Sgt. Tom Strawn (not a Kansas Zouave, sorry)
The Richmond Daily Dispatch notes here without comment an item from Kansas, calling for volunteers for a black regiment of Union troops. The Kansas Zouaves D’Afrique were actually mustered in January, 1863, and though not recognized officially by the Federal Government, they fought in the ongoing guerrilla warfare around the Missouri/Kansas border. The Dispatch no doubt included the item as an example of the “diabolical malignity” of the abolitionists.
A negro regiment raising in Kansas.The following advertisement appears in the Leavenworth (Kansas)Conservative:
One Thousand Colored Men Wanted–To form the First regiment of Kansas Zouaves d’afrique, and join General Blunt’s Southern expedition. All able-bodied colored young men who wish to enlist, will leave their names with W. D. Mathews. Waverly House, Leavenworth. As soon as instructions are received from the War Department, (application having been made for them,) the regiment will be regularly enlisted, mustered into service, and received the advance bounty and clothing. Companies forming in other towns in this State will notify the undersigned.
Ethan Harle,
First regiment Kansas Zouaves. Leavenworth, July 18.