Captured African American Survivors
Proof that not all USCTs found in uniform were killed as had been reported.
"Massacre at Plymouth" states on page 178 states, "One additional black, the only black soldier known to have been taken in uniform, probably survived if he remained in the hands of the Virginians who captured him ... According to Sergeant Major Johnston of the Seventh Virginia, ... A few stragglers were captured as they attempted to pass us - among them a large, burly negro in the full uniform of a United States soldier. He, being the first negro soldier we had seen, was quite a sight for us. He was very badly scared for he thought we would beat him blood raw, but we had no idea of doing him hurt."
The authors were only aware of this one uniformed man who probably survived his capture. Listed below are others that survived after being captured that I have located and continue to search for more. I have also added the Colored Cooks who survived their captivity.
African Americans in White Regiments
BOND, George W. - Colored Steward for Commissary Sergeant Nathan Lanphere, 85th NY. He states in the pension file of Charles White, USS Southfield that he was captured at the Battle of Plymouth. Living in Elizabeth City, NC in 1880.
HARDY, Titus – Colored Cook and Private, Co. K, 103rd PA. Alias Titus McRae. Captured 20 April 64 at Plymouth, NC. Returned to his owner.
SHEPPARD, Nelson - Colored Cook, 24th NY Battery. Captured 20 April 64 at Plymouth, NC. Held captive at Plymouth, NC and was punished for being a guide during several Union raids. Afterwards was sent under ball & chain to Tarboro and then to Weldon, NC where he made his escape.
WASHINGTON, George - Colored Cook and Private, 24th NY Battery. Enlisted 11 May 63 at Plymouth. Married during June 1863 at Plymouth to Amanda Speller. Mustered in 19 Oct 63 as Colored Cook to serve three years. During the Battle of Plymouth, Amanda was killed. George was captured 20 April 64 at Plymouth, NC. Escaped three days later. Rescued by Federal gunboats.
WEST, Richard – Assistant Cook and Private, Co. I, 103rd PA. Wounded in the left leg and captured 20 April 64 at Plymouth, NC. Taken to CSA Fort Branch to work on the fort. Escaped at first opportunity and returned to the 103rd PA at Roanoke Island.
10th USCT
BAKER, Joseph - Private, Co. D. Captured at Plymouth, NC. Exchanged.
BROWN, Owen - Corporal, Co. H. Captured 20 April 1864 at Plymouth, NC. Paroled 21 April 1865 at Point Lookout, Maryland.
HOUSE, Henry W. - Private, Co. G. Confined at the hospital in Goldsboro, NC where he escaped & returned to the regiment in May 65.
NICHOLS, Frederick Washington - Private, Co. H. Captured "16" April 64 at Plymouth, NC. Stayed at Plymouth until April 23rd when he was taken with Gen. Wessells and his staff on the C.S.S. Cotton Plant to Weldon, NC and then by rail to Richmond where they arrived April 26th. POW at Richmond, VA. Held prisoner until 15 March 65 when he escaped and reported to the Union lines.
WILSON, Josiah - Corporal, Co. F. "Shot for Dead" and captured. Stayed at Plymouth until April 23rd when he was taken with Gen. Wessells and his staff on the C.S.S. Cotton Plant to Weldon, NC and then by rail to Richmond where they arrived April 26th. POW at Richmond, VA. Prisoner of war until released 21 April 65 at Johnson's surrender.
2nd USCC
FREEMAN, Peter E. - Private, Unassigned. Enlisted Feb 64 in Co. B, 36th USCT at Plymouth, NC. He was left behind sick when his company left for Norfolk, VA. During the battle of Plymouth, Lieut. French commanded him to take up arms and fight. Injured his back and was captured 20 April 64 at Plymouth, NC. Sent to the northern part of Bertie Co., NC where he was confined to his bed with sickness for a year.
ROULHAC, Thomas - Private. Deposition in Private Peter Freeman's pension file states he was at Plymouth. Survived the battle. Needs further research.
WHITE, William - Private. Deposition in Private Peter Freeman's pension file states he was at Plymouth. Survived the battle. Needs further research.
37th USCT
BERDEN, George - Private, Co. D. Captured during the Battle of Plymouth, NC. Returned to slavery after his capture. Escaped. Rejoined the regiment in August 65.
USS Southfield
WHITE, Charles - Landsman & Coxswain. Born a Slave about 1830 at the White estate in Pasquotank Co., NC, son of Thomas Winslow or Winston. He had a slave wife Lucinda Casey, but she was "stold" from him in 1860. He fathered two children with her. Enlisted 16 March 62 at New Bern, NC, a 28 year old Carpenter & Laborer. Served on the Philadelphia until 24 March when he was assigned to the Southfield. Severely wounded in the right eye on 19 April 64 when a comrade raised his musket too quickly and struck Charles in the face with the breach of the gun. He stated his eye was "knocked out." Swam to the shore when the Southfield sank. After the battle, he talked to a rebel Doctor but he would not treat his eye. He was told to go to the hospital and find a Union Doctor. Prisoner in Plymouth for 7 months & 5 days until he escaped at the retaking of Plymouth. He witnessed the destruction of the Ram Albemarle. He was a POW within a 30 yard distance from the ram Albemarle. During imprisonment, he was put to work as a servant to wait on the officers of the ram. Rescued 23 Nov 64 by the Shamrock. He then served on the Shamrock under Capt. William McComb until discharged 8 May 65 at Edenton Bay, NC. Married 12 Dec 1868 to Alice Jackson by Rev. Pitts at Elizabeth City, NC. Lived in Elizabeth City at least until 1880 and later moved to VA.