Posted on 09/01/2018 7:30:09 PM PDT by NKP_Vet
But I believe the states and territories which would have joined the Confederacy would have done so voluntarily, and not because they were forced to do so.
The only way to preserve the power of the North Eastern establishment was to go to war with the Confederacy to prevent the natural course of events that would have followed a successful Independence for the Confederacy.
First, the 25th amendment was ratified on February 10, 1967 and it's the one our lunatic left keeps bellowing at President Trump, right after "impeach 45".
So obviously, you meant to