Turner, received authorization from President Abraham Lincoln to recruit and command the first federal African-American Union Army troops from the District of Columbia.

Turner of Pennsylvania, also a chaplain, requested authorization from President Abraham Lincoln to raise the first federal regiment of African-American soldier volunteers for the Union Army, District of Columbia.

[7] In his letters to Lincoln, Raymond stated that he was “…anxious to put down the rebellion”, and that he had secured a petition signed by leading African-Americans in the city in support of the plan.

[9] In Turner's letter to Lincoln he stressed his commitment to the Republican Party and his earnest interest in elevating oppressed African-Americans.

[10] Lincoln's evolution from initially opposing then ultimately embracing the recruitment of federal African-American Union troops was gradual.

Post the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1 of that year, Lincoln still harbored concerns that ranged from the tactically political to the mistreatment and executions of former slaves captured as prisoners of war as Union soldiers.

Members of Lincoln's circle, including Senator Charles Sumner, as well the generals in the field, encouraged him to support the recruitment of African-American troops.

[12] Raymond and Turner persisted in their efforts to raise the 1st United States Colored Infantry in Washington, D.C., and provided Lincoln with strong personal references and support from Senators Henry Wilson and Charles Sumner, both of Massachusetts, Senator Ira Harris of New York and Governor Alexander Ramsey of Minnesota, among others.

Raymond was nearly shot when a round was fired through a window by an unknown assailant during an African-American recruitment event at the church.

[17] Raymond and Turner continued recruitment and began training of regiment, paying for supplies as needed out of their own pockets.

[18] In mid-May they marched the troops in drills though sections of Washington, D.C., to build enthusiasm and to push back on the resistance.

[25] The unit's surviving troops marched to the White House where President Andrew Johnson greeted and addressed them.

[27] A bill was eventually introduced before Congress to reimburse Raymond for the personal funds he used in initially raising and provisioning the 1st U.S.C.T.

[28] In later years he battled an opium addiction resulting from pain treatments, which led to a period where he questioned his faith.