He received a primary education in the schools of New Orleans, but had educated himself largely by his own efforts.

In 1863 he enlisted in the 83rd regiment, United States Chasseurs d'Afrique and became acting sergeant-major of that command.

At the storming of Fort Blakely he lost a leg and was honorably discharged.
Another, William Hannibal Thomas, afterwards became prominent as an author, teacher, lawyer and legislator.

His best known book was entitled, "The American Negro: What he was, what he is, and what he may become." He served as a soldier during the Civil War and lost an arm in the service.
The exploit of Robert Smalls was so brilliant that no amount of unfairness or prejudice has been able to shadow it.

It is well known to all students of the War of the Rebellion and is recorded in the imperishable pages of history.
Smalls was born a slave at Beaufort, South Carolina, but managed to secure some education.