[Buffalo Soldiers].
Discharge Papers for a Buffalo Soldier. Partially Printed Document Signed, accomplished in manuscript, Four pages, recto/verso, on imprinted United States Army letterhead, Quarto, May 15, 1875. Being the discharge documents for a Buffalo Soldier named Abram Day. One of the documents is a "Voucher" in the amount of $142.01, for pay, traveling expenses, rations, and clothing, signed by Day and by J.W. Nichols, Paymaster of the U.S. Army. The second document, entitled "Final Settlement," discharges the same soldier for "Expiration of time of service," and reiterates the balance of the account listed in the accompanying voucher.
After the Civil War, the US Army recruited four regiments of African Americans to serve in the Western Frontier. The men of the 24th and 25th Infantry and the 9th and 10th Cavalry fought Indians, built forts, pursued outlaws, and protected railroad workers. Because their tightly-curled hair was similar to the hair of the buffalo, the Indians called them "Buffalo Soldiers." These two documents discharge one of men of the 24th Infantry. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $250-300.
