Hi, Mr. Gordon,
Thanks for writing me. I was looking for your web site
a few days ago to see if any updates. I am glad to
see your email. Since you included Mr. Hom's email,
I will send an email directly to him. I have some
materials that may interests him.
Thanks and keep in touch. Qingsong Zhang
Subj: Re: info
Date: 11/17/00 7:43:10 PM Eastern Standard Time
Hi Gordon, Just received some info from a Chinese Woman
whose great grandfather was in the union army.
His photo is currently on the cover of a bood titled:
An American Chinese Album. It's on Amazon.com
She claims that all her relatives and family know that
he was in the Civil War and has heard statements as a
child about her Great grandfather sympathetic to the
Johnny Rebs as he always made a point to give
prisoners food amd water.
His name his Lee Kwong. He probably enlisted in NY.
Any info on this guy?? Anything close in name??
I'll try to get more concise info.
Thanks, Monty Hom
{Webmaster's reply: Date: 11/17/00 Hi Monty,
I look up Amazon.com to the book that you mentioned.
The Chinese American Family Album, by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler.
And I also look up Kwong Lee as well as Lee Kwong in the CW database that I have access, but I
could not find the name in either order. (There is only one name in alphabet K as first name,
and last name Lee: King Lee, who served in U.S. Color Troop.) That doesn't mean that Lee Kwong
did not serve in the Union NY or any other Union infantry. It may mean that the database I use
might not be complete or extensive enough to cover all known Union soldiers, and therefore, the
database list could not confirm Lee Kwong's name on the records collected. Warm regards,
Gordon Kwok}
Date: 11/15/00 11:01:49 AM Eastern Standard Time
To: Gordon, interesting website on chinese serving in the civil war. I am from Hong Kong.
Sheung Leung
Subj:Chinese serving in Civil War
Date:11/3/00 3:12:07 PM Eastern Standard Time
Dear Gordon: Good work. George Lin
Subj: film
Date: 10/31/00 4:55:13 PM Eastern Standard Time
To Monty Hom, copy Gordon Kwok,
G'day ! I had a chat with Doc Tom today. Tom mentioned about USN enlisted rates.
The Chinese were enlisted as Landsmen with perhaps a ordinary seaman or two. Descending order
was: seaman; ordinary seaman, Landsman, 1st Class Boy, 2nd Class Boy; 3d class Boy. NB boys were
often young but mature contrabands were enlisted as Boys and plenty of 16-18 year olds did also.
Most Chinese were used as cooks or stewards. The kitchen help was often listed at the end of the
petty officers and ahead of the seamen. They were usually paid as POs and earned more than the
seamen. This info is found in the Prize Money Lists. If ya have particular questions or points
give a yell and I'll try to bone up. Hope ya have a good goblin day ! I made Gordon cc so ya can
put him and me into the repaired address book! Keep well Ed
Subj: CWM Historic Site Award
Date: 10/24/00 5:42:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time
To: Webmaster: Gordon Kwok, Dear Sir, Please accept, the 2000,
"Civil War in Miniature" Historic Site Award.
Your site is being awarded because of its excellence, unique format, historical significance
and because of its contribution to students, educators and interested parties of the great
American Civil War. Congratulations on your hard work and diligence. The Internet is a better
place because of your contribution!The intention of the Internet was to spread knowledgeand be
an information highway, therefore, yourcontribution is vital to everyone!Please email the
Webmaster to let us know you have received the award.
P.S. We are sorry but we are unable to add your link at this time due to notification from
our server we are at capacity and they do not wish us to add any more information. We invite you
to copy our award and post it on your page as the "Civil War in Miniature" award is much
recognized among Civil War enthusiasts as an award marking an excellent site.
Sincerely, Webmaster and creator, Roger L. Curry,"Civil War in Miniature," a site adopted by
several school districts for the study of the Civil War.
