More than five thousand African Americans served in the Continental Army. Both free and enslaved blacks had fought in colonial militias prior to the Revolution, and African-American minutemen died in the battles at Lexington and Concord. This pay voucher attests to money owed and interest paid to a black soldier, Mjuba Freeman.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
State of Connecticut Revolutionary War Pay Vouchers for Mjuba Freeman, June 1, 1782
Supporting the Revolutionary Army
Two months after the battles of Lexington and Concord ignited the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to take charge of the war effort. In June 1775 Congress quickly appointed George Washington to lead the Continental Army. Washington left immediately to take command of the troops already assembled in Boston. Congress raised funds for the war by issuing money and pursuing loans from European governments. It also requested that the colonies provide money to support the Continental Army.
More than five thousand African Americans served in the Continental Army. Both free and enslaved blacks had fought in colonial militias prior to the Revolution, and African-American minutemen died in the battles at Lexington and Concord. This pay voucher attests to money owed and interest paid to a black soldier, Mjuba Freeman.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
