HISTORICAL NEWS JOURNAL

RHODE ISLAND SLAVES
TO FIGHT REDCOATS

Washington Reverses Policy, Endorses R.I. Bill

Providence, R.I., Feb. 14, 1778 - Starting today, Rhode Island slaves will be fighting the redcoats in return for their freedom. The R.I. Assembly has passed a bill allowing slaves to enlist in the state forces without permission from their masters...

...R.I.'s action marks a complete reversal of the policy set down by His Excellency General Washington three years ago, excluding all blacks from the war. General Washington himself has changed his attitude on slave enlistment. It was he who urged the bill's passage...The bill's urgency was increased by the enemy's recent takeover of the capital, Newport, and a large part of the countryside...

...In creating the new "Black Regiment," the state bill declares that "A slave who passes muster shall be immediately discharged from the service of his master or mistress and be Absolutely Free."

...The "Black Regiment" will be the first all black unit to fight in the American armies. Approximately 3,000 free blacks are already serving with the patriots, but they are  scattered throughout predominantly white units.

Despite the hostility shown to black soldiers by many whites, men of color have consistently shown themselves to be brave and hardy fellows and their contributions  have not been overlooked by their officers...
...Sentiment against the use of black soldiers is still going on in this state, and the Providence Gazette may not even print a report of the bill's passage.
                                                        ....................

NOTICE
Today's bill has been
amended to halt slave
enlistments after June
or July.
Therefore, black slaves
interested in joining the
Black Regiment should
do so Immediately!

                                                    ..........................

Black Soldiers in the Early Engagements

Peter Salem, when the redcoats, under Smith and Pitcairn, marched to Concord to destroy patriot arms  and ammunition, Peter Salem was among the minutemen who exchanged shots with them. Peter was freed to enlist by his owners, the Belknaps of Framingham. He was in the fray at Breeds Hill, and is believed to have killed redcoat Major John Pitcairn.
Prince Hall, faced the redcoats on the battleground at Breed's Hill. A property owner and voter, Mr. Hall is considered the leader of Boston's small free black community.




***The preceding were actual newspaper articles