1. MY 10th BOOK, "AFRICAN AMERICANS FROM BALTIMORE COUNTY WHO SERVED IN THE CIVIL WAR: Maryland's Six Regiments of Slaves" HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND CAN NOW BE PURCHASED

The cover of the book

       This 10th book on the history of African American history in Baltimore County has upgraded significantly this history by the research of slaves and former slaves who proved their loyalty to the country that held them in bondage for generations, yet proved through their volunteering in the Union Army and made a significant difference in the Union's victory during the country's Civil War.

     The right side of this blog reveals much history on these individuals as well as the USCT Regiments they served in.

       The author would like thank the sponsors of this book for making this segment of history of African Americans in Baltimore County available to the general public, especially the students and youth of this county today and in the future, about the sacrifices made by many of their ancestors.  These sponsors are Baltimore County government, the Board of Director's of the Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival and the National Pipe Band Foundation.

      The cost of the book is $35 including the 6% MD State tax; however, the book will be mailed to you postage free.

      Please contact Louis Diggs for any additional information about the book, or for purchases at louisdiggs2@verizon.net.

Sergeant Major Christian Abraham Fleetwood was born a free man in 1840, probably in Baltimore, Maryland. He served as the Chief Agent for a prosperous sugar refinery in Liberia.  Upon his return to American he graduated (valedictorian in 1860) from the Ashman Institute in Pennsylvania.  He enlisted in the 4^th USCT Regiment in 1863 and within two weeks became the Regimental Sergeant Major. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, and was discharged in 1866.  He died on September 28, 1914.  A daughter survived him.  His wife was Sara Christian. 

Info and photo courtesy of Ronald S. Coddington, from his book “African American Faces of The Civil War: An Album.”

"The Constitution," one of the ships that African Americans served on during

the Civil War.

Copy of information on an African American Soldier from Baltimore County (Ellicott Mills) who was captured during the Battle of Chapin Farm.