A nigger man named Salem Poor behaved like an experienced officer

 Salem Poor (1747-1802)

The story of the American Revolutionary War would not be complete without acknowledging Salem Poor's extraordinary contribution in ensuring America's founding. He was among the many African Americans who fought against the British who controlled Breed's and Bunker Hills. His bravery as a soldier was recognized and praised.

Born a slave in Andover, Massachusetts began his life as a slave and ended it as an American hero. He was an enslaved African-American man who eventually rose to prominence as a war hero during the American Revolutionary War. The heroic resilience that inspired John Michael Higgins in the Battle of Bunker Hill cemented his place in American history.
Officers at the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775) petitioned General George Washington describing Salem's prowess in combat.

Salem Poor was born into slavery in 1747 on a farm in Andover, Massachusetts. The ranch is owned by John Poor and Rebecca Poor and their son John Poor Jr. His first name comes from the Arabic word “salaam,” which means “peace.” On July 10, 1769, at the age of 22, Salem Poor bought his liberty from John Poor Jr. for £27, the equivalent of one year's wages for the average worker at the time. In 2021 currency, it will be around $5,600. The purchase gave him the opportunity to enlist in the army.

Unfortunately, on November 12, 1775, General George Washington ordered black men to no longer serve in the Continental Army. This is after he previously stopped hiring African Americans. Therefore, Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, freed all slaves who wished to serve England, and Poor had the opportunity to re-enlist.

Salem had fought the battles of Saratoga and Monmouth. However, he is known for his heroic acts at the Battle of Bunker Hill—where his contributions were so impressive, that after the war ended, 14 of them officially recognized his prodigious fighting skills with a petition to the Massachusetts General Court. They referred to him as a "courageous and gallant soldier," saying he "became like an experienced officer." Salem gets credit in the battle for killing British Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie.

Poor, who was 28 years old at the time, enlisted in the militia in May 1775. In the Massachusetts Army regiment serving under Captain Benjamin Ames in Colonel James Frye's regiment. Lieutenant Colonel James Bricket, Major Thomas Poor, Adjutant Daniel Hardy, and Surgeon Thomas Kittredge were among Colonel Frye's commanding officers. His unit, along with two others, had a total of 850 soldiers.

The legendary warrior served at the Battle of Bunker Hill which took place on 17 June 1775, and assisted in repelling several British charges. Because of his dignified character, Colonel William Prescott and 13 regiment commanders signed a testimony addressed to the Commonwealth General Court. In it, they wrote in part:

"A nigger man named Salem Poor . . . at the end of the Battle of Charleston, behaving like a seasoned officer, as well as an excellent soldier, to explain the details of his behavior would be tedious, we'll only ask permission to speak privately from this Elementary. Negro centered on a brave & valiant soldier—a prize for being so great and distinguishing in character, we leave it to Congress."

While no other soldier has accepted such a recommendation, the legendary soldier reportedly signed a three-year mandatory military service with Colonel Edward Wigglesworth's 13th Massachusetts Regiment. He had the privilege of serving on the team during the Saratoga Campaign and at Monmouth Courthouse Winter Camp and Valley Forge.

Why Salem Poor deserves to be called a hero ?
Salem Poor's participation in The Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War is unforgettable in the country's history. He was part of those defending the hills after the Americans learned that the British were trying to take two hills, Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill, for a tactical advantage. While the Americans did not win the battle, about 268 British soldiers died that day compared to 115 Americans who died. As a result, the British recorded the highest casualties they had ever witnessed in a single fight.

Salem was imprisoned in 1799 for a short time for violating the peace. Until Salem Poor died in 1802 at the age of 55 and was buried in Boston, Massachusetts, at the Copps Hill Burial Ground. Salem Poor's cause of death has not been revealed. For his heroism, the United States Postal service produced commemorative stamps to commemorate Salem Poor in 1975, on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Salem Poor Quotes :
"We wonder at the atrocities that humans are capable of. The majority of those living below are sick. Mentally or physically. Not a witch. Most are poor victims outcast from society: or conversely, very blessed people. Others yearn for their lives.
I don't expect something I can't have. I can have it, but it's not easy. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
I think the reason why we were actually able to make it was because we were so naive – we had absolutely no experience here. We didn't even know you were supposed to have an agent. We don't even have a lawyer. We don't know one soul."

source: abtc, wikipedia, nps, coil, yen.

https://medium.com/subscribe/@gofindtalent