ABBOTT, Anderson Ruffin Capt. associated with Camp Baker/Barker

Ann McWilliams (MCWILL@ADMIN.HumberC.ON.CA)
Mon, 18 Apr 1994 11:07:17 ECT

Hello, I am wondering if anyone has encountered Anderson Ruffin Abbott
in their studies. He was a Black Canadian who went to fight in the
Civil War. I am trying to document his activities and the resources
I have available have a variety of holes.

I have copies of Abbott's military files, but does anyone know about
Camp BAKER or BARKER (in Washington D.C.)?

The following is a brief outline of what I have.

Born: 1837 in Toronto

Civil War: Rank Captain; colored Troups
- served as the acting surgeon, and surgeon-in-charge at Camp
Baker (or Barker) in Washington D.C.; site also referred to
as Freedmen's Hospital, Freedmen's Village or Contraband Camp

- Documented as having become a friend of Lincoln's; when Lincoln
was assassinated his widow presented Abbott with the shawl that
Lincoln wore to his inaugural ceremony (on display at the Museum
of Textile, downtown Toronto until May 1st)
Please respond to me directly. Thank you.

Ann McWilliams
mcwill@admin.humberc.on.ca Humber College
(416) 675-3111 x4585 205 Humber College Blvd
Rexdale, Ontario Canada M3L 1A8