The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution

by William Cooper Nell

While every schoolchild in America has heard of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette little is known of the African-American contribution to the American Revolution. William Cooper Nell, a nineteenth century abolitionist, wished to reexamine our understanding of this famous war and highlight to the world the black soldiers who fought and died for the cause of American Independence. In this fascinating work he uncovers intriguing stories such as that of Crispus Attucks who is considered the first casualty of the American Revolution. Nell exposes how in each state, from Massachusetts to Florida, African-Americans were active participants in the Revolution. Harriet Beecher Stowe, in the introduction to Nell’s work, perfectly expresses the value of services given by “we are to reflect upon them as far more magnanimous, because rendered to a nation which did not acknowledge them as citizens and equals, and in whose interests and prosperity they had less at stake. It was not for their own land they fought, not even for a land which had adopted them, but for a land which had enslaved them, and whose laws, even in freedom, oftener oppressed than protected. Bravery, under such circumstances, has a peculiar beauty and merit.” Nell’s work is a brilliant reassessment of history and wonderfully explains the contributions of African-Americans to the War of Independence. Jessie Carney Smith in her book Black First also explains that this work deserves acknowledgement in its own right because it was “the first substantial historical work by a black man in America.” William Cooper Nell was an African-American abolitionist, author and civil servant of Boston. He worked tirelessly at the outbreak of the American Civil War to get black soldiers accepted into the Union Army. He died in 1874 at the age of 58. His most famous work The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution was first published in 1855.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, Biography, American History

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1855

About the author

William Cooper Nell was an African-American abolitionist, journalist, publisher, author, and civil servant of Boston, Massachusetts, who worked for integration of schools and public facilities in the state.

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainly of historical interest, this book came out just before the Civil War with prefaces by both Harriet Beecher Stowe and Wendell Phillips. Drawing on American history, Nell makes the case that blacks deserve freedom and complete civil rights. Going state by state through the 13 original states plus a few more nearby ones, Nell tells stories of soldiers who fought in the Revolution and the War of 1812, as well as other notable African Americans from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Starting with Crispus Attucks, killed in the Boston Massacre and moving on to black soldiers who received commendations by George Washington to free black people who achieved distinction in civilian government service, business and political activism, Nell's account is an early effort to write African Americans into American history. Aside from its obvious historical significance, many of Nell's profiles are interesting in themselves.

[Quatesha Cobbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

History from a Big Picture View

Definitely an awesome read to expand how you view history. Not from a place of politics and agendas, but of complexity and depth. Also very humbling to know and remember that no matter the circumstances or situation you do not overcome by constantly declaring yourself as a victim but as more than a conquerer.

[Curry Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a the true story’s of real Americans overcoming with respect hard work and most of all a hope in jesus, As an American I can see the heart of these people, in a time in our country were people are rioting and knelling before the flag, if this generation of Americans could come to this day and age, they would truly be ashamed, they are rejected in slaved and yet they always press forward to the betterment of our country, they didn’t want to be seen as African Americans or as black men, but wanted to be seen as Americans, in our time it’s all about identity, back then it was all about sameness, these first Americans were respectful and out of nothing became so much,

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this collection. I am both shocked and in awe that most of these stories aren't common knowledge, praised to high heavens, and that fiction authors haven't been all over the massive opportunities for some amazing historical fiction based on inspiring and harrowing people and times. I can't say I'm shocked to learn of some of the atrocities happening up to just past the war of 1812, but it is still incredibly hard to hear reality. All the more reason I wish these voices were heard by so many more and mourn all those we have no record of.

[Alan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book Filled with Inspirational Stories of Black Slaves in Early America

This book doesn't just cover black Revolutionary War veterans, but other stories of significant black slaves prior to 1850. Some of the accounts are not sourced, but most are tied to newspapers or Legisture speeches. Despite this, most individuals mentioned are great of character and worth committing to memory to share with friends and children.

[Kai Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like history, its a very interesting read. I just found it hard to keep my attention.

[Tamara V · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s interesting but written in a way that encouraged me to put it down and finish at a later time.