"Sibling authors Donna and William Burtch have unearthed a gem of a family story -- and now bring it to the broader audience it richly deserves."
-Michael Punke, bestselling author of The Revenant and Ridgeline

“…an engaging history, written by authors who know how to tell a story well.”
-Kirkus Reviews

The Award-Winning Biography of W.G. Raymond

The Opium-addicted Pistol Toting Preacher Who Raised the First Federal African American Union Troops

Recipient of the 2022 SUNNY Award for Nonfiction (Sunbury Press)

#1 Amazon Bestseller, Civil War Regimental Histories (Summer, 2022)

Authors

WILLIAM BURTCH

DONNA BURTCH

THERE IS HISTORY...AND THERE IS TRUTH

William Gould “W.G.” Raymond

An ordained abolitionist white officer is appointed by President Lincoln to recruit the first federal African American Union Army troops after the Emancipation Proclamation. Hundreds of courageous Black men and former slaves come forth in early May, 1863, only to be forever erased from War Department records. This, seemingly due to a perceived slight and overstep…

REVIEWS

Advance Praise

A riveting account of a Baptist chaplain who stepped up as the first leader of Black troops to defend the Union cause during the Civil War, only to have that role erased by the War Department. This compelling work by Donna and William Burtch is certain to cause a reevaluation of a lost piece of U.S. history.

Ken GormleyPresident of Duquesne University, Constitutional scholar and New York Times bestselling author

A thorough and engaging bio of an obscure but pivotal player in some of the most important events in America’s nineteenth century. From itinerant ministry, to enforcing martial law, raising the 1st U.S. Colored Troops [U.S.C.T.] in the Civil War, battling addiction, and faith healing, W. G. Raymond’s story is a vividly rendered window into an era when men and women deeply believed, and acted boldly on their faith.

David PoyerU.S.A. Today bestselling author of military and historical themes

A remarkable narrative about historical figure W. G. Raymond with themes of bravery and sacrifice from start to finish. A complex and flawed man, W.G. showed valor in the face of adversity as he derived strength from his belief in something bigger than himself. The authors explore his unwavering convictions and fight for equality which is felt centuries later. This biography boldly declares that service matters yesterday, today, and forever.

Candace E. BradyVice President of Advancement at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Sibling authors Donna and William Burtch have unearthed a gem of a family story -- and now bring it to the broader audience it richly deserves.

Michael PunkeBestselling author of The Revenant and Ridgeline

W.G. the Book