African American Soldiers - American History, 1493-1945

Francis Fletcher and equal pay for the 54th Massachusetts

28 May 1864

View the letter from Francis H. Fletcher to Jacob C. Safford in the resource

Despite the presence of large numbers of African Americans in the northern States when war broke out in 1861, it was not until some time later that the decision was made to arm Black men and turn them into soldiers. By war’s end in April 1865, 179,000 African Americans were wearing the blue of the Union forces – making up 10% of the Northern army.

Though they shared the same perils as their White counterparts, the remuneration for Black soldiers differed significantly. A white private could expect to earn $14 per month for his service where a Black private received $7. This inequality is addressed directly in this letter of 28 May 1864 from Francis Fletcher, an African American sergeant serving in the all-Black 54th Massachusetts, to Jacob Safford. Fletcher, a clerk prior to his enlistment hence the beautiful handwriting, chides his friend for a “too liberal” view on an issue. What? Fletcher harks back to his regiment’s rapturous departure from Boston a year prior – they went on to perform admirably in battle – then contrasts this with “no man in this regiment has received a cent.”

The reason for his unit not even receiving their truncated wage is that they collectively refused to take anything unless they were paid equal to their White colleagues. At the time of writing, a bill was passing through Congress to approve equal pay for Black and White soldiers but Fletcher’s bitterness still comes across: “All the misery and degradation suffered in our regiment by its members’ families is not atoned for by the passage of the bill for equal pay.” He talks in biblical terms of vengeance and repayment of wrongs.

This was a unit that had suffered greatly in the war around Charleston, most famously by their gallant but futile attack on the battery at Fort Wagner in July 1863. African American units distinguished themselves in numerous other engagements and were awarded sixteen medals of honor by war’s end. On top of their inferior pay, they could at times expect far less mercy in battle and surrender. The most infamous example was the Fort Pillow massacre where surrendering Black soldiers were shown no quarter by the Confederate victors.

The 54th Massachusetts were eventually given their full back-dated pay in September 1864 but this document survives with us to show the iniquity faced by African American soldiers in service of their country and also testifies to their contribution to the Northern cause.