Masthead for Frederick Douglass' Monthly, August 1862
Source: Accessible Archives, African American Collection
150 years ago in the month of February, a young man paddled his way to freedom in a canoe. It was said that "in that contraband's hand, a victory was brought to the United States of America, led by Burnside."
I found this story of this young man, while looking at an issue of the Douglass' Monthly through Accessible Archives. What I discovered was the story of a young many who rowed to freedom, who was befriended by General Burnside and who shared everything he knew about the countryside, allowing the General and his staff to map the area around Newbern , and to plan a military strategy that would lead to a major victory.
There were two things that stood out for me----first, the actions of the enslaved population are indirectly revealed--the enslaved people were fleeing to the Union lines and seizing their freedom. Secondly, this one young boy had a sharp memory--enough to allow General Burnside to map the area accurately and plan a military attack.
General Ambrose Burside
Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps
Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867
Online Edition of book available through Google Books
How wonderful that I was able to see such an interesting article in the Douglass Monthly. Although his name was not mentioned, I truly wanted to find out more about this courageous lad, and if his story was recorded any other place.
So after a careful Google Search, I came across an interesting work, called, Major General Amborse Burnside and the Ninth Army Corp, published in 1867. In that book, I found a full description of the same incident reported in Frederick Douglass' publication about the young boy, Tom.
General Burnside was stationed near Hatteras, and calculating how to capture Roanoke Island. It is noted that a solution to his question rowed literally into his presence.
Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps
Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867, p 33
Online Edition of book available through Google Books
Tom proved to be a valuable aid to the officers assisting Burnside. He was able to describe the land, the location of troops on both sides and was able to assist the team of officers on the best place to land ashore.
He was therefore treated well for his assistance, and was allowed to remain among the soldiers at Hatteras.
Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps
Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867, p. 33
Online Edition of book available through Google Books
Sure enough when the regiment sailed into the harbor to begin to take Roanoke, Tom led them to the spot where they disembarked and the plans unfolded.
Source: Major General Ambrose Burnside, and the Ninth Army Corps
Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867 p. 39
Online Edition of book available through Google Books
Another book mentioned young Tom and his impact on Burnside's operation. That book is called The Outer Banks of No. Carolina 1584-1958, by author David Stick. He refers to young Tom and the topographical engineer as the two heroes that helped to capture Roanoke Island.
What happened to Tom after the war?
Did he survive the war, and live to see freedom?
Did he eventually move into the Freedman's Colony at Roanoke? No complete roster of the colony exists. But considering his relationship with the General and his staff, my hope is that he did survive the war, and begin life again and live to breathe free air in a time of peace.
Young Thomas Robinson, like hundreds of other contrabands is one of may unsung heroes of the Civil War. His desire for freedom was fulfilled and he shared his skill and knowledge of the land with General Ambrose Burnside and his actions had direct impact on a major campaign in America's Civil War. The small article published by Frederick Douglass in 1862, provided a small glimpse into how even the most ordinary actions of one person can bring about change.
The sesquicentennial anniversary of young Tom's arrival at Hatteras will take place in February and I for one shall remember him as those days approach.
Union Army Overtaking Roanoke Island
I'm glad that yuo are documenting these stories that are so underreported.
ReplyDelete