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

Written Accounts

1865-12, The National Freedman; statistical report of students in the Chimborazo schools for October, 1865 – 345 there now
1865-12, The Old Guard; "Camp Lee;" - describes the camp's use as a freedman's village and its occupation by federal forces. Excellent description of the physical facility during the war. By George Fitzhugh.
1866 (ca.), The Camp, the Battle Field, and the Hospital...; by Linus P. Brockett; excerpt (by John F. Porter) describes the author's part in the famous Libby Prison escape and subsequent journey to Williamsburg
1866-01-06, The National Freedman; letter from Richmond soliciting donations of shoes from the North for Freedmen. Notes on conditions at Chimborazo.
1866-01-09, Richmond Examiner; negro who stole braids from the “brewery near Chimborazo Hospital” is sent to Castle Thunder for sixty days
1866-01-11, Richmond Examiner; “James River Farmers” meet at Turkey Island to set standards and practices regarding the labor of the Freedmen
1866-01-12, Richmond Whig; editorial: “The Test of the Negro’s Fitness for Freedom.” Labor, political and racial issues abound. “[Abolition] was not the original design of the North in entering upon the war; it certainly was not the design of the South.”
1866-01-13, Richmond Examiner; negroes found with stolen goods, believed to have been taken during the evacuation
1866-01-16, Richmond Examiner; negroes attacked by soldiers at 7th and Main
1866-01-22, Richmond Examiner; 24th Massachusetts, camped at Howard’s Grove, marches through Richmond to Rocketts on their way to be mustered out. “All the freedmen, freedwomen and freedchildren from Chimborazo and the city, accompanied the regiment in it

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