PREFACE
I havebeen asked many times by my friends, and also by members of the Grand Army of the Republic and Women’s Relief Corps, to write a book of my army life, during the war of 1861-65, with the regiment of the 1st South Carolina Colored Troops, later called 33d United States Colored Infantry.
At first I did not think I would, but as the years rolled on and my friends were still urging me to start with it, I wrote to Colonel C. T. Trowbridge (who had command of this regiment), asking his opinion and advice on the matter. His answer to me was, “Go ahead! write it; that is just what I should do, were I in your place, and I will give you all the assistance you may need, whenever you require it.” This inspired me very much.
In 1900 I received a letter from a gentleman, sent from the Executive Mansion at St. Paul, Minn., saying Colonel Trowbridge had told him I was about to write a book, and when it waspublished he wanted one of the first copies. This, coming from a total stranger, gave me more confidence, so I now present these reminiscences to you, hoping they may prove of some interest, and show how much service and good we can do to each other, and what sacrifices we can make for our liberty and rights, and that there were “loyal women,” as well as men, in those days, who did not fear shell or shot, who cared for the sick and dying; women who camped and fared as the boys did, and who are still caring for the comrades in their declining years.
So, with the hope that the following pages will accomplish some good and instruction for its readers, I shall proceed with my narrative.
SUSIE KING TAYLOR.
Boston, 1902.