Bunker Hill Research Paper
UNSUNG HEROES:
[pic]
THE BLACK SOLDIERS OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION
By
Leanne Fleming
HIS 266–800 America’s history has been shaped by her people – ALL of her people. Until recently, the history books have managed to present a very one–sided view which conveys the impression that the deeds and actions which formed this great country were almost exclusively carried out by America’s white population. History books have made it believable because they have sprinkled in small doses of other nationalities and races. The worst part is that the vast majority of the people of the United States of America have bought it hook, line and sinker. The majority will continue to believe that history until the day they die because that is …show more content…
Salem Poor was part of that five percent. Poor was born a slave but managed to purchase his freedom in 1769. It is interesting to note that of the 2,400 to 4,000 colonial troops known to have fought at Bunker Hill only Poor was singled in a petition to the Massachusetts General Court praising him as a “brave and gallant soldier.” The petition was signed by fourteen officers present at that battle. Details of Poor’s actions at Bunker Hill are not known because the document simply states that "to set forth the particulars of his conduct would be tedious." We can only assume that he performed numerous heroic actions during that battle. Poor did not receive the recognition that the officers petitioned for but he did continue to serve the cause of freedom and is know to have fought at Charlestown, Valley Forge and White Plains …show more content…
Armistead was a slave but in 1781, his master gave him permission to serve the cause. He was assigned to the Marquis de Lafayette who was trying to combat the confusion and upset caused by the defection of Benedict Arnold to the British. He went to Arnold’s camp posing as an escaped slave and served as a guide. He was also put to work as a British spy which enabled him to pass freely between sides. The information he fed the British was false but his status put him in a position to learn information on British troop movements which was extremely helpful to the Continental Army. Information from Armistead about British plans for Yorktown is credited for bringing about the end of the Revolutionary War (James
[pic]
THE BLACK SOLDIERS OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION
By
Leanne Fleming
HIS 266–800 America’s history has been shaped by her people – ALL of her people. Until recently, the history books have managed to present a very one–sided view which conveys the impression that the deeds and actions which formed this great country were almost exclusively carried out by America’s white population. History books have made it believable because they have sprinkled in small doses of other nationalities and races. The worst part is that the vast majority of the people of the United States of America have bought it hook, line and sinker. The majority will continue to believe that history until the day they die because that is …show more content…
Salem Poor was part of that five percent. Poor was born a slave but managed to purchase his freedom in 1769. It is interesting to note that of the 2,400 to 4,000 colonial troops known to have fought at Bunker Hill only Poor was singled in a petition to the Massachusetts General Court praising him as a “brave and gallant soldier.” The petition was signed by fourteen officers present at that battle. Details of Poor’s actions at Bunker Hill are not known because the document simply states that "to set forth the particulars of his conduct would be tedious." We can only assume that he performed numerous heroic actions during that battle. Poor did not receive the recognition that the officers petitioned for but he did continue to serve the cause of freedom and is know to have fought at Charlestown, Valley Forge and White Plains …show more content…
Armistead was a slave but in 1781, his master gave him permission to serve the cause. He was assigned to the Marquis de Lafayette who was trying to combat the confusion and upset caused by the defection of Benedict Arnold to the British. He went to Arnold’s camp posing as an escaped slave and served as a guide. He was also put to work as a British spy which enabled him to pass freely between sides. The information he fed the British was false but his status put him in a position to learn information on British troop movements which was extremely helpful to the Continental Army. Information from Armistead about British plans for Yorktown is credited for bringing about the end of the Revolutionary War (James