Free Negroes
Information about Free Negros in Richmond, VA during the Civil War

Written Accounts

1865-09-29, Richmond Commercial Bulletin; Davenport and Armistead Walker [MLW’s father in law?] arrested for disorderly conduct and furnishing liquor to soldiers
1865-09-29, Richmond Whig; negro teamster shot while gathering wood for Howard’s Grove “between the intermediate and outer line of fortifications.” He sent to the hospital
1865-10-20, Burlington (Vt.) Free Press; Charles Palmer “the well-known Unionist” defeated in State Senate race. Franklin Stearns is the only Unionist elected.
1865-10-20, Portland (Maine) Daily Eastern Argus; report that “gangs of negroes from Chimborazo Hospital” are daily tearing up the tracks of the York River Railroad to get firewood
1865-10-30, Richmond Commercial Bulletin; rock battles continuing by children of Richmond
1865-11-02, Richmond Commercial Bulletin; Freedmen’s Court has repeatedly sent a “negro street-walker and vagrant” to Chimborazo, but she, claiming she doesn’t like it there, is sent to Castle Thunder
1865-11, The National Freedman; letter regarding schools and charity at City Point and Chimborazo. Author “organized a night school at the Chimborazo camp” for about 200 pupils
1865-12-12, Richmond Dispatch; long description of alleged negro thieves at Chimborazo – still described as “Chimborazo Hospital”
1865-12-13, Richmond Examiner; drunk US soldier sent to Castle Thunder for 10 days; man breaks in to Castle Godwin – much description. He sent to the Penitentiary
1865-12-30, The National Freedman; ldescription of poor conditions and education among the Freedmen at Chimborazo, and appeal for charity

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