Death of James Harrison

Civil War letters by African American soldiers are very rare ... thus far this is the only known one announcing the death of a fellow soldier.

Charles Moore wrote to Elick Johnson in Bordentown New Jersey about the death of fellow soldier and friend, James Harrison (pictured). He asks in his letter that it be given to James’s friends or relatives in Crosswick, NJ

Transcript of Letter:

Feb 6th 1864 Pa
Chilton Hills Camp Wm Penn
This is A Certificate for James Harrison Who Is Decease And this for his Nearest friends or his Nearest Renections [sic. relations?] for to Draw the Amount of State Mony If there is any for the Soldiers He was Burried on Satturday Last this is from one of his School Mates, Chas. Moore

To,, Mis,, Elick Johnson.
Bordentown
Burlington Co NJ
And Send me A letter As Soon As you find his friends Or Father Or Mother
My Best Respects to All my, Inquiring Friends that I am Well & hoping To Find you the same

Your Affectionate Friend
Chas Moore
Who lived With John Collier

[on verso]
Mis Elick Johnson
Bordentown,, Burlington Co
NJ
To. Give this to James Harrison
Friends With Live in Crosswick
Hn

James Harrison was born in Crosswick, New Jersey about 1842. He served as a Private in the 45th U.S. Colored Infantry and died at Philadelphia February 5, 1864. He is buried in Philadelphia National Cemetery.

Charles E. Moore (c. 1844- ?) joined the 45th U.S. Colored Infantry in Pennsylvania in 1864. While the name “Charles Moore” appears repeatedly in the USCT, only the 45th was mustered in at Camp William Penn, making it likely that this was the unit of Harrison and Moore.

Image and Info: SethKallerInc., Historic Documents and LegacyCollection