4 Replies Latest reply on Dec 10, 2020 4:01 PM by Jason Atkinson

    Seeking US Colored Troops 33rd Regiment Day Books

    Alexa Burke Newbie
    Alexa Burke Nov 30, 2020 8:02 PM

      Hello, I have heard that there are regiment day books at the National Archives detailing what happened day by day for the US Colored Troops. I have found these records, but apparently there are more detailed daily records in the archives. Has anyone seen these daily records of the USCT troops? Do you know if they are digitized? If not, is it possible to request a specific record for someone to photograph and send me? I am looking for USCT, 33rd Regiment D, and I am interested in a few specific dates. Thank you

        • Re: Seeking US Colored Troops 33rd Regiment Day Books
          Cara Jensen Tracker
          Cara Jensen Expert Dec 2, 2020 2:38 PM (in response to Alexa Burke)

          Dear Ms. Burke,

           

          Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

           

          We searched the National Archives Catalog and located a series titled Regimental and Company Books of Civil War Volunteer Union Organizations, 1861 - 1867 in the Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1762 - 1917 (Record Group 94) that includes a file unit titled Regimental and Company Books of the 33rd U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment which consists of 6 items that may contain the information you seek.  For access to these items, please contact the National Archives at Washington, DC - Textual Reference (RDT1) via email at archives1reference@nara.gov. 

           

          Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT1. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

           

          We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!

           

            • Re: Seeking US Colored Troops 33rd Regiment Day Books
              Alexa Burke Newbie
              Alexa Burke Dec 3, 2020 12:06 PM (in response to Cara Jensen)

              Thank you so much for your response! These look like the documents I am looking for.

               

              I called and sent an email to the above contact you mentioned. Do you know if there is anyone in the archives right now who is able to look up a few dates in the book for me? I am curious what happened on Jan. 10, 1863 and March 12, 1864. It's for a research project with the NEH and NPS about Civil War & Reconstruction history in the Sea Islands, SC.

               

              Thank you,

              Alexa Burke

                • Re: Seeking US Colored Troops 33rd Regiment Day Books
                  Alexa Burke Newbie
                  Alexa Burke Dec 3, 2020 2:13 PM (in response to Alexa Burke)

                  And a follow-up to my question above--I'm interested in these two dates because a sergeant we're following in the USCT 33rd Inf. D was demoted from 1st Sergeant to 3rd. On the second date in 1864 he was demoted again to general ranks for "cowardly behavior before the enemy." However he was not courts-martialed and stayed in the Army. Curious if there would be some context of what was going on those days in the books. Thank you!

                    • Re: Seeking US Colored Troops 33rd Regiment Day Books
                      Jason Atkinson Pioneer
                      Jason Atkinson Expert Dec 10, 2020 4:01 PM (in response to Alexa Burke)

                      Dear Ms. Burke,

                       

                      Thank you for posting your follow-up request on History Hub!

                      Orders regarding demotions might be in the order books included in the previously mentioned regimental and company books. Since the National Archives at Washington, DC - Textual Reference (RDT1) already responded to your request concerning these records, we will not duplicate their efforts. If you have additional questions about these records we suggest that you send them directly to RDT1.