I found the Washington Post's article, "An Invader in Navy's Home Waters" very interesting. The article introduced me to Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls, a notable African-American in history who like so many others, never received the honors he deserved.
Apparently Smalls escaped slavery to become a Civil War hero and eventually, a U.S. congressman. In 1862, Smalls commandeered the Confederate steamer where he worked out of Fort Sumtner, while its White crew was asleep on shore. He surrendered the steamer to the nearest Union ship.
Smalls was hailed as a hero, met President Lincoln and embarked on a speaking tour to rally support of the Union. The next year he became the first black captain of a U.S. vessell and eventually bought his prior slave master's house. Smalls was a major general in the South Carolina malitia and served five terms as a congressman. Incredible!
Despite his fascinating life, it was a State Department employee who was determined to promote his legacy after she met Small's great-grandaughter, who got an Army ship named after him. Maj. Gen. Small received his honors just two months ago! I suppose it's better last than never.
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