GIVING
A Full Account of its Formation; of all the Battles through
which it passed, and its final Disbandment.

The author of this has for a long time been greatly concerned for this land and nation, and for the human family in general, but more particularly for the unfortunate African, both in this and every other part of the world. I was born in Selings Grove, Union County, Pa., in the year 1826, the 2nd day of June, and was the youngest son of four brothers. My father's name was Isaac, and my mother's, Rachel. The family consisted of thirteen in number. My father being a poor man, I was put out to a gentleman of Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of six years; I was brought up with a limited education, not being permitted to go to school, for it was against the laws of the State for a white person to teach a colored child; but having kind friends to live with and being beloved by white boys, I gained some information in spelling, and with diligent study I learned to read and write. I never had the opportunity of going to school a day in my life, when it became known to the citizens that I could not write, I was sent home to Pennsylvania in the year 1840, then 17 years of age. I embraced religion in the year 1846.

I was called to the ministry in the year 1852, in which position I studied; when the war broke out in 1861, I went out with the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Col. Emory, I was in the charge at Falls Church, Va., and Fairfax Court House. When the rumor reached me that the Government was enlisting colored men, I then left the Regiment and went home, and in 1863 enlisted in the 29th Connecticut Regiment, January the 7th, 1863.

The author's desire and prayer is, that tranquility, peace and happiness may cover the earth, as the waters cover the great deep. Forasmuch as there has been a great deal of confusion in relation to my afflicted nation, and different parties holding opposite opinions have come forward with a desire to alleviate their condition; their good intentions have taught us: First, that it is necessary to become christians, to love and fear God and keep his commandments, to have patience and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then we shall be delivered in due time. Secondly, the reader is referred to the pages of this work; please read it impartially and carefully, and you will see plainly that the author's sole aim is to promote the happiness of the human family, here and hereafter; therefore, I pray that those who will read this book may be forever blessed in this world, and receive endless happiness in the world to come.