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

Written Accounts

1863-05-08, Richmond Dispatch; V. M. Harrison, Surgeon in Charge, GH#20, 25th St betw. Main & Franklin, adv for 10 negro male nurses
1863-05-11, Richmond Dispatch; more than 2000 prisoners arrive. 1800 put into Conrad & Crew factory. When next arrive, will be sent to Belle Isle & guarded by City Bn. Enormous list of Yankee POW officers now in town. Probably 150 names.
1863-05-12, Richmond Dispatch; 17 new prisoners at Libby. Harrison Co. hostage at Castle Thunder for guiding Federals. Also a spy & a man helping deserters escape – all named
1863-05-14, Richmond Dispatch; John S. Austin, Hospital Steward GH#4, adv for 4 black male nurses.
1863-05-16, Richmond Dispatch; C. D. Rice, in charge Howard’s Grove Hospital, adv 50 black nurses, male or female
1863-05-18, Richmond Sentinel; 882 Yankee prisoners arrive; there are now 242 officers in Libby Prison
1863-05-21, Richmond Dispatch; 4 negroes at Tredegar badly hurt. Burned roof fell in as they were cleaning debris
1863-05-25, Richmond Dispatch; black man named Horace Holmes apprehended dressed in CSA uniform – didn’t know he couldn’t. Released after lecture.
1863-07-21, Richmond Examiner; negro soldier discovered on Belle Isle while paroling prisoners
1863-08-08, Richmond Sentinel; 100 prisoners arrive at Libby Prison, 65 negroes incarcerated in Castle Thunder

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