Subj: Asians in the ACW
Date: 10/17/00 12:19:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Gordon, Great website. I am an asian civil war reeactor. I always get questioned as to my
authenticity, and have known that there were Chinsese who fought for the union, but didn't know
how many. Have you come across any Japanese in the army or navy? Any other good websites w/ this
subject material? I could spend weeks reading over all of your links. Thanks. David Furukawa
21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry Company A, Atlanta, GA
Subj:Civil War Chinese
Date:10/8/00 4:16:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Dear Gordon: There is a short bio of Hong Neok Woo in WORLD JOURNAL (SHI JIE RI BAO),
SECTION F, PAGE 2 from 9/28 thru 9/30/2000. Him Mark Lai
Instant messages, dated on (or about) 9/28/2000, sent by ZootSuit35
ZootSuit35: hi there, my name is Andy, I added you yesterday after coming across your website
about Chinese/Asians in the Civil War
ZootSuit35: I'm currently at Gettysburg College for a semester long program studying the
Civil War
ZootSuit35: my real school is Furman University in SC, I'm from Atlanta myself, my parents
though are from the Philippines, naturally I was born and raised here, and I don't know if it's
from living in the South, but I've been interested in military history, particularly the Civil
War for a long time
Gordonkwok: Thank you for visiting my site.
ZootSuit35: I just wanted to let you know that I've been highly interested in researching
Asians in the Civil War and was excited to come across your site
ZootSuit35: I was going to email you, but naturally it's pretty busy here
Gordonkwok: I am glad you like my site.
ZootSuit35: so how long have you been interested in that topic?
ZootSuit35: and how did you get into it?
Gordonkwok: About 2 years ago, when a member of the CW Round Table member mentioned that
there were Chinese in the ACW.
ZootSuit35: do you keep up with it? what's your occupation? I used to premed chemistry and
music, but recently switched to history, I think I'll end up getting my PhD and teach college
Gordonkwok: I hold BS, MBA and JD degrees.
Gordonkwok: Could you tell why you are highly interested in Chinese serving in the ACW?
ZootSuit35: actually it started with Scott Hartwig, chief historian at Gettsyburg Natl Mil
Park, told me there were 2 Chinese who fought at Gettysburg
ZootSuit35: so from there, I tried to find out about Asians in general who served in the
Civil War
ZootSuit35: my research paper will be about Spencer repeaters though, I didn't feel that
there would be enough stuff to write a whole paper about Asian soldiers/sailors
Gordonkwok: It was Scott Hartwig who also indirectly encouraged me to do more research. He
was once a guest speaker in my Round Table, and so I met him.
ZootSuit35: that's wild
ZootSuit35: he's a great guy
ZootSuit35: he was guest lecturer for our class and he took us out on the field a few weeks
ago
ZootSuit35: I was also going to contact Terry Foenander
Gordonkwok: Terry is a great guy.
ZootSuit35: basically my initial interest was to find out if any Filipinos served....obviously
they have, but I'd like to know how you, or him, found out that type of stuff
Gordonkwok: Terry became my cyberspace friend and we emailed a lot.
ZootSuit35: I don't know how much more stuff I have access to by being here and having
Gburg connections, but I know I wouldn't be able to do jack in SC
ZootSuit35: our prof is J. Matthew Gallman, if you are familiar with the name
ZootSuit35: he's a big hitter in the Civil War community
Gordonkwok: Sorry, I haven't heard of Prof. Gallman.
Gordonkwok: If you visited Terry Foenander's site on Asians in the ACW (linked to my site)
you may find some Filipino names.
ZootSuit35: that's ok... we've had some great speakers, Dennis Frye, formerly chief
historian at Harpers Ferry and expert on Antietam, Gabor Borritt teaches here, and Gary Gallagher
will be coming soon
ZootSuit35: yes, I did
ZootSuit35: I was very excited
ZootSuit35: esp. the CSA ones, since I'm from GA
Gordonkwok: There was a Filipino community living in New Orleans around 1750 ish. and I am
trying to find out Filipino / Chinese serving in the Confederate army in New Orleans.
