Author John Rees will examine the role of Black Americans, free and enslaved, in the regiments of the Continental Army. Black troops served in nearly every Continental regiment, and even relatively large numbers served in southern regiments. The greatest number served alongside their White comrades in integrated units. Rees will discuss Black soldiers’ acceptance, service, and experiences during and after the war for American independence. African American women with the army will also be discussed, including a rare Connecticut soldier’s letter sent home to his wife who also spent time in camp.

John U. Rees, is a lifelong resident of Bucks County, Pa., and has been writing for almost 40 years on the experiences of common soldiers and women in the armies of the American Revolution. He has authored more than 200 articles, most available free online. His first book, ‘They Were Good Soldiers’: African Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783 was published in 2019; his second, titled Don Troiani’s Black Soldiers in America’s Wars, 1754-1865, was published in January 2025.

The presentation is included with admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and FREE for NMCWM members.