-- [ From: Harry Matthews * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

Good Morning [from Harry Bradshaw Matthews]:

During October 1998, the United States Colored Troops Institute for Local
History and Family Research was established at Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY
. As a part of the introduction to the Institute, grant funding was obtained
from the city of Oneonta and the Upper Catskill Community Council of the
Arts for Hartwick College to publish 200 copies of my book for free
distribution to NY's schools, community libraries, research facilities,
colleges, etc. Copies of the book, HONORING NEW YORK'S FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS:
AFRICAN AMERICANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, were requested by more than 400
individuals and organizations. Copies are today catalogued at libraries
throughout the state, as well as at the Pentagon. Since the initial
donations, requests for copies are still arriving.

The decision has been made to release a 2nd printing of the book during mid-
November or earlier. It is anticipated that the 2nd printing will be for
approximately 200 copies. The copies will be made available on a "first come
, first serve basis" to the first 200 individuals and/or organizations who
make a donation of $12 or more to support the work of the Institute. Only
one copy will be provided to an individual or organization. To reserve your
copy, send a check or money order payable to "Hartwick College," with the re
: USCT Institute Donation. Include $2 for postage and handling. Donations
will be used to pay for the 2nd printing and for the work of the Institute.
Send Donation to:               Harry Bradshaw Matthews
                        President, USCT Institute
                        Hartwick College
                        Oneonta, NY 13820
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The USCT Institute is governed by an independent board of directors selected
by election from among Institute members. It operates under Hartwick
College's not-for-profit jurisdiction. Current members are diverse racially,
as well as professionally, and include descendants of USCT & Buffalo
Soldiers, researchers, authors, educators, etc, and they reside in 15 states
and Canada. The Institute publishes the USCT Civil War Digest, a four-page
newsletter with articles connecting our ancestors' struggle, including
connections to the abolitionist movement, Underground Railroad, and the
Civil War. The intent of the Institute is to have the black soldiers and
their white officers placed within a local historical context, via community
memorials and connection with living descendants.
The membership dues is $25 annually. Local affiliates will soon be
established in various states, and
only members of the parent-body will be allowed to hold office with a local
affiliate. The annual meeting during 2000 will be held in the Washington,
DC/Baltimore area, and will be co-sponsored by the sister organizations -
the American Society of Freedmen Descendants and the USCT Institute.

Harry Bradshaw Matthews
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