Stop by Wheatberry Books to meet authors Donna and William Burtch and talk about their book “W.G.” This biography uncovers a flawed but dedicated Union Officer at a pivotal moment in history. Appointed by President Lincoln, W.G. Raymond recruited the initial companies of African American Union soldiers from the District of Columbia. The troops would become the 1st U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), going on to wage perhaps the most successful battle by African American soldiers in the Civil War. W.G.’s battles, though, were just beginning. Fought in obscurity. Based on a 19th century autobiography found in a relative’s attic and exhaustive new research.