This book was written to honor the memory of millions of black people who seized the opportunity to free themselves; and for the memory of Willie Coppers great grandfather, George Reid, and the black soldiers and sailors who fought in the War of the Rebellion. Without their bravery, gallantry, and valor, we might very well be enslaved today. The 36th regiment, originally named the 2nd North Carolina Colored Volunteers, led by Brigadier General Edward Wild, participated in pacification incursions in 1863 in northeastern North Carolina. This military invasion freed over 3, 000 slaves and many soldiers freed their family members. More than 209,000 black soldiers, over 30,000 black sailors and at least a quarter of a million of black men and women, called contraband, pla-yed a crucial role in helping the Union side win the Civil War in 1865. This victory was crucial to ending slavery in the United States. Over 38,000 black soldiers died in this effort. This book will open your eyes to the efforts and victories of many who were never mentioned in other historocal books