Mezurek - For Their Own Cause The 27th United States Colored Troops

This book is the culmination of over fifteen years of research and writing. During that time I was assisted and supported by many individuals. At Walsh University, I would like to thank the Office of Academic Affairs for my Summer 2013 Faculty Scholar Research Award and the members of the Works in Progress writing group, who inspired me with their generosity and talents. A word of thanks to Alyssa Arciello Mitchell, for her ability to locate and procure whatever interlibrary loan materials that I needed, and to Daniel Widder, who served as my research assistant when I revised the manuscript.

I have been fortunate to meet or correspond with many fellow historians, who answered my questions or shared their research with a willing spirit. My sincerest gratitude goes to Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Barbara A. Gannon, Jim Leeke, Larry Logue, Noah Andre Trudeau, and especially to John T. Hubbell. I would also like to recognize the staff at the Archives Library and Information Center at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., a number of whom have changed since my first visit in 2002. Their knowledge about and help with Civil Warrelated records has been invaluable to me. I appreciate the assistance that I received from the staff at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. And I am happy to recognize Joyce Harrison and the staff at The Kent State University Press for their support and encouragement throughout the process of publishing my first book.

I have been honored to make the acquaintance of several individuals who are descendants of the men who served in the 27th United States Colored Troops. It has been my pleasure to share information with and learn more about the soldiers and officers from Leah Agne, Catherine Bowman, Helen Farrell, Marjorie Parham, Michel Smith, Kathleen Tibbs, and Kimeta A. Warwick Dover. I am indebted to John David Smith and Richard M. Reid for their meticulous reading of the manuscript. This is a much better book because of their insightful observations and helpful comments. In the end though, any and all errors and omissions are mine alone.

For over fifteen years my PhD adviser and mentor, Leonne M. Hudson, associate professor at Kent State University, has provided me with unconditional support. His mentorship has been and still is invaluable to me. The completion of this book and my current position as an associate professor of history are both due to his patience, generosity, and examples of professionalism. There are no words that can adequately express the depth of my gratitude. Thank you, Leonne.

I dedicate this book to my children, Carlee, Bailey, Cody, and Cory. You are, and will always be, my greatest creations.