This Collection captures but a small sample of what is regarded most important, but a complete review of all the materials at ALPLM is required to provide the most complete insight into these extraordinary men.
Also, while Michael Banasik’s book "Duty, Honor and Country” contains a wonderful and extensive sample of the brothers’ Civil War correspondence, the ALPLM files contain substantially more wartime correspondence---particularly for John. The ALPLM collection also includes a number of letters not published by Banasik from the brothers’ mother and sister, as well as stepfather, Dr. William Fithian.
The relationship of the brothers to their stepfather was a special one. A good insight into that relationship is covered in Mark Dedman’s article "The Fithian/Black Home and Its First Residents," The Heritage of Vermilion County, Winter 2021-2022 Edition.
Finally, the Vermilion County War Museum has a set of original donated records and correspondence involving the Black brothers. These materials are available to visitors upon request.