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

Written Accounts

1866-02-23, Richmond Examiner; “a number of negro boys” attacked with stones by white youths on Capitol Square. Freedmen’s Bureaus stops it and arrests culprits
1866-02-24, Richmond Examiner; notice that “the negroes are preparing for some sort of celebration on the Third of April” to commemorate the anniversary of their freedom
1866-02-27, Richmond Examiner; City Point to be the “rendezvous” for 15-20,000 black troops, to be paid off prior to discharge. Paper laments the effect on the area
1866-02-27, Richmond Examiner; report of “depredations” by the “negroes who inhabit Chimborazo Hospital Hill.”
1866-02-27, Richmond Examiner;800 negro troops, the 1st USCC apparently, arrive at City Point – more on the way
1866-02-28, Richmond Examiner; “Joseph Harris, negro,” Libby Prison escapee, shot at and recaptured
1866-03-01, Richmond Examiner; bizarre account of a negro woman at Chimborazo who gave birth to a litter of puppies – she to go to the poor house, thence to the Penitentiary
1866-03-05, Richmond Dispatch; “rioting among the negroes” at Chimborazo – running gunfight between soldiers and rioters. “Ten or twelve” arrested and placed in Libby Prison.
1866-03-05, Richmond Dispatch; negroes sentenced by the provost court to sentences in Libby and Castle Thunder – drunk, obscene language, creating nuisances etc.
1866-03-06, Richmond Dispatch; negroes arrested “in the disturbance at Chimborazo” last Friday to be tried today

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