ZootSuit35: I've heard about that!!! it was a brief snippet in this history of American
Filipinos, it said a unit fought in the war of 1812 with Andy Jackson!
ZootSuit35: that's exactly what piqued my interest before everything
ZootSuit35: when Scott mentioned that it really is possible to find more out, that's when I
got encouraged
ZootSuit35: it's been interesting being Asian and being passionate about the ACW, esp being
in the South
ZootSuit35: how much have you found out about the New orleans angle?
ZootSuit35: our choir will actually be going there for our spring break tour next year
Gordonkwok: I found out there was a record mentioning Chinese serving in the ACW. Author
Burke Davis (now dead?) mentioned it. But a search in the National Archive yielded no (Chinese)
names. I also have a reader doing some research in New Orleans, and I am waiting for a reply.
(The instant message conversation ended when I had to go for my supper.)
Date:9/22/00 7:52:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time
G'day Terry (& copy Gordon)!
I did a screen on the names from K / 7 fla. I found a few odd names but
not one that looked or sounded like an Asian. The next step would be to
try to check the 1860 census index to see if I can locate each bloke.
That is a labor intensive project that I am not sure I wish to undertake.
Any commants ? are ya ignoring the games ? They do eat the time if ya
stay glued to the telly. Keep well and enjoy. yer pal unc ed
Subj: Article on Chinese Soldier Hong Neok Woo
Date: 9/15/00 11:28:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Gordon, I have written you before about my research into Louisiana Chinese confederate
soldiers serving in the Civil War. I have made progress and when I have some free time, I am
going to match my finds to what's on your site and get back to you. The reason I am writing you
now is that I acquired a historical booklet from Lancaster County, Pa, published in 1921 which
has 3 page article on Hong Neok Woo. Would it help if I post the article on my website and you
can then link to it? Shaie-Mei Temple
Subj: Request for materials for Chinese American heritage project
Date: 9/13/00 11:49:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Dear Mr. Kwok: I'm so glad that I found your site when I'm searching on things related
to the Chinese American history. I'm planning an exhibit on Chinese
American history as part of the Chinese New Year Celebration at
Lakeforest Mall, Gaithersburg, MD in January 2001. This is one of the
programs run by the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc.
(CCACC) of the greater metropolitan Washington, DC area in collaboration
with the Lakeforest Mall.
I do need some photos on the Chinese serving in the American Civil War,
gold mine, railroad, etc. I want to portray these Chinese American as
Nation Builders, ancestors in the Americas. If you have any questions,
advice or suggestions on the exhibit, pls. don't hesitate to ask me.
Thank you so much in advance for your assistance. With regards,
Rita Lewi,
Chinese American Heritage Project,
CCACC
Date: 9/6/00 10:47:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time
G'day Gents !
A-Ti 30/11/61 lds {lds=landsman} 3 nyc Canton 20- chestnut bk chinese 2 1/4
K-Ying 30/11/61 lds 3 nyc canton 22- chestnut bk chinese 3 1/4
Irwin,Charles 26/11/61 lds 3 Philly HK China 23 mariner bk bk dk 3
Smith Thos 26/11/61 lds 3 Philly HK China 30 mar bk bk dk 3 1/2
and I ignored a blue eyed HK lad. I fear I should check the 1858 -1861
lists for Chinese. Clearly I did not do a good job . Keep well. Yer pal, Uncle Ed.
Subj: Chineese in ACW
Date: 9/2/00 4:46:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time
To: Gordon, Has your research uncovered anyone in either the 123d or 169th NY ??
FYI in working with the roster of both units have not noticed anyone with an obvious Chinese
sounding name. Thank you for reading my inquiry. Bob Farrell.
Researching the 123d and 169 NYV
Subj: Chinese in the Civil War
Date: 8/27/00 9:44:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time
To: gordonkwok@aol.com, Just visited your site and wanted to thank you for all the info
that you've gathered. I'm Chinese and a Civil War reenactor with the 7th Connecticut Volunteer
Infantry. I have used the biographical sketch of Joseph Pierce who served with the 14th Conn.
