Richard Pierpoint and the Coloured Corps VIDEO -vimeo/51233743 The War of 1812: The Contribution of Black Soldiers in the Fight for Canada Blacks in British North America had a tradition of military service that long predated Canadian Confederation in 1867. Many, including Upper Canada farmer Richard Pierpoint, had served the Crown during the American Revolution. At the outset of war in 1812, Pierpoint urged, at first unsuccessfully, that a black militia unit help defend the Niagara district. By July 1812, a small black militia company had been formed that would fight at several major battles, including Queenston Heights. The Coloured Corps later worked on military construction, helping to build Fort Mississauga in the Niagara peninsula. Disbanded in early 1815, the Corps was a prominent example of black service in defence of early Canada. Richard Pierpoint, 1744-1837 Richard Pierpoint was a young boy of 16 in Senegal, Africa, when he was seized and sold into slavery in 1760. Purchased by an English officer named Pierpoint who had settled in New Yorks Hudson Valley, Richard became this officers servant and adopted his surname. After the outbreak of the American Revolution, Richard was given his freedom and eventually became a soldier, joining John Butlers corps of Rangers operating out of Fort Niagara. When the War of 1812 broke out, Richard Pierpoint petitioned Major-General Sir Isaac Brock to form an all-black militia to fight alongside the British during the war. At first refusing, Brock finally agreed and ordered the formation of what was known as the Coloured Corps. The 68-year-old Richard Pierpoint served as a private in the corps and was on active duty throughout the conflict, including the Battle of Queenston Heights.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:09:00 +0000