Description:

Civil War
Morris Island, SC, September 1, 1864
U.S. Colored Troops Civil War Discharge for South Carolina Private
Document

Colored troop Civil War discharge document issued to Private Solomon Miller of Company F, 21st Regiment, United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.), dated September 1, 1864, at Morris Island, South Carolina. It records Miller's honorable discharge by reason of surgeon's disability, marking the end of his service which began in August 1863. Solomon Miller is described in detail: 45 years old, 5 feet 11½ inches tall, with grey eyes, and most notably, a "dark complexion", a racial identifier used by the Union Army that directly confirms Miller's identity as a Black soldier. He is listed as a laborer, born in Camden, New Jersey. The document notes that he was last paid on April 30, 1864, and had received $3.73 for clothing. On the reverse is Miller's "Final Statement", reiterating his service with the 21st U.S.C.T. and bearing his name in period ink. There are penciled arithmetic notations possibly related to pay. Overall, the document remains in fine condition, with visible folds, light creases and repair, but all handwritten and printed content is clearly legible. The document measures 8" x 10".

Solomon Miller served in the 21st Regiment of the United States Colored Troops, one of over 170 Black regiments formed following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The 21st USCT was active in the Department of the South, particularly around Morris Island, a strategic Union base during the Charleston campaign. The notation of "dark complexion" on Miller's discharge reflects the racialized documentation practices of the Civil War-era U.S. Army. While deeply impersonal by modern standards, such records are crucial in identifying Black soldiers who served with distinction despite facing systemic racism and inequality.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10"
  • Medium: Document

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