Vol. Inf. as a model. A more detailed article of him can be found in Civil War Times
Illustrated Sept/Oct 1994 Issue on the last page. Hope this can be of use to you. Keep up
the good work. Perry Fong
Subj: Military Images
Date: 8/14/00 2:16:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Gordon, The July August edition of this magazine has Joseph Pierce on the front
cover. It's a photo I've never seen before. Credited to senior editor of
magazine Michael J McAfee. Article has nothing new, but photo is great.
Yes, I'm now on email. Ruthanne Lum McCunn
Date: 8/9/00 8:48:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time
To Mr. Kwok, Just looked at your web site. Very impressive. Great information.
You may be amused that several years ago I spent some
time in Tai Pai in Tai Wan and was chatting with a
native of that city. He asked what I did for
recreation and I tried to explain reenacting. He
looked very strangely at me and said, seriously,
"Chinese people would never do such a thing."
Phil Katcher (Phil Katcher is the editor of the
MILITARY IMAGES magazine .)
(Webmaster's reply: I know Chinese do reenact in the American Civil War. One of my
Chinese reader/reenactor exchanged email messages with me. See Part 4.)
Date: 8/3/00 7:04:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Hi Gordon, FYI...there is a newly discovered photo of Asian CW soldier Joseph Pierce on the
cover of the latest issue of MILITARY IMAGES, along with a short article by Michael McAfee.
Pierce is in uniform! I have made a xerox for you and will bring it the next meeting..Hope you
are having a great summer...Bob Hearsey
Subj: Chinese Serving in the American Civil War
Date: 7/26/00 7:22:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time
To Gordonkwok@aol.com, I just wanted to let you know that I've added a link to your site
from my new site, Military History, at
http://www.skalman.nu/history.
Feel free to post a message about your site in the Related Websites section of my forum at
http://pub11.ezboard.com/bskalmanmessageforum. Marcus.
Date: 7/25/00 9:56:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Dear Mr. Kwok, I discovered your web page and was fascinated by the numbers of East
Asian people who served in the CW. I was familiar with corporal Joseph Pierce
but had no idea that there were considerably more who served.
Thanks for your hard work helping to piece the Civil War mosaic together.
Bill Barnes, Sewickley Academy.
Subj: Re: Chinese in Civil War
Date: 7/24/00 10:18:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Gordon, I went back and read all of your site after I wrote to you last night - very
impressive. You mention that Yung Wing tried to enlist in the US during the
civil war- do you have any references on that- it is something we have not
come across. He did try to get the US to accept Chinese students in to the
US Military Academy at West Point with no luck. I look forward to
cooperating with you in any way we can. Zaijian, Di Lihua (R. C. DeAngelis)
[Webmaster's response to Richard DeAngelis's question: Yung Wing -----
Reference of his attempting to serve in the American Civil War:
2 reference, probably the same source.
(1) Dr. Qingsong Zhang (Ph.D. in History, University of Virginia)
In his book written in Chinese language, Dragon in the land of Eagle, published by
Shanghai Renmin Chubanshe, 1998 {People's Publishing Press of Shanghai, 1998}
p. 470 on Yung Wing. The webmaster is going to translate / paraphase / summarize the
passage from Chinese into English:
------- There was a "First Chinese Foreign Student" Yung Wing. He requested to serve as
a volunteer soldier for the Federal Army, and saved the Union. Yung Wing arrived in New York,
on behalf of the Ching Dynasty (the Manchu Government) to purchase machinery. Yung selected the
manufacturer, contracted the machinery, and expected to wait for 6 months for the delivery of the
goods. At that time, it was about the end of the American Civil War. Yung had 6 months in U.S. He
was then, a Naturalized U.S. citizen and thought of U.S. as his "second" country. So he decided
to return favor to the U.S. Government and intended to serve for 6 months.
He went to Washington to see Brigadier General Joseph K. Barnes (Barnes was Yung's former
classmate), and told Barnes about his wish.
