Fletcher, Nathaniel

Nathaniel Fletcher was a private in Company B of the 43rd United States Colored Troops Regiment. Fletcher joined the army during the regiment’s organization period which lasted from March 12, 1864 until June 3, 1864. The 43rd USCT participated in the Petersburg Campaign and took part in the siege of Petersburg and Richmond from June 1864 until April 1865 by guarding trains for the Army of the Potomac and participating in the explosion of the mine in Petersburg. The regiment was involved in the pursuit of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s army in April 1865 and was present at his surrender at the Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. The 43rd USCT then moved to Texas where they remained on duty until October. The remaining soldiers mustered out on October 20, 1865 and were discharged in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 30, 1865. Fletcher was buried in the Lincoln Section of Woodlawn Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (By Brenna McKelvey)