African American soldiers -- History -- 19th century

Letter from Winyah Lodge, No. 40, to Pacific Lodge, No. 45. Dated June 04, 1873. In this letter, Winyah Lodge, No. 40, describes how white Union soldiers of the 15th Maine torched their lodge building in response to being “relieved by a Battalion of United States colored Troops” under the command of Colonel A. J. Willard. Concludes by appealing to Masons for relief in rebuilding their “lost Temple.”