| Title |
Revolutionary Blacks : : discovering the Frank Brothers, freeborn men of color, soldiers of independence
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| Names |
Green, Shirley L.
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| Book Number |
DB128839
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| Title Status |
In Process
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| Language |
English
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| Annotation |
"William and Benjamin Frank joined the Second Rhode Island Regiment in the spring of 1777, following the tradition of military service established by their father, a veteran of the French and Indian War. The brothers became part of a cohort of free Black soldiers serving in an integrated Continental Army. The Second Rhode Island saw action along the Delaware River in the defense of Fort Mercer and the battle of Red Bank, before falling back with the rest of the army to Valley Forge. Following the brutal winter of 1777-1778 and the pivotal Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, in June 1778, veteran soldiers of color from the Second Rhode Island, including the Frank brothers, were transferred to the newly segregated First Rhode Island. This regiment was composed of Black and Native American soldiers, including enslaved men who were promised their freedom in exchange for service. Allowing formerly enslaved men to serve was reluctantly authorized by George Washington to address manpower shortages, but in exchange, he introduced segregation into the army. The 'Black Regiment,' as it became known returned to its home state, where it fought with distinction at the Battle of Rhode Island in August. While encamped near Providence in February 1780, Ben Frank deserted and ended up in British service. His brother William remained with his unit and served during the American victory at Yorktown, Virginia, where the Black Regiment once again demonstrated its effectiveness. William was honorably discharged and returned to Rhode Island, while Ben eventually relocated to Nova Scotia with other loyalists. Author and historian Shirley L. Green takes the reader on a journey based on her family's history, rooted in its oral tradition. Putting together the pieces of this puzzle through archival research, interviews, and DNA evidence, the author authenticates and expands the family's oral history."-- Provided by publisher. -- Some strong language.
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| Medium |
Digital Books
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| Audience Notes |
Contains some strong language. NLS/BPH
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| Local Subject |
Biography - BIO
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|
Informational works
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|
United States - History - 973
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History - North America - 970
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| LC Subject |
African American loyalists
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|
Antislavery movements - United States - History - 18th century
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Enslaved soldiers - United States - 18th century
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Rhode Island - History - Revolution, 1775-1783 - Participation, African American
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United States - History - Revolution, 1775-1783 - African Americans
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United States - History - Revolution, 1775-1783 - Participation, African American
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Nonfiction
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| Call Number |
973.346 ANF
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| Publication Info |
Washington, D.C. : National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress,
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| Original Publication |
Recorded from: Yardley, Pennsylvania : Westholme Publishing 2023. 9781594167041
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