Report by Chaplain Asa Randall
Report by Chaplain Asa Randall on classes held for members of the 54th United States Colored Troops, ca. 1865
Transcript Excerpt
Among the Commissioned Officers of the 54th U.S.C.T. but one sentiment prevails respecting the importance of educating the Freedmen. It is not only necessary for the elevation and protection of the colored people; but it is also necessary; for the peace and future prosperity of the country. The permanency and success of a Republican form of government will depend upon the virtue and intelligence of the great masses of the people.
About the first of December 1864, the Chaplain of the 54th U.S.C.T. commenced a school in camp at Ft. Smith for such of the men as desired to attend; very soon after the the opening of the school; the regiment was ordered to march through the Cherokee Country; to guard a supply train from Ft. Scott; the regiment did not return to Ft. Smith till the middle of January 1865, when it was immediately ordered to the post of Little Rock where it arrived about the 5th of February. Owing to the heavy duty demanded of the regiment and for the want of suitable quarters, the school was not reopened till the last of June, and then on the suggestion of Lt. Col. Fair it was only opened for the noncommissioned officers; who were requested to assist the Chaplain by giving instructions to such of the men as desired it in their respective company quarters…
Those men who attend regularly when off from duty are making good proficiency in the branches taught viz: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Geography, Mental and Written Arithmetic. Many who do not attend the school are taking lessons in their quarters, of those of their comrades who are more proficient…
Questions
What can we learn about life for the African American soldiers in the 54th USCT from this report?
How had their lives changed over the course of the war?