"Service records sometimes include letters written by officers who wanted to recruit and lead black troops under the law passed in March 1865. These are found in actual service files and I'm only mentioning them from memory."

In a letter addressed to Sec.of War, John C. Breckenridge, dated March 29, 1865, Paroled P.O.W. and Captain W. H. Burgwyn, an adjunct in General Thomas Clingman's Brigade, requested an appointment to Colonel and permission to raise a regiment of "negro troops." He states he has "letters of recommendation from Governor Vance and General Clingman." After learning only Battalion strength would be raised, he requests permission to "raise a Battalion of Negroes in North Carolina."

William Hyslop Sumner Burgwyn

Residence Mecklenburg County NC; 16 years old.

Enlisted on 9/3/1861 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

On 9/3/1861 he was commissioned into "H" Co. NC 35th Infantry
He was transferred out on 1/15/1864
(Estimated day of transfer)

On 1/15/1864 he was commissioned into NC Genl Clingman's Brig
(date and method of discharge not given)

Promotions:
* 1st Lieut 7/4/1862
* Capt 6/23/1863

Other Information:
born 7/23/1845

Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:

- North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster
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