Description
"Martin Reynolds (colored) of EI Dorado (Kansas) was a slave when the war broke out and stayed with his master, William (M.) Couch, in Platte County, Missouri, 15 miles from Leavenworth, until October 1863.
He was much attached to his master and he stayed willingly until he thought he saw a scheme by his mistress to have him run (taken) South in the absence of his master. (Researcher's note: William Couch's wife was Margaret Couch nee’ Margaret Berry.)
Then he went to Leavenworth and enlisted in the Second Colored Kansas Infantry, afterward the 83 U. S., Col. Crawford commander, and an ex governor of Kansas.
The only expedition be participated in was Steele’s cooperation with Banks against Shreveport, Louisiana. His regiment was in Thayer's division which started from Fort Smith and joined Steele the day before the fight at Little Missouri and from that on fighting occurred some place on the line every day. His second fight was at Poison Spring, the 1st and 2nd Kansas (colored) participated and lost heavily.
It was in the Battle of Saline Crossing or Jenkins’ Ferry where the Kanas 1st and 2nd (colored) showed their qualities. Standing in water from knee to waist deep they repulsed the rebels and charged in turn and took their guns and threw them into the Saline River.
The rebels called as they charged, “No quarter to niggers,” and they yelled back, ‘Don’t ax no quarter; better wait till we ax fer quarter,” they went into win and they did. They were all big heavy men and when they charged they proved irresistible to three lines of rebels. The writer of this sketch was nearby and has never since doubted the courage of colored troops.
He was mustered out in October 1865 and has since lived in Kansas. Reynolds is a good citizen and law-abiding man and is respected by his neighbors"Date(s) of Creation
3/19/1897
