At first, neither George Washington nor the Continental Congress approved of enlisting African Americans in the new army. Nevertheless, Black men, both slave and free, filled the ranks and served in all of the early battles. Bravery among African Americans was commonplace, as recognized by their commanders and state governments, and their bravery is recorded here in the stories of citizen Crispus Attucks at the Boston Massacre; militiaman Price Esterbrook at Lexington Green; soldier Salem Poor at Bunker Hill; and marine John Martin aboard the brig Reprisal.