Muster roll listing Hosea R. Simmons, an African-American man enlisted in Company K of the 45th Illinois Infantry. Simmons joined Company K of the 45th Illinois just before Sherman’s March to the Sea, probably liberated by the arrival of the soldiers, or by his own efforts to escape to Union lines. He served as an “undercook.” In this capacity he could not serve as a soldier under arms for the strictly segregated regiment, but he could help the Union forces by preparing their food and helping evacuate the wounded. 
His army experiences almost certainly served him well when he was transferred on March 12, 1864 to the 66th USCT and was shortly thereafter promoted to corporal. After the war, he was promoted to sergeant and later received a pension. 
Remarkable document.
Note: The tintype of Simmons shown here does not come with the document (it was found via an online resource).

[Slavery, Black History, African-American History, Abolition, Abolitionist, Emancipation, Civil War, Abraham Lincoln]