50th US Colored Infantry

The 50th USCI was organized from the 12th Louisiana Infantry (African Descent) in March 1864. It served in various posts in the Department of the Gulf and fought in the Battle of Fort Blakely in April 1865.

OVERVIEW: Organized March 11, 1864, from 12th Louisiana Infantry (African Descent). Attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Vicksburg, Miss., to October, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 16th Corps, to November, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Vicksburg, Miss., to February, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, Military Division West Mississippi, to June, 1865. Dept. of the Gulf to March, 1866.

SERVICE: Post and garrison duty at Vicksburg, Miss., till February, 1865. Expedition from Haines Bluff to Yazoo River April 19-23, 1864. Near Mechanicsburg April 20. Expedition from Vicksburg to Rodney and Fayette September 29-October 3. Ordered to Algiers, La., February 26, thence to Barrancas, Fla. March from Pensacola, Fla., to Blakely, Ala., March 20-April 1. Siege of Fort Blakely April 1-9. Assault and capture of Fort Blakely April 9. Occupation of Mobile April 12. March to Montgomery April 13-25. Duty there and at Mobile till June. Moved to New Orleans, La. At Greenville June 16. Duty at various points in Dept. of the Gulf till March, 1866. Mustered out March 20, 1866.

Three men from Williamson County are known to have served in the 50th USCI:

• Pvt. William Ellis [Ellison?] was born in Williamson County around 1825. He enlisted in Company A on July 7, 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He deserted on Aug. 1, 1863

• Pvt. Jerry Ellison was born in Williamson County around 1838. He enlisted in Company A on July 7, 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  On Oct. 30, 1863 he was discharged for disability “caused by rupture [hernia]. He was injured by heavy lifting while on fatigue duty since enrollment.” 

• Cpl. Henry  Bonds was born in Williamson County around 1840. He enlisted in Company A on October 3, 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. In March/April 1864 he served on the color guard. He mustered out on March 20,1866 at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Resources:

• Battle Unit Details, NPS

• Regimental and Company Books of the 50th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment

• Approved Pension Application File for Harriet E Peet, Widow of James Peet, Company F&S, 50th USCT Infantry Regiment (Application No. WC100990)

• Approved Pension Application File for Charity Clower, Widow of Milton Clower, Company G, 50th USCT Infantry Regiment (Application No. WC109655)

• Pension Application for Cpl. Robert Campbell, 50th USCT Co E