Gen. Barnes was very moved, but the Union had enough volunteers to fill up the Army. Besides,
Gen. Barnes thought that Yung's mission was just as important, and told him not to volunteer.
This was what Yung wrote in his autobiograhpy.
Even though Yung did not serve, his proposal to serve demonstrate how loyal he was to the U.S.
{Yung Wing: An account of pursuing my Western Education, (a translated title from Chinese to
English), pp. 157-159.}
(2) Ruthann Lum McCunn (Author, Scholar and novelist)
In her paper, "Chinese in the Civil War: Ten Who Served" Chinese America: History and
Perspectives 1996, Published by the Chinese Historical Society of America, pp.170, she
wrote:
----- Nor do they take into account men like Yung Wing, a Naturalized citizen, who offered
his services as a volunteer, including paying for all his own equipment, only to be told,
"We have plenty of men to serve, both as couriers and as fighting men to go to the front."
{Yung Wing, My Life in China and America (New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1909), pp. 157-159.}]
Subj:Chinese in Civil War
Date:7/23/00 11:07:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Dear Mr. Kwok, I saw your excellent website commemorating the Chinese who served in
America's civil war - a little know fact. I just retired from teaching Chinese history in
colleges after 35 years and my Chinese friends and I have been working on research concerning
Yung Wing (Rong Hong) and the Chinese educational Commission of 1872-1881. Prof. Kao and I have
spent a good part of our lives informing the American public about the achievements of
Chinese-Americans and the great contributions they have made to our society. We especially enjoy
giving talks to school groups to inform them of the past discrimination and the courage of the
Chinese who chose to become Americans. To this end, we have recently created a website to
disseminate information on our non-profit educational organization, the Chinese Students Memorial
Society, and it mission. Our site URL is
http://www.120chinesestudents.org.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would review our site and possibly link it to your site to
assist us. We shall be happy on our next upgrade to reciprocate. I would also appreciate any
suggestion you may have to improve the site - it is not yet finished and is going slowly because
we are fortunate to have the services of a fine young Chinese computer technician who is doing
it in his spare time as a contribution to the Society. I would also like to summarize your info.
on the Chinese in the Civil War in our next print newsletter mailing and credit your site with
your permission only. Thank you and I hope we may a mutually beneficial relationship.
Richard C. DeAngelis, Ph.D., Fairfield, CT
Subj: Re: Asian Confederates
Date: 7/23/00 9:18:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Thank you for responding Gordon, I was informed by Mr. Kelley that you all
were corresponding. I wish you luck in your search too. Thank you for
helping to tell the REAL story of the C.S.A. Armed forces. Gary Davis
Subj:Asian Confederates
Date: 7/21/00 10:19:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Hi Gordon, I would like to tell you about this website www.37thtexas.org. It is
maintained by "Major" Michael Kelly. The purpose of the 37th Texas is to
document the "Confederates of Color". As you know some were Chinese.
If you have any info you would like to share concerning Chinese
Confederates please contact Mr. Kelley he would be VERY interested to hear
about the info you have collected. Gary Davis
Date: 7/18/00 11:47:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time
To: gordonkwok@aol.com, ......the 37th Texas Cavalry is dedicated to researching and
honoring ALL Forgotten Confederates and, as such, we are aware of the Chinese service with
the Avegno Zouaves commanded by Major Anatole Avegno.
It is our intent under the banner of "Forgotten In Gray Galleries" to
eventually publish a print which will depict the Avegno Zouaves in their
original blue Zouave uniforms with a Chinese Confederate carrying the
Regimental flag into battle. The Avegno Zouaves reigmental flag is held at
the Confederate Museum in New Orleans and we will view it shortly, although we
are not allowed to photograph it.
We invite your attention and would be pleased to add a page to our site
reflecting your research.
"We are a band of brothers!"
