Congress Equalizes Pay for Black Union Soldiers

The 54th Massachusetts and other USCT regiments had refused to accept unequal pay ($10/month vs $13 for white soldiers) since 1863, with some refusing any pay at all. On June 15, 1864, Congress passed legislation equalizing pay and providing retroactive compensation. Sgt. William Walker of the 3rd South Carolina was court-martialed and executed for leading a pay protest in January 1864.