W.G. - by William Burtch & Donna Burtch (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Sibling authors Donna and William Burtch have unearthed a gem of a family story-and now bring it to the broader audience it richly deserves."

- Michael Punke, bestselling author of The Revenant and Ridgeline

"...compelling work ...certain to cause a reevaluation of a lost piece of U.S. history."

-Ken Gormley, NYT bestselling author and President of Duquesne University

"...thorough and engaging... a vividly rendered window into an era when men and women deeply believed, and acted boldly on their faith."

-David Poyer, USA Today bestselling author of Thunder on the Mountain and Heroes of Annapolis

"...This biography boldly declares that service matters yesterday, today, and forever."

-Candace Brady, VP of Advancement, National Veterans Memorial & Museum

"...multiple lessons in United States history that are much needed for us to better understand our nation and citizenry today."

-Kelly Mezurek, author of For Their Own Cause: The 27th United States Colored Troops