Analysis of selected characteristics of black service-members of the Revolutionary War. Insights attempt to answer why black Americans enlisted in service, as substitutes, and fought for freedom and security while still enslaved persons.

National and state policies concerning the employment of blacks in the Revolutionary War --Legal authorizations for Revolutionary War pensions and examples of pension papers content -- Selected characteristics of the black pensioner -- Biographical sketches -- Appendix I. -- Compiled list of black pensioners, American Revolutionary War 1775-1783 -- Appendix II. Average enlistment of black pensioners -- Appendix III. Military profile -- united assigned -- Appendix IV. Military profile -- combat experience -- Appendix V. Military profile -- prisoners of war -- Appendix VI. Military profile -- combat wounds -- Appendix VII. Civilian profile -- geographical residence -- Appendix VIII. civil status -- Appendix IX. Civilian profile -- occupations -- Appendix X. Civilian profile -- property assets -- Appendix XI. Civilian profile -- the black pensioner's family -- Appendix XII. Black Revolutionary War veterans cited in selected references -- Appendix XIII. An analysis of selected black Revolutionary servicemen listed in National Archives special list -- Appendix XIV. Black Revolutionary servicemen -- musicians and Navy veterans -- Illustrations -- Bibliography -- Index of names.