From the June 1st Wilmington (NC) Star-News.
Several regiments of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) fought with conspicuous gallantry at Fort Fisher. On June 2nd, a marker was dedicated to them at 10 am at the National Cemetery in Wilmington at the Market Street entrance.
The 1st, 4th, 5th, 10th, 27th, 30th, 37th and 39th regiments of the USCT were involved., led by white officers.
After the battle, some captured Confederate officers said that even though it was not official Confederate policy, any blacks who were captured and found to be free men would not be killed. However, if they were former slaves, they would be treated as house burners and robbers and would be killed as would their white officers.
The exact number isn't known, but it is believed that several hundred USCT are buried at the Wilmington National Cemetery which records 92 official black burials, including some who died in combat and those who died after their service. Of that number, 88 were enlisted men and 4 were white officers., making it the largest USCT burial ground in North Carolina.
A total of 3,300 USCT participated in the fighting in the Cape Fear area.
A deserved Honor. --Old B-R'er
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