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

Written Accounts

1866-01-22, Richmond Examiner; Howard’s Grove pillaged by “Irish and negroes.” Ringleaders sent to Castle Thunder
1866-01-24, Richmond Examiner; four negroes tunnel out of Castle Thunder and escape
1866-02-01, Richmond Examiner; Provost Court cases – two drunken soldiers, rock-throwing negro, and two other negro thieves sent to Libby Prison
1866-02-02, The National Freedman; letter from Chimborazo describing conditions among the Freedmen and advocating for donations. 1500 people now there.
1866-02-03, Richmond Examiner; Castle Thunder is now “a prison for negro female offenders”
1866-02-05, Richmond Examiner; information sought on young “negress” who was carried away from Chimborazo
1866-02-06, Richmond Examiner; dead body, former slave of Thomas Hardgrove, found in Bloody Run, near Chimborazo. Inquest fails to determine cause of death
1866-02-10, Richmond Examiner; negro found dead on the bridge leading to Chimborazo Hospital (“now the Asylum for freed negroes”) on Marshall street – buried in the “new negro cemetery” established by the Freedman’s Bureau.
1866-02-12, Richmond Examiner; 30 negro prisoners escape from Libby Prison by digging through the wall.
1866-02-22, Richmond Examiner; provost court items – offenders sent to Castle Thunder and Libby. Includes a soldier from the 11th US who deserted his post at Libby, now confined there

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