Gordon, Peter – Civil War

Description Gordon escaped slavery fleeing from a Louisiana plantation in 1863 and joined the Union Army as a guide.  While serving in the Union Army he was taken prisoner by the Confederates who beat him severely and left him for dead.  Gordon survived and again escaped to the Union lines.  He later enlisted in the U.S. Colored Troops unit and fought as a sergeant in the Corps d’Afrique during the Siege of Port Hudson. After reaching Union lines Gordon was examined by a doctor and this photo of him was taken showing the abuses of slavery.  It was published in Harper’s Weekly and provided the visual evidence of brutal treatment of slaves, advanced the cause of abolition and inspired many free blacks to enlist in the Union Army and the U.S. Colored Troops unit. This Gordon mug is part of our Civil War, Abolitionist and African American Series profiling outstanding men and women who have helped shape our country in important and positive ways. The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history.  The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton.  He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone.  The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont. Mugs are food and microwave safe. To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing. Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days. Shipping charges are lower when buying multiple mugs.