January 12, 1862: John Boston to his wife

The flag of the 14th Regiment New York State Militia

On this day 150 years ago a runaway slave named John Boston wrote to his wife who remained in slavery in Maryland.

Upton Hill [Va.] January the 12 1862

My Dear Wife it is with grate joy I take this time to let you know Whare I am i am now in Safety in the 14th Regiment of Brooklyn this Day i can Adress you thank god as a free man I had a little truble in giting away But as the lord led the Children of Isrel to the land of Canon So he led me to a land Whare fredom Will rain in spite Of earth and hell Dear you must make your Self content i am free from al the Slavers Lash and as you have chose the Wise plan Of Serving the lord i hope you Will pray Much and i Will try by the help of god To Serv him With all my hart I am With a very nice man and have All that hart Can Wish But My Dear I Cant express my grate desire that i Have to See you i trust the time Will Come When We Shal meet again And if We dont met on earth We Will Meet in heven Whare Jesas ranes Dear Elizabeth tell Mrs Own[ees] That i trust that She Will Continue Her kindness to you and that god Will Bless her on earth and Save her In grate eternity My Acomplements To Mrs Owens and her Children may They Prosper through life I never Shall forgit her kindness to me Dear Wife i must Close rest yourself Contented i am free i Want you to rite To me Soon as you Can Without Delay Direct your letter to the 14th Reigment New york State malitia Uptons Hill Virginea In Care of Mr Cranford Comary Write my Dear Soon As you C Your Affectionate Husban Kiss Daniel For me

John Boston

Give my love to Father and Mother

John Boston's letter was intercepted and was used to protest the Lincoln administration's policy towards runaway slaves. The regiment that sheltered John Boston, the 14th Regiment New York State Militia, had already had an active war, fighting at Bull Run, and would see much hard service in the years to come. The 14th Regiment New York State Militia was a Zouave unit and dressed in bright red breeches and red kepis, which led to their being nicknamed the "Red Legged Devils."