Description:

Buffalo Soldiers

African American Buffalo Soldiers sign rare Muster Roll 



Large partly printed and partly handwritten double-sided Muster and Pay Roll signed by 15+ "Buffalo Soldiers" from the 9th U.S. Cavalry. In very good to near fine condition, with expected paper folds. A few closed tears along creases, and isolated edge chipping and discolored spots. The document measures approximately 32" w. x 20".

 

This Muster and Pay Roll recorded soldiers' earnings, promotions, demotions, and transfers in Edinburgh, Texas between October 31 - December 31, 1873. This regimental company performed mostly picket duty in the southernmost tip of modern day Texas, "guarding cropings [sic] of the Rio Grande for the prevention of cattle stealing from a point near Santa Maria 36 miles below to Secundia Rias, 22 miles above this place."

 

In the autumn of 1873, Company L of the 9th U.S. Cavalry was comprised of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, 3 corporals, 2 inspectors, 2 farriers and blacksmiths, 1 saddler, and 58 privates under the command of Captain Francis Moore (1841-1925) and Colonel Edward Hatch (1832-1889). The roll is signed by at least seventeen men including Farrow Anderson, George W. Brinkley, Benjamin Cobman, Giles D. Doe, Robert H. Gibson, Bailey Green, Emery Harris, Anthony Harvey, John R. Hatchet, Crafford Jones, Jefferson Knox, Frank Lewis, George Mason, Henry Mattingly, Frank Rogers, Henry Rogers, George Small, Benjamin Smith, and Lawson Smith. The remaining Buffalo Soldiers, unable to sign their names, made an "X" mark over clerical signatures.

 

The majority of Buffalo Soldiers during this era could not read or write, as most had been slaves prohibited from learning. All-black cavalry regiments began recruiting in Northern cities where the chances of finding literate blacks was greater. These statistics are confirmed by studying this roll, where only about 22% of Buffalo Soldiers (or 16% of privates) were literate.

 

The roll shows that these Buffalo Soldiers came from New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Texas. During this 2-month time period, several non-commissioned officers were demoted, several privates were promoted, one was incarcerated for misconduct, and another died of unspecified wounds.

 

The 9th U.S. Cavalry was established in 1866 to patrol and protect the West. Potential belligerents included everyone from homegrown criminal gangs to Native Americans and Mexicans. The 9th U.S. Cavalry was stationed in Texas between 1867-1875; after this point, they saw military action in various Indian Wars in Colorado, Montana, Texas, and New Mexico.

 

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