T2201

Buffalo Soldiers

Buffalo Soldiers were United States Army regiments composed exclusively of African American soldiers, formed during the 19th century to serve on the American frontier. On September 21, 1866, the 10th Cavalry Regiment was formed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" was purportedly given to the regiments by the American Indian tribes who fought against them during the American Indian Wars.

After most of the Indian Wars ended in the 1890s, the regiments continued to serve and participated in the 1898 Spanish–American War (including the Battle of San Juan Hill) in Cuba, where five more Medals of Honor were earned.

Collins Cover Announcement 

THE BUFFALO SOLDIER

One of the best I've ever done.

A statement of fact. This is one of the finest First Day Covers that I have produced. It displays in an exciting manner this moment in time of the American West and captures a historic perspective of a brave group of men on the frontier.

The Tenth U.S. Cavalry Regiment played a decisive role in winning the peace in the Arizona Territory. They fought the elusive and skilled Indians, escorted stagecoaches and cattle drives, mapped and explored and scouted the new land, and protected newly arrived settlers. Stalwart men who were known and respected as the "Buffalo Soldiers". These gallant troopers who belonged to the highly decorated 10th Cavalry were exclusively Black.

In "Frederic Remington's Own West" which features short stories of the frontier, one of his tales is "A Scout With the Buffalo Soldiers". In it he relates the adventure of a small scouting party consisting of a few troopers from the 10th Cavalry. It pays respect and homage to these unheralded men who were such a big part of our western history. In one passage:

"Down in front of the post trader's was gathered the

scouting party. A tall sergeant, grown old in the service, scarred on battlefields, hardened by long marches -- in short, a product of the camp -- stood by his horse's head." Later, in a conversation discussing bravery around a campfire, "They have fought many, many times. The old sergeant sitting near me, as calm of feature as a bronze statue, once deliberately walked over a Cheyenne rifle pit and killed his man." It is Remington's account of this hardened and brave sergeant that motivated the composition of this COLLINS hand-painted cachet.

In a sweeping and stirring scene, a defiant Indian horseman holds his rifle aloft and taunts the pursuing trooper. Urging his own mount on at a steady gait, the confident soldier closes the distance between himself and his adversary. This portion of the cachet by itself would be enough to make this cover the "Best of Issue" by any cachetmaker but there is more. To the lower left, in black and gold, is the intricate emblem of the 10th Regiment, United States Cavalry. Fittingly, the overall design is topped by a proud bull buffalo. Prouder still, however, is the portrait of the "hardened and brave" sergeant that I've positioned at the lower right. Just looking at the eyes, the expression, and the bearing of this man makes you confident that here was a man who would set about his mission in a professional and aggressive manner.

The Indian warriors quickly learned that the Black men in blue uniforms would fight ferociously to the end. It was the Indian who named these troopers "Buffalo Soldiers" as a sign of respect. It was then that the buffalo was adopted as a symbol of pride to the regimental crest. One of the rewarding aspects of being a cachtmaker is the knowledge that one gains from research. In this case, I came away with much respect for these unknown heroes of earlier times who served their country so well.

This First Day Cover is everything a collector could ask for.

The sweeping, exciting encounter between cavalryman and Indian that spans the entire envelope in spectacular hand-painted fashion. The gold and black emblem that pays tribute to all who served as buffalo soldiers in the 10th. The determined portrait of the sergeant who represents each individual in the highly esteemed regiment.

The buffalo soldiers are no more but their contributions to opening America's vast frontier live on. And, although they are no more, their memory will always be preserved on this COLLINS First Day Cover. To the men of the Tenth. Item #T2201. $11.25.