The Story of Appy Mapp: From Enslavement to Soldier

History often comes alive when we hear it in the voices of those who lived it. Such is the case with my great-great-grandfather, Appy Mapp, a man born enslaved on Virginia’s Eastern Shore who went on to serve in the 2nd Regiment, U.S. Colored Cavalry during the Civil War.

In this blog (and upcoming posts), we’ll explore his remarkable life through the words of his own pension deposition—an official document preserved in the National Archives.

A Voice from the Past: Deposition A, No. 296749

On August 13, 1889, in Accomack County, Virginia, Appy Mapp gave sworn testimony as part of his application for an invalid pension. His words give us a glimpse into his life before, during, and after the war:

“I am about fifty years of age: occupation, farm laborer; post office Grangeville, Accomack Co., VA. I am the identical Appy Mapp who served as a Private in Co. I, 2nd Regt. U.S.C. Cav. Vols and I am now an applicant for invalid pension Claim No. 296749.”

What We Learn from Appy’s Deposition

• His Life in Slavery
  Appy was enslaved by George Mapp of Accomack County. He lived on George Mapp’s farm from childhood until enlistment. The record even notes the family’s physician, Dr. Fred Floyd—details that anchor Appy in a real place and community.
  

• His Health
  Before the war, Appy recalled being in good health: “a stout and hearty young man of twenty-five.” This contrasts with the health struggles he later faced, which became central to his pension claim.
  

• His Service
  He enlisted on January 1, 1864, exactly one year after the Emancipation Proclamation, and served until February 1866, when his regiment was mustered out at Brazos Santiago, Texas.
  

• His Freedom and Sacrifice
  As a man born enslaved, Appy’s decision to wear the Union uniform was a bold declaration of loyalty, courage, and hope for freedom.

Historical Context: The 2nd U.S. Colored Cavalry

The 2nd U.S. Colored Cavalry was organized at Fort Monroe, Virginia, in December 1863. The regiment fought bravely in some of the war’s most grueling campaigns:

• Bermuda Hundred & City Point, VA (May 1864) – Key operations south of Richmond.
  

• The Siege of Petersburg (1864–65) – One of the defining battles of the Civil War.
  

• Post-war service in Texas (1865–66) – Guarding the Rio Grande during Reconstruction.

In total, the regiment lost 19 men in battle and 161 to disease and other causes. These numbers remind us of the immense sacrifices made by Black soldiers who volunteered for freedom and recognition.

Why Did George Mapp Allow Appy to Enlist?

One lingering question: why would a slaveholder allow an enslaved man to join the Union Army?

The answer is complex. The Eastern Shore of Virginia had a unique culture—many in the Methodist Church were outspoken against slavery, and the Mapp family were prominent figures in that denomination. Social, religious, and wartime pressures may all have influenced George Mapp’s decision.

Looking Ahead: Why Was His Pension in Question?

Appy’s deposition raises another mystery—his health. Though he described himself as strong and healthy when he enlisted, by the time of his pension application in 1889, his health had clearly declined. What happened during and after his service that led him to file for an “invalid pension”?

That question will be the focus of my next post.

Closing Thoughts

This is just the beginning of Appy Mapp’s story—a story of enslavement, service, resilience, and legacy. His words, preserved in the archives, remind us that history isn’t just names and dates—it’s lived experiences that still echo today.

📜 Stay tuned as we continue exploring his journey in upcoming posts.