Very desirable first edition of the first serious work documenting the history of black soldiers in the War for American Independence and the Civil War.

J. T. Wilson served in the Civil War, originally enlisting as a private with the 2nd Louisiana Native Guard later reorganized as the 74th United States Colored Troops. After being discharged for illness, he later reenlisted in Co. C of the famed Massachusetts 54th Infantry composed of African American enlisted men. He was wounded in action at the Battle of Olustee (Florida) and honorably discharged in May 1864.

After the War, he played a major role in the post-war politics of as a radical and prominent voice within the Republican party. He wrote extensively as the editor of the True Southerner Unionist newspaper in Norfolk, Virginia and elsewhere, often using the pseudonym “Eskiam.” Additionally, he earned the position of aide-de-camp to the commander in chief in the Grand Army of the Republic and was commissioned by its members to write The Black Phalanx. American Publishing Company publicized it widely and it was met with popular and critical acclaim.

This copy inscribed "William Stokes. Christmas '88" with a later note identifying this Stokes as a soldier in the 32nd United States Colored Troops, who fought at Gettysburg. 

Wilson, Joseph T. The Black Phalanx; A History of the Negro Soldiers of the United States in the Wars of 1775-1812, 1861-'65. By Joseph T. Wilson, Late of the 2nd, Reg't La. Native Guard Vols. 54th Mass. Vols. Aide-De-Camp to the Commander-in-Chief G. A. B. Author of "Emancipation," "Voice of a New Race," "Twenty-Two Years of Freedom," Etc., Etc.. 56 Illustrations. Hartford, Conn. American Publishing Company. 1888. 528pp.

A good - to fair copy, bound in cloth, shaken, with the first signature detached. Pages have some toning, as well as a stain on the top edge of the text block, not infringing on the text block.