James Gooding

In the spring of 1863, two years into the Civil War, the United States government finally granted African Americans the right to fight for the Union. Yet that decision did not bring about equal treatment or pay for black soldiers. They received $7 a month plus a $3 per month clothing allowance, while white soldiers earned $13 per month plus a $3.50 per month clothing allowance. One black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts, refused any pay whatsoever to protest this discrimination.

On September 28, 1863, Corporal James Gooding wrote the following letter to President Lincoln, setting down the arguments for equality of pay as well as opportunity. In July 1864, the Congress granted this request, and in September of that year the men of the 54th Massachusetts received all back pay due them.

Your Excellency, Abraham Lincoln: Your Excellency will pardon the presumption of...