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Black Redcoats: The Corps of Colonial Marines, 1814-1816
Tells the story of the thousands of enslaved African Americans who fled to British forces during the war in what became the largest emancipation of enslaved Americans until the abolition of slavery in the United States.During the Anglo-American War of 1812, British forces launched hundreds of amphibious raids on the United States. The richest parts of the United States were slave-states, and thousands of enslaved African Americans fled to British forces in what was to be the largest emancipation of enslaved Americans until the abolition of slavery in the USA. From these refugees from slavery, the British built a force - the Corps of Colonial Marines. Black redcoats, they were a fusion of two great American fears, the return of the British King and an uprising by their own oppressed slaves. The Corps of Colonial Marines turned Britain's campaign on America's coasts from one of harassment to one of existential threat to the new nation. Although small in number, the Colonial Marines - fighting to liberate their own families as much as for Great Britain - exerted a massive psychological impact on the United States which paralysed American resistance with fear of a widespread slave uprising, and allowed British forces in the Chesapeake to burn down Washington DC.As well as examining this little-remembered part of British military and African-American history, this book will also look to the post-war history of the Colonial Marines, their continued survival as a unique ethnic group in the Caribbean today, and their involvement in the largest act of armed African-American resistance to slavery. The "Battle of Negro Fort" in 1816 was the only time American forces left American territory to destroy a fugitive slave community - a community led by former Colonial Marines who, when faced with American attack, raised the British flag.This book brings black history to the fore of the War of 1812, and gives a voice to those enslaved people who - amidst great power competition between a slave-holding Republic and a slave-holding Empire – demonstrated exceptional bravery and initiative to gain precious freedom for themselves and their descendants.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2024
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 6, 2024
Very well researched book, and even though I'm not one to read history books, this kept me wanting to read on. It's a bit of history that lives on but not heavily known about, and I feel a weird privilege in knowing that I now know this piece of history.
March 5, 2025
“Black Redcoats” is a study of the hundreds of American Blacks, mostly run-away slaves, who served in the British Colonial Marines in the Southern theatres during the War of 1812. Drawn from plantations around Chesapeake Bay, the Georgia Sea Islands and the Gulf Coast they supplemented British forces in raids and tested American unity and will.
I read this book in anticipation of a book club meeting. It generated a lively discussion as participants explored the relationships between British and American goals, the impact of race and enslavement on events of the War and a series of alternative histories of what might have happened if the British had won the Battle of New Orleans. Possibilities of an Indian-Black state in northern Florida and potential containment of the United States into a limited east coast nation were explored.
Though a short book, this highlights the war aims and plans of both sides, the disunity among Americans and the role enslavement and emancipation in this martial contest.
American strategy is presented as to swiftly overwhelm defenses in Canada, leading to its abandonment as the British turned toward Napoleon’s challenge in Europe. British forces, incapable of holding significant American territory, chose series of attacks and raids intending to demoralize the Americans and drain their enthusiasm for continued resistance.
American resolve was not resolute. Support for the war in New England was lukewarm, at best, a fact which prevented an American attack on Halifax which, if successful, could have played a major role in the conquest of Canada. Rather than presenting united opposition, many civilians, through necessity or quest for profits, provided supplies to invading forces.
Colonial Marines saw action in three theatres. From British headquarters on Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay, they participated in the burning of Washington, the attack on Baltimore, home to many menacing privateers, and hit and run raids that spread terror and extorted supplies for the raiders. Cumberland Island provided a base from which raids on coastal Georgia and Florida shattered regional tranquility and, through the acceptance of black refugees, drained local labor pools. Colonial Marines engaged in the attack on Fort Bowyer near Mobile, but did not move on to New Orleans. Many withdrew with the British for new lives in the Caribbean or Canada, while some remained, along with Native Americans, to man the “Negro Fort” or “castle” in Spanish Florida until its destruction by American land and naval forces in 1816.
Readers are likely to appreciate this work on several levels. In its 238 pages, including notes, bibliography and index, it delves into details of military strategy and interrelatedness of various theatres often overlooked in more general histories. The need to wait for official notification of peace before ceasing hostilities contrasts with contemporary instant communications. The issues of race and economic warfare are woven through American history, but rarely so clearly as in the case of the Colonial Marines whose recruitment raised the specter of a slave revolt and the competition tor laborers in home and field. Experienced readers will note parallels with later wars. Surges of fugitive slaves would be repeated during the Civil War. American dreams of quick victory sweeping enemies from Canada would be echoed by Japanese hopes for victory in the Pacific.
