Unknown Soldier

It was originally thought that this young man was a member of the 9th or 10th U.S. Cavalry - the Buffalo Soldiers famous for their part in the Indian War campaigns in the American Southwest in the late 1800's. The 10th is also noted for its part in the storming of San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish American War of 1898. It later turns out its a rare image of an African American private of "L" Company, 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

The 6th Massachusetts was a singular regiment within either the Volunteers or the Regular Army in as much as it was a partially racially integrated regiment - the only one in U.S. service at the time. The 6th was an all white regiment with the exception on the single "L" company which was manned and officered by African Americans.

The 6th was raised for service in the Spanish American War and took part in the occupation of Puerto Rico. "L" Company was the only black unit to take part in the occupation of Puerto Rico and the only black volunteer unit to come under fire at the Battle of Yauco during the entire Spanish American War.

Sources: Images of Britain's Imperial Rivals: US, From the Far East to the Wild West