James L. Collins

Henry Ward in the Valley of Death James L. Collins

The Valley of Death is a historical novel, and tells the story of Private Henry Ward, a 19 year old, black infantry soldier's combat experiences in the Civil War from 1864 to 1865. It is based on the military archival records of the author's great grandfather, who served in the 27th Ohio US Colored Infantry Regiment. Ward fought from the Wilderness and the Siege of Petersburg, in Virginia to the amphibious landing at Fort Fisher, and the capture of Wilmington N. C. The unit ended its' service during reconstruction, in North Carolina, in September 1865. Ward experienced the horrors of combat, when he was wounded, and saw his men slaughtered at the siege of Petersburg, Virginia in the "Battle of the Crater". He probably developed battle fatigue, but gradually improved by helping other wounded soldiers as an ambulance driver and medic. 180,000 Black men and women fought in the Civil War, and are often forgotten by contemporary historians. This book helps military historians, currently active military personnel, veterans, and their families remember a few of our country's unsung African American hero's of the Civil War. On July 30, 1864 at 4:44 A. M. Lt. Colonel Henry Pleasants, commander of the 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers, ordered the dtonation of explosive charges placed under a confederate gun emplacement guarding Petersburg Virginia. The detonation created a crater measuring 30 feet deep, 170 feet long, and from 60 to 80 feet wide. The Union was unable to break through, and the pit rapidly filled with hundreds of dead blue and gray soldiers. The pit will forever be remembered as the battle of the Crater, and the Valley of Death. Private Henry War, C Company, 27th Ohio United States Colored Infantry, was born on 22 February 1845. He died on July 29, 1920 and served his country bravely during the Civil War. This book is dedicated to his memory and the memory of all the African American and Native American soldiers that served in the Union and Confederate Armies during our countries second revolution.