James Wilson

Lives Behind the Letters 16th Corps d’Afrique and 87th U.S. Colored Infantry, 1863–64

James Wilson, 23, enlisted in New York City on September 8, 1862, for three years, and was mustered in as a private in Company B of the 176th New York. He was promoted corporal, and on January 13, 1864, at Bonnet Carré, he was discharged “for promotion to second lieutenant, Eighty-seventh U. S. Colored Infantry” (176th roster, p. 1071). He served as second lieutenant of Company B of the 87th (NPS Soldiers and Sailors).

James wrote in February 1864: “Wilson and Camp have accepted Commissions in our Regiment and arrived yesterday at Brazos Santiago. I have not seen them yet, they are 2nd Lieutenants” (James, February 21, 1864).

Mentioned in 1: 1864 Feb 21