Alonzo G. Draper facts for kids

Alonzo Granville Draper (born September 6, 1835 – died September 3, 1865) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He became known for leading troops and eventually earned the special title of brevet brigadier general. Before the war, Draper was a strong supporter of important social causes, especially for workers' rights. During the Civil War, he was most famous for commanding the 36th United States Colored Troops, a unit made up of African-American soldiers.

Early Life and Activism

Alonzo Draper was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, and later moved to Lynn, Massachusetts. He was a great speaker and became a local leader for several important causes. He supported the temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use. He also fought for labor rights, helping workers get fair treatment.

In 1859, Draper became the first chairman of the Lynn Mechanics Association. This group worked to improve conditions for industrial workers. He also edited the New England Mechanic, a newspaper focused on workers' rights. Draper was a key leader in the New England Shoemakers Strike of 1860. This was a very important strike for workers' rights in the United States. His popularity from helping workers also helped him become an assistant city marshal in Lynn, which is like a local police officer.

A few years before the Civil War, Draper married Sarah Elizabeth Andrews. They had six children together, including a set of twins.

Serving in the Civil War

When the Civil War began, Alonzo Draper quickly started gathering a group of volunteer soldiers in Lynn. He became a captain on July 5, 1861. His group became Company C of the 14th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This regiment trained at Fort Warren in Boston. In August 1861, they went to Washington, D.C..

Soon after arriving, the 14th Massachusetts was assigned to guard duty at Fort Albany in Arlington, Virginia. This fort was part of the defenses protecting the capital city. The regiment spent months learning to use heavy artillery, which are large cannons. Because of this, in January 1862, their unit was renamed the 1st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery. Draper was promoted to major on January 16, 1863.

Leading African-American Troops

In the summer of 1863, General Edward A. Wild from Massachusetts began forming new army units. These units were made up of African-American volunteers from North Carolina who wanted to fight for the Union. Draper really wanted to lead one of these regiments. He wrote to Governor John Albion Andrew of Massachusetts, explaining his strong belief in abolitionism, which was the movement to end slavery. He also shared his desire to support the rights of African-Americans.

On August 2, 1863, Draper became a colonel and took command of the 2nd North Carolina Colored Volunteers. Historian Richard Reid noted that Draper worked hard to enlist formerly enslaved people into his unit. He also defended his soldiers against racism from other troops and officers. Draper even started programs to educate the former slaves in his unit. However, Draper was also very strict with his soldiers.

Battles and Challenges

In 1863, Draper's 2nd North Carolina regiment served in Virginia and North Carolina. Their main job was to go on expeditions into rural areas. They aimed to capture and scatter Confederate guerrillas, who were small groups fighting outside the main army. They also recruited more African-American soldiers from the many freed slaves.

In November 1863, Draper led a successful expedition with two regiments of African-American troops through Princess Anne County, Virginia (now Virginia Beach). His superiors praised him for this mission. However, these expeditions also caused some arguments. There were claims of harsh treatment towards Confederate supporters and their property. Draper was following orders from his superior, General Wild, to deal strictly with guerrillas and those who helped them.

In December 1863, Draper had a disagreement with another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick F. Wead. This dispute was about actions taken during a raid. Major General Benjamin Butler stepped in to support Draper. Wead was then moved to a different command.

Later War Service

Draper also received a new assignment because of these events. In March 1864, Draper and his regiment were transferred to Point Lookout, Maryland. This was a Union prisoner of war camp. Draper served as the camp's commander for three months.

With the help of General Butler, Draper eventually secured a transfer away from this post. In the spring of 1864, the 36th USCT was assigned to combat duty with the Army of the James. They became part of the XVIII Corps. In 1864 and 1865, the 36th USCT fought in the final stages of the Siege of Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign. During much of this time, Draper commanded a larger group of three African-American regiments.

During the Battle of Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road on October 28, 1864, near Richmond, Draper was praised for his brave service. He later received the honorary title of brevet brigadier general. This special rank was given to him for his excellent leadership at Fair Oaks.

In February 1865, Draper was again involved in a disagreement with fellow officers. This time, Draper brought charges against General Wild. Draper claimed that Wild had spoken badly about his reputation. As a result of these charges, Wild was moved from commanding a large division to a smaller brigade.

After the War

After the Civil War ended, Alonzo Draper remained in the army. Sadly, he was accidentally shot on August 30, 1865, by soldiers practicing target shooting in Brazos Santiago, Texas. He died a few days later, on September 3, 1865. Alonzo Draper was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, Massachusetts.