oined the army. Salem was born
in Framingham, and, in 1783, married Katie Benson, a
Granddaughter of Nero, living for a time near what is now
the State muster field. He removed to Leicester after the
close of the war, his last abode in that town being a cabin
on the road leading from Leicester to Auburn. He was removed
to Framingham, where he had gained a settlement in 1816 and
there he died."

Salem was not the only negro at the battle of Bunker Hill. Says an
authority:

"Col. Trumbull in his celebrated historic picture of this
battle, introduces conspicuously the colored patriot. At the
time of the battle, the artist, then acting as adjutant, was
stationed with his regiment at Roxbury, and saw the action
from this point. The picture was painted in 1786 when the
event was fresh in his mind. It is a significant historical
fact, pertinent to our present research, that, among the
limited number of figures introduced on the canvas, more
than one negro soldier can be distinctly seen."

Of the others who participated in the battle we have knowledge of Salem
Poor, whose bravery won for him favorable comment.

Major Wm. Lawrence, who fought through the war for independence, from
Concord, until the peace of 1783, participating in many of the severest
battles of the war. Says a memoir:

"At Bunker Hill, where he was slightly wounded, his coat and
hat were pierced with the balls of the enemy, and were
preserved in the family for several years. At one time he
commanded a company whose rank and file were all negroes, of
whose courage, military discipline, and fidelity, he always
spoke with respect. On one occasion, being out
reconnoitering with his company, he got so far in advance of
his command, that he was surrounded, and on the point of
being made prisoner by the enemy. The men, soon discovering
his peril, rushed to his rescue, and fought with the most
determined bravery till that rescue was effectually
secured. He never forgot this circumstance, and ever took
special pains to show kindness and hospitality to any
individual of the colored race, who came near his dwelling."

The Committee of Safety having excluded slaves from the army, many were
thereafter manumitted, that they might enlist. There was no law
regulating enlistment in the army at the time which required the