In 1862 He Organized the FIRST NEGRO TROOPS

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Manuscript Document signed "J.W. Phelps, Captain 4th Artillery", titled "Return of Ordnance & Ordnance Stores Commanded by Capt. J. W. Phelps 4th Artillery"2pp., 32" x 11-1/2". Unusual pagination, fine.Phelps, John W., (1813 - 1885), brigadier-general, was graduated at the United States military academy in 1836 and served in the Florida war, 1836-39, on the Canadian frontier during the border disturbances, then at various forts, and in the Mexican war. In the latter conflict he took part in the battles of Vera Cruz, Contreras and Churubusco, and was brevetted captain for gallantry but declined, and in 1850 was promoted to the full rank of captain. He resigned from the service, Nov. 2, 1859, and took up his residence in Brattleboro, Vt., where he wrote many articles against the aggression of the slave power. When the Civil war broke out he became colonel of the 1st Vt. infantry, May 9, 1861, and on May I7 he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He took possession of and held Newport News for the defense of Hampton Roads, from May to November, being engaged in several skirmishes, and was then transferred to the Department of the Gulf, where he took possession of Ship island, Miss., and with Commodore Farragut's fleet forced the opening of the lower Mississippi in April and May, 1862. While in garrison in Camp Parapet, La., in 1862, he organized the first negro troops, but was ordered by the government commander to cease such organization, and on that account he resigned, Aug. 21, 1862.

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