MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Clarke, Anderson (110th), Bailey, Banks, Bell (65th), Blackmon, Brown (70th), Burnett, Clark, Cockerham, Crudup, Faulkner, Foster, Gibbs (72nd), Harness, Hines, Holloway, Jackson, Johnson, McCray, Mickens, Osborne, Paden, Porter, Rosebud, Sanders, Scott, Stamps, Summers, Thompson, Taylor, Walker, Watson, Williams-Barnes, Yates, Young

House Resolution 115

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND MILITARY SERVICE OF MR. BURGIS M. FORD OF THE 51ST REGIMENT, UNITED STATES COLORED INFANTRY DURING THE CIVIL WAR.

     WHEREAS, Mr. Burgis M. Ford, who was born in September of 1832, and was a dedicated member of the 51st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, is being honored for his service during the Civil War; and

     WHEREAS, after the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, a few short months later, on July 18, 1863, Mr. Ford, a young black ex-slave and resident of Madison County, Mississippi, voluntarily enlisted into the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and was assigned and served in the D-1 Mississippi Infantry A.D. (African Descent), 51st Regiment and served in the garrisons protecting the Cities of Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Ford and many other young black recruits did not hesitate to volunteer to serve in the United States military, because they realized that becoming a soldier and fighting in the Civil War meant freedom for themselves and their families, equal opportunity and the chance to become rightful and respected citizens in America; and

     WHEREAS, notably, in addition to Mr. Ford, in the State of Mississippi, 10,299 men volunteered to fight for the Union and of the thousands of Mississippians enlisted, 5,244 Mississippians enlisted in the USCT; and

     WHEREAS, the 51st Infantry was organized and attached to the Post of Goodrich Landing, the District of Vicksburg, Mississippi, from March 1864 to December 1864, and in 1866 the 51st Regiment completed its service in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and

     WHEREAS, while serving this country, Mr. Ford, along with other members of the USCT, performed difficult duties that included tasks such as building fortifications, garrison forts and guarding supplies; and

     WHEREAS, once recruited, black soldiers such as Mr. Ford were held to higher standards and were subjected to harsh and degrading treatment, often from their commanding officers, and the USCT soldiers received less pay, were given inferior supplies, minimized rations and inadequate medical care, and if black soldiers were captured by the Confederate Army, they were mistreated and many times executed; and

      WHEREAS, despite the adverse treatment received, the USCT proved their worth, and black soldiers, such as Mr. Ford, showed loyalty, patriotism and commitment in helping to secure freedom for all; and

     WHEREAS, upon completion of his service, Mr. Ford returned to Canton, Mississippi, and as a farm laborer, he provided for his family who included his wife, Alice, and their ten children, one of whom was named Ida, the grandmother of Representative Alyce Griffin Clarke; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Ford, a man of valor who made an outstanding contribution in helping attain freedom in America, departed this earthly life on April 19, 1903, in Livingston, Mississippi, in Madison County, leaving behind a rich legacy of valor and honor due to his service in the Civil War; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to great Mississippians such as Mr. Burgis M. Ford, who through his service in the Civil War with the 51st Regiment United States Colored Infantry will forever be remembered for his courage and honor while fighting for freedom for all in America:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor the life and military service of Mr. Burgis M. Ford of the 51st Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.