Reminiscences of my life in camp with the 33d United States colored troops, late 1st S. C. Volunteers

"Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33d United States Colored Troops" by Susie King Taylor is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This memoir provides a personal perspective on the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War, specifically focusing on Taylor's life as a laundress and nurse in the 33rd Regiment. The narrative highlights the contributions of Black soldiers and the intersection of race, gender, and war, showcasing both the challenges and resilience of those involved. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Taylor’s reflections, as she shares her motivations for writing this account, spurred by requests from friends and fellow veterans. She details the initial reluctance she felt in documenting her experiences, only to be encouraged by prominent figures such as Colonel Trowbridge to proceed. Taylor begins to outline her lineage and childhood, recounting early influences and the challenges of growing up under slavery in Georgia. As she introduces her journey toward supporting the Union army, the reader glimpses the complexities of her role in a segregated military context and the broader struggles for freedom and dignity faced by African Americans during and after the Civil War. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Susie King Taylor was an American nurse, educator and memoirist. She is known for being the first African-American nurse during the American Civil War. Beyond just her aptitude in nursing the wounded of the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Taylor was the first Black woman to self-publish her memoirs. She was the author of Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33rd United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers. She was also an educator to formerly bonded Black people in the Reconstruction-era South by opening various schools in Georgia. Taylor would also be a part of organizing the 67 Corps of the Women's Relief Corps in 1886.