Rare Buffalo Soldier painting to be auctioned

Forgotten Heroes; Captain Taylor, Troop C, 9th Calvary, Leading
a Charge up the San Juan Hill in the Battle of Cuba

A painting chronicling the African-American Buffalo Soldier experience is part of Heritage Auction's July 16 auction of Western Art.

Fletcher C. Ransom's 1898 gouache on paper, "Forgotten Heroes; Captain Taylor, Troop C, 9th Calvary, Leading a Charge up the San Juan Hill in the Battle of Cuba", is expected to generate substantial interest from collectors of both African-Americana and militaria.

"Most people are aware of Teddy Roosevelt's charge up San Juan Hill at the head of his volunteer regiment of Rough Riders," said Michael Duty, Director, Art of the American West at Heritage in the company's most recent newsletter. "Less well known is that he did so alongside members of the 9th cavalry, an all African-American troop.

"The story of the Buffalo Soldier is an interesting overall facet of American history, and one that did not get its due in late-19th and early 20th century art and pop culture which makes Ransom's painting all the more important, Heritage notes. Following the Civil War, two cavalry units — the 9th and 10th — and two infantry units — the 24th and 25th — were formed.

"These African-American troops were posted along, and beyond, the frontier line. They were often involved in some of the most difficult and trying skirmishes of the day, and their diligence in battle was noted by all who they faced and served alongside. All of the units served with distinction throughout the Indian Wars and had the lowest desertion rate of any field troops of that period."

For more information about the auction go online to www.HA.com/5019.