To Succeed Where Others Failed

The Untold Story of the Marshall Plantation Raid

In March 1865, a 30-man team of mostly Black Union soldiers traveled from Jacksonville, Florida 100 miles behind enemy lines to conduct a ridiculously daring raid in remote Marion County. Then they had to return on foot to St. Augustine 80 miles from the raid site, knowing an accomplished Confederate cavalry unit would be hot on their trail.

The Black raiders planned the operation, employed their own strategy, led by a Black Sergeant-Major—no White officer—and carried out the mission.

Why? Everyone knew that the war was almost over.

They sought to do what White commanders never had—to succeed where others failed.

"White-washed" by Confederacy apologists, this book uses a range of sources to reveal a clearer story of this amazing raid by courageous, determined men. This odd raid is a keystone event in the Black soldier’s journey to gain acceptance, parity, and respect in the White man’s army. This is the third edition. Go to the author's website—bruceseaman.com/updates—to see new insights and to get helpful PDFs in the sub-menu "Audio Helps."

©2022 Bruce Seaman (P)2024 Bruce Seaman