"I feel that you are free men, I am a free man, and we can do as we please. I
came here as a friend and whenever I can serve any of you I will do
so...therefore, let us stand together. Although we differ in color, we should
not differ in sentiment." - Confederate General N.B. Forrest, Memphis,
Tennessee - July, 1875
Your Obedient Servant, Major Michael Kelley, CSA
Commanding, 37th Texas Cavalry (Terrell's)
Date: 7/1/00 4:08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Dear Mr. Kwok, I saw the updated pages which included my communication. Thanks.
I am interested in meeting Mr. Hom. I have some project ideas to talk to him. Regards,
King Zhang
Date: 6/30/00 11:37:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Hi, Gordon, I read your very interesting articles on the Chinese serving in the Civil War.
I never knew there was any. To find that there were 47 was a surprise. I am glad you have
found a hobby for yourself and that you can share your knowledge with others. Connie Woo
Date: 6/14/00 4:00:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Thanks for showing me your very cool web site! I had no idea that the Chinese people
participated in the Civil War! Will pass this info on to the rest of the family.
Give my best to yours! Steven Woo
Date: 6/14/00 7:39:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time
G'day Gents ! Thompson, Jno took a year on 27 Apr 63 at nyc. as an officers steward. B
China 29 hz,bk,dk 5'1/2". He was in Commodore Jones 1/6/63. John Harvey
aka Jno Harry was in Commodore Morris. He signed as a Lm {Landsman} 25/6/64 in nyc.
30 b. China a cook,bk,bk,dk 7". Shin Jno A also shown on musters as Shun
and Ahshun. We found a medical card for Ahfoo, Jno. He was treated for vd
and released as "well". Keep well, Uncle Ed (Edward S Milligan)
Date: 6/14/00 12:48:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Hi Gordon: Nice to hear from you. I've been pretty busy.
The interviews will have to be done in Washington DC since most of the
filming will take place there including recreations at Gettysburg etc.
I think it is important to have your presence in the film as a Chinese
American authority. My very best, Monty
Date: 6/12/00 11:18:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time
To: Gordonkwok@aol.com,
A small comment to an important article: The proper spelling of the Japanese
place name is "Shimonoseki" ("shimo-no-seki" is 'lower part of a dam'?). Thanks
for the good work. Carl Masthay, St. Louis
Date: 6/11/00 7:22:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Gordon: This morning I was reviewing the ACWRTA website in Australia and found a link to
your impressive work on Chinese in the Civil War. I am working on a new book which will examine
the reactions of immigrants and foreign visitors to major issues of the Civil War period
(secession, slavery, emancipation, and the presidential elections of l860 and l864) and the
reasons many of them enlisted in the Union or Confederate armies. So far my focus has been on
European immigrants, but I am now wondering whether there might be enough information on
Australians, Chinese, and others to allow the expansion of my theme to include immigrants and
visitors from all countries. I wonder if you know of any documents -- letter, diaries, newspaper
clippings, memoirs, or whatever -- that show how Chinese participants in the Civil War felt about
major CW issues and/or their reasons for their enlistment. If I could get enough material, I
might have a chapter or Appendix on participants from Asia even if the book is mainly focused on
Europeans. One of my sons married a girl from Shanghai and I have two lovely Chinese-American
twin grandaughters, so I would have a special interest in describing the Chinese role in the CW
if I could find some good quotes from Chinese participants. The new book will be a companion
volume to my recently published book on the international dimensions of the Civil War, One War
at a Time. Author interviews are on two websites:
Abraham Lincoln Online -- http://www.netins.net/showcase/creative/lincoln/books/mahin.htm
and Civil War Book News -- http://www.cw-book-news.com/q-a/mahin-qa.html.
Your advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
Dean B. Mahin
Links
Go back to the home page, click below.
Go back to the home page
Go to ACCSACW Part 6, click below.
Go to ACCSACW Part 6.
Go to ACCSACW Part 8, click below.
Go to ACCSACW Part 8.
COPYRIGHT (C)
All rights reserved.
Webmaster and author, Gordon Kwok (gordonkwok@aol.com)
June 1, 2000
