Captaining the Corps d'Afrique: The Civil War Diaries and Letters of John Newton Chamberlin

"I have stood by their side in the grim conflict," wrote Union Captain John Chamberlin of the Corps d'Afrique. "Woe to the nation that long withholds their rights from them." Chamberlin spent nearly five years in the South during and after the Civil War. A well read, observant and articulate writer, he recorded his unique perspective as a commander of black soldiers and engineers. More than everyday accounts of camp life and battles, Chamberlin's letters and diaries --here presented in historical context--give an insider's view of the Union army's relationship with black troops and of the political and social implications of wartime events. Late in the war, his correspondence focused on a schoolmate, Anna Bullock, and their burgeoning relationship.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1. Entering the Fray 2. The Union Takes Pensacola 3. New Orleans 4. Control of the Mississippi River 5. 3rd Engineers, Corps d’Afrique 6. Loneliness of War 7. The Red River Campaign 8. Coping with the Misery of War 9. Changes for the Black Soldiers 10. The Presidential Election and the War 11. Return to Florida 12. Camp Life 13. The Defeat of the Rebels 14. Victory at What Price? 15. ­Post-War Nation 16. Visit at Home 17. Final Military Days 18. Planning a Future Together Epilogue Appendices: A. The Chamberlin and Bullock Documents: A Brief History B. Order for Service in the Corps d’Afrique C. Engineering Instructions, Duane’s Manual D. Fort Gaines Orders E. Receipt for Clothing Issued in October 1864 F. Stores Lost in Action, December 18, 1864 G. Field Work Order, April 24, 1865 H. Chronology of John’s and Anna’s Letters I. Jennie Rogers Orders J. Leave of Absence, October 18, 1865 K. Soldiers in Black Companies Commanded by Capt. Chamberlin Chapter Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Retired college professor John Bisbee lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Review :
“Chamberlin’s detailed diary and letters comprise perhaps a unique firsthand record of the service of black engineers in the western and Trans-Mississippi theaters, with the eloquence of the writer’s political and social commentary an added benefit to the modern reader. Well read Civil War students are always looking for something fresh and new, and this volume certainly possesses those sought after qualities”—Civil War Books and Authors; “This history is unique in that it is an account of life amongst African American soldiers. A very detailed account of their activities...a well presented and excellent portrayal of a little discussed aspect of Civil War history. The reader will gain much insight into a common man serving in an obscure unit, in a remote region, whose service is largely unheralded, despite the fact that their performance was a vital part of Union efforts. Highly recommend[ed]”—Civil War News.