I take issue with some “what ifs” in this narrative. In my understanding, its suggestion that return of the United States to the British Empire was a possibility is contrary to currently generally accepted historical opinion. Similarly, the posit that a Native American or Black state in the American South was a potential outcome of fighting in the Gulf seems, in my opinion, implausible in the long run. Reservations notwithstanding, author Mathew Taylor has crafted a worthwhile addition to War of 1812 literature.
I read this book in anticipation of a book club meeting. It generated a lively discussion as participants explored the relationships between British and American goals, the impact of race and enslavement on events of the War and a series of alternative histories of what might have happened if the British had won the Battle of New Orleans. Possibilities of an Indian-Black state in northern Florida and potential containment of the United States into a limited east coast nation were explored.
Though a short book, this highlights the war aims and plans of both sides, the disunity among Americans and the role enslavement and emancipation in this martial contest.
American strategy is presented as to swiftly overwhelm defenses in Canada, leading to its abandonment as the British turned toward Napoleon’s challenge in Europe. British forces, incapable of holding significant American territory, chose series of attacks and raids intending to demoralize the Americans and drain their enthusiasm for continued resistance.
American resolve was not resolute. Support for the war in New England was lukewarm, at best, a fact which prevented an American attack on Halifax which, if successful, could have played a major role in the conquest of Canada. Rather than presenting united opposition, many civilians, through necessity or quest for profits, provided supplies to invading forces.
Colonial Marines saw action in three theatres. From British headquarters on Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay, they participated in the burning of Washington, the attack on Baltimore, home to many menacing privateers, and hit and run raids that spread terror and extorted supplies for the raiders. Cumberland Island provided a base from which raids on coastal Georgia and Florida shattered regional tranquility and, through the acceptance of black refugees, drained local labor pools. Colonial Marines engaged in the attack on Fort Bowyer near Mobile, but did not move on to New Orleans. Many withdrew with the British for new lives in the Caribbean or Canada, while some remained, along with Native Americans, to man the “Negro Fort” or “castle” in Spanish Florida until its destruction by American land and naval forces in 1816.
Readers are likely to appreciate this work on several levels. In its 238 pages, including notes, bibliography and index, it delves into details of military strategy and interrelatedness of various theatres often overlooked in more general histories. The need to wait for official notification of peace before ceasing hostilities contrasts with contemporary instant communications. The issues of race and economic warfare are woven through American history, but rarely so clearly as in the case of the Colonial Marines whose recruitment raised the specter of a slave revolt and the competition tor laborers in home and field. Experienced readers will note parallels with later wars. Surges of fugitive slaves would be repeated during the Civil War. American dreams of quick victory sweeping enemies from Canada would be echoed by Japanese hopes for victory in the Pacific.
I take issue with some “what ifs” in this narrative. In my understanding, its suggestion that return of the United States to the British Empire was a possibility is contrary to currently generally accepted historical opinion. Similarly, the posit that a Native American or Black state in the American South was a potential outcome of fighting in the Gulf seems, in my opinion, implausible in the long run. Reservations notwithstanding, author Mathew Taylor has crafted a worthwhile addition to War of 1812 literature.
October 7, 2025
A delicious, adventurous, true tale of American blacks living out their revenge against their oppressors.
This is the book I was looking for. I was looking for information about the ex-slaves who became Royal Marines and burned down the White House. I was delighted to find an entire book dedicated to the subject, and so much more. Author Mathew Taylor delivers a fascinating tale rarely told.
Black Redcoats covers the origins of the War of 1812, the Chesapeake campaign, and the British proclamation of freedom to all who’d join their ranks. The book is filled with emotionally charged anecdotes and vignettes of real people, making this human story more poignant.
It also covers the Georgia and Florida campaigns, the end of the war, the fate of the Royal Colonial Marines, and their surviving legacy. Most importantly, this book tells the story of the brave men who threw off their chains and truly fought for freedom.
The author himself is British and makes no attempt to hide his patriotism and pride in his country’s military heritage. However, I believe this is an objective and fair account of the very human story behind the war. Taylor also points out the British Empire’s own duplicity in offering freedom to American slaves who came to their ranks, while maintaining slavery in their own colonies. He pulls no punches when it comes to criticizing his own country, as he does the United States.
This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about this often brushed-over conflict and is interested in true stories about human perseverance and heroism. Bravo, Mr. Taylor.
This is the book I was looking for. I was looking for information about the ex-slaves who became Royal Marines and burned down the White House. I was delighted to find an entire book dedicated to the subject, and so much more. Author Mathew Taylor delivers a fascinating tale rarely told.
Black Redcoats covers the origins of the War of 1812, the Chesapeake campaign, and the British proclamation of freedom to all who’d join their ranks. The book is filled with emotionally charged anecdotes and vignettes of real people, making this human story more poignant.
It also covers the Georgia and Florida campaigns, the end of the war, the fate of the Royal Colonial Marines, and their surviving legacy. Most importantly, this book tells the story of the brave men who threw off their chains and truly fought for freedom.
The author himself is British and makes no attempt to hide his patriotism and pride in his country’s military heritage. However, I believe this is an objective and fair account of the very human story behind the war. Taylor also points out the British Empire’s own duplicity in offering freedom to American slaves who came to their ranks, while maintaining slavery in their own colonies. He pulls no punches when it comes to criticizing his own country, as he does the United States.
This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about this often brushed-over conflict and is interested in true stories about human perseverance and heroism. Bravo, Mr. Taylor.
April 10, 2025
Black Redcoats: The Corps of Colonial Marines, 1814–1816 by Matthew Taylor is a powerful and eye-opening account that sheds light on a rarely discussed chapter of history. It focuses on the extraordinary bravery of enslaved African Americans who joined British forces during the War of 1812, transforming their escape into an act of resistance and reshaping the course of the war.
Rather than just recounting battles, the book explores deeper themes of freedom, identity, and fear. Taylor presents this history with clarity and purpose, connecting past events to their lasting legacy, including how the descendants of these brave individuals still carry that story today.
A must-read for anyone interested in untold military history, African American resistance, or the global fight against slavery—it’s as educational as it is unforgettable.
Rather than just recounting battles, the book explores deeper themes of freedom, identity, and fear. Taylor presents this history with clarity and purpose, connecting past events to their lasting legacy, including how the descendants of these brave individuals still carry that story today.
A must-read for anyone interested in untold military history, African American resistance, or the global fight against slavery—it’s as educational as it is unforgettable.
April 6, 2025
Enslaved people from the 'Land of the Free' seek protection from the forces of 'the tyrant', King George III, with some donning a red coat to fight against their former oppressors under the command of a man who owned enslaved people in the Caribbean! Alongside this forgotten episode in Anglo-American history, you get an insight into the early US Republic and the 'War of 1812'. A fascinating and moving story, full of irony and hypocrisy, brilliantly told.
December 6, 2025
Fascinating history of enslaved African Americans who escaped and joined the British Army in the Anglo American wars, ultimately winning freedom for themselves and in some cases their families. We researched pulling together data and information from various sources into one place. Very readable.
July 26, 2024
(Full disclosure: I know the author.)
Histories can be dry or wet. 'Dry' books ignore the human cost, recounting facts, confusing people with statistics. 'Wet' books, conversely, ignore the hard details. They fawn and gush, reducing the past to maudlin pap. Fortunately, 'Black Redcoats' is neither dry nor wet. Matthew Taylor walks the line between reason and romance, offering a mature analysis of a complicated, contentious topic.
Too often American histories rely on binaries: white people ruled, black people suffered, sympathies should be obvious. Mr. Taylor digs deeper. Nuances and motives are made clear and explored - and details are never distracting. Narrative discipline allows him to describe the War of 1812 without boring the reader, the conflict being a line on which facets of the Deep South hang like dirty rags.
'Black Redcoats' should be the first of many books on a war about which, frankly, I knew nothing. As the author states, even the name, 'The War of 1812', seems designed to be boring. Despite the branding, it gave birth to the US. (It's possible that the Civil War, fought only decades later, was shaped by the earlier conflict.) For this reason, I recommend this book without hesitation.
Histories can be dry or wet. 'Dry' books ignore the human cost, recounting facts, confusing people with statistics. 'Wet' books, conversely, ignore the hard details. They fawn and gush, reducing the past to maudlin pap. Fortunately, 'Black Redcoats' is neither dry nor wet. Matthew Taylor walks the line between reason and romance, offering a mature analysis of a complicated, contentious topic.
Too often American histories rely on binaries: white people ruled, black people suffered, sympathies should be obvious. Mr. Taylor digs deeper. Nuances and motives are made clear and explored - and details are never distracting. Narrative discipline allows him to describe the War of 1812 without boring the reader, the conflict being a line on which facets of the Deep South hang like dirty rags.
'Black Redcoats' should be the first of many books on a war about which, frankly, I knew nothing. As the author states, even the name, 'The War of 1812', seems designed to be boring. Despite the branding, it gave birth to the US. (It's possible that the Civil War, fought only decades later, was shaped by the earlier conflict.) For this reason, I recommend this book without hesitation.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews