On an April morning in 1880, West Point cadet Johnson Chestnut Whittaker failed to appear at 6 a.m. roll call. He had endured continuous abuse from his white classmates and was found unconscious and bloodied after a brutal beating. But as he recounted the story of his attack, he was met with suspicion from West Point officials.In West Texas, the Army’s first Black commissioned officer faced a court martial over his handling of commissary funds and the buffalo soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries pursued the final resistance of fierce Apache warriors. After years of service, buffalo soldiers would be forced to confront the broken promises of the U.S. government.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Full Episode
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Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and experience American history like never before. A listener note. This episode contains graphic descriptions of racial violence and may not be suitable for everyone. Imagine it's April 6th, 1880, and you're a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. You're sitting up in a bed at the infirmary.
Last night, you were brutally attacked by three masked men in your dormitory. Your head is pounding, and you can feel bruises forming on your neck where you were choked. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lazell approaches your bed, and you brace for an interrogation. Good morning, sir.
I need you to explain what happened last night, cadet. Don't leave anything out. It's just like I said before, sir. Three men beat me and slashed at my hands and face. They tied me to the bed. I passed out from the pain. That's all I can remember. And who were these attackers? I have no idea, sir. Well, what did they look like?
You almost laugh at the absurdity of the question.
I already told you, sir. They wore masks. I couldn't see their faces. Why would anyone want to hurt you? What did you do? I don't know. Nothing.
You swallow hard. Lizelle looks at you with suspicion and disdain. You've seen that look a thousand times since you've arrived at West Point. It's clear he doesn't believe you. Lizelle pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and holds it up.
Your commanding officer passed this on to me. Why didn't you mention a threatening note when I visited your room this morning? I didn't find the note until after you left, sir. Or perhaps you wrote the note yourself after we examined your room this morning to cover your tracks. Wait a minute. You really think I did this to myself? Why would I do that?
To win sympathy? You shake your head, fighting to control your rising frustration.
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