W.G.: The Opium-addicted Pistol Toting Preacher Who Raised the First Federal African American Union Troops

William Gould "W.G." Raymond was a staunch abolitionist and Union officer. A preacher. Under Lincoln's authority, he raised hundreds of Black Union soldiers on the wild streets of D.C., eager to fight for their freedom. Many would go on to battle in perhaps the most important victory of Black troops in the Civil War. The War Department did not support the fledgling 1st District of Columbia Colored Volunteers (later the 1st U.S.C.T.). W.G. was forced to pay for troop provisions and training out of his own pocket, never to be repaid. His challenges were just beginning.