Good Morning [from Harry Bradshaw Matthews]: I am pleased to announce that the October issue of the USCT Civil War Digest is at the printer and will be available for mailing very soon. The Digest, a six-page newsletter, is the official communication organ of the United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research, which was established during 1998 at Hartwick College. The Institute is governed by an independent board of directors elected from its national membership. Membership is on a calendar year basis, January 1st to December 31st. The membership of $25 includes a personalized certificate of membership, 2 issues of the Digest, 2 searches per year of USCT Resources at the Institute, and other discounts. Current members represent a diverse group from secondary education, college, ministry, judiciary, military, law, and others. The October issue includes: Heroines for Justice - personalities, including pictures; can you name the woman who led soldiers into a battle? President Abraham Lincoln - quotes from his 1st and 2nd inaugural address regarding slavery; includes picture without beard First Commission To a Colored Officer - If you identify the person's home as Elmira, NY, then a real surprise awaits you Collector's Corner - "Iola LeRoy or Shadows Uplifted" by Frances E.W. Harper, with picture of 1892 USCT Institute Endorses Civil War Grand Review 2000 - A major event that will honor ALL Civil War Heroes Black Confederate Soldiers: Fact or Fiction? - Here are some facts regarding the controversial topic Black Churches and the Underground Railroad - Giving credit where credit is do, 3 major forces are identified - AME, AME Zion and Union Methodist Church of Wilmington who provided a joint network of Underground Railroad sites and agents The Digest identifies in articles primary materials pertaining to the abolitionist movement, United States Colored Troops, and the Underground Railroad. If you are looking for a supplemental material for African American History Month, Women's History Month, the study of the Underground Railroad, or African American history in general, this issue will be of value. You can obtain a single copy of this issue for the donation of $1; or 12 copies for a donation of $10 and $2 mailing: Copies will be provided on a "first come, first serve basis." [The last issue went quickly!!]. Please make checks payable to "Hartwick College" and mail to: Harry Bradshaw Matthews, President, USCT Institute Hartwick College Oneonta, NY 13820 P.S. You may also request at this time a membership application for the 2000 year.