Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

Capt. Laurens Joyce of Co. F of the 15th Maine Regiment, who had previously written to Brig. Gen. George F. Shepley, military governor of Louisiana expressing his desire to be head of a regiment of Black troops, wrote to Shepley in May 1863 to further his plea for such a position.

Joyce, of Brunswick, who was 36 when he enlisted in December 1861, wrote of his knowledge of Black people in the area around Barrancas, Florida, where the 15th Maine was headquartered, and the trust the Black people in that area had in him.

Joyce wrote, "With the information which I possess I do not hesitate to say that a Regiment of Negroes can be raised here and in the neighborhood."

He also wrote, "I respectfully solicit your influence if not incompatible with previous engagements in procuring me such a command."

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About This Item

• Title: Capt. Joyce letter on Black troops, 1863
• Creator: Laurens J. Joyce
• Creation Date: 1863
• Subject Date: 1863
• Locations:
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Barrancas, FL
• Media: Ink on paper
• Dimensions: 25 cm x 20 cm
• Local Code: Coll. 117, Box 3/2
• Collection: George Foster Shepley papers
• Object Type: Text

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Military service, Voluntary
• Military service--1860-1870
• Promotions
• Recruiting & enlistment--1860-1870
• United States--Civil War, 1861-1865
• United States. Army. Maine Infantry Regiment, 15th (1862-1866)

People

• Joyce, Laurens
• Shepley, George F.

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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