The Black Phalanx
African American soldiers in the War of Independence, the War of 1812, and the Civil War
"The Black Phalanx" by Joseph T. Wilson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the contributions and experiences of African American soldiers during pivotal conflicts in American history, including the War of Independence, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Wilson, a veteran of the Union's 54th Massachusetts Regiment and an advocate for the valor of Black troops, aims to illuminate their often-overlooked roles and sacrifices in these significant battles. At the start of the work, Wilson reflects on the lack of recorded history regarding the participation of African American soldiers in early American wars, particularly the Revolutionary War. He introduces the story of Crispus Attucks, a runaway slave credited as the first casualty in the fight for independence, and shares examples of the bravery displayed by Black soldiers, such as Peter Salem at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The opening establishes a motivational tone, as Wilson expresses his commitment to preserving the narrative of these soldiers, highlighting their unrecognized valor and the social prejudices they had to confront while fighting for a nation that often marginalized them.