Recruiting of Colored Regiments
Written by Colonel John H. Taggart, 1863

Following the Emancipation Proclamation, there was a great need for officers to command regiments of colored troops. A Free Military School was established at Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, Pa., with the express purpose of training white officers for command positions in colored regiments. These potential officers were drawn from both experienced military personnel and ordinary citizens.

The following document, written by Colonel John H. Taggart of the 12th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves and published by King & Baird, Printers in 1863, delineates the problem of recruiting competent individuals, requirements for attaining command positions, living conditions and expenses for successful applicants.

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