the United States Colored Troops, established under General Order No. 143 in 1863, through which approximately 178,000 African American soldiers served in Union forces. Edward W. Hincks, a brigadier general who commanded divisions of USCT troops and previously oversaw the Point Lookout prisoner of war camp, appears here in correspondence reflecting his later administrative and personal affairs. John A. Pickler, who commanded a regiment of United States Colored Troops during the war before entering national politics, and William H. Hugo, an officer in the 9th U.S. Cavalry, one of the regiments later known as the Buffalo Soldiers, further extend the archive into the institutional continuity of Black military service in the late nineteenth century. Together, these documents provide evidence of the transition from wartime command to postwar federal service and civil administration among officers linked to African American units.

United States, 1874–1900. Archive of four documents totaling six pages, each approximately 8 x 10 inches, consisting of three autograph letters signed and one military pay voucher:
[1] Hincks, Edward Winslow. Autograph letter signed. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1 June 1874. Two pages. Addressed to George Nichols of Cambridge, Massachusetts, concerning property and potential improvements to a lot.
[2] Hincks, Edward Winslow. Autograph letter signed. Headquarters, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 5 September 1874. One page, with original mailing envelope. Requests attention to a life insurance premium.
[3] Pickler, John A. Autograph letter signed. Faulkton, South Dakota, 20 March 1900. One page on U.S. House of Representatives letterhead. Requests railroad passes for travel, with pencil notations and approval stamp dated 23 March 1900.
[4] Hugo, William H. Pay voucher. 9th U.S. Cavalry, 21 January 1875. One page documenting payment to a first lieutenant associated with one of the Army’s segregated Black regiments.

Produced in the decades following the Civil War, these documents align with the continued service of officers connected to African American military units as the U.S. Army transitioned into its postwar structure, including the establishment of segregated regiments such as the Buffalo Soldiers. The archive reflects both the institutional legacy of the United States Colored Troops and the administrative networks that shaped military and political life during Reconstruction and beyond. As a grouped record, the materials support research into military leadership, African American service history, and the long-term careers of officers associated with Black regiments. Text clear and legible throughout; minor handling wear; overall very good condition.

Item #20139

Price: $885.00