8/24/1862 

Battle of Fort Wagner

South Carolina

Dear Helen,

It is me, Lewis Henry Douglass. This was one of the only times I could write to you because it has been so busy here with the battles. We joined in the 54th regiment but it feels like we are aliens to them. Even though they have allowed us to fight it is still not equal. My fellow white soldiers get paid more than I do. We have peacefully protested by not accepting any pay at all until we receive equal pay. Corporal James Gooding sent a letter to President Lincoln asking him “ Are we soldiers or laborers? We have done soldiers work, why can’t we have soldiers pay?”. Lincoln being extremely hypocritical to his own words. How could he argue for us to get out of slavery but then not treat us equally. President Lincoln then saw how he was in the wrong. President Lincoln then influenced Congress to give us black soldiers equal pay. This battle makes you feel inhuman. I’ve been trying to build friendships with my soldiers and write to you to maintain my humanity. 

I know I am fighting this war for a good cause. That is why I am staying here.  The war has almost broken me mentally. I have seen my fellow friends and soldiers die in front of me. I could not help them because I was  fighting for my own life when they were trying to hold onto theirs. At the end of the day this war is benefiting me more than it is hurting me. I will write to you soon. Miss you.

Sincerely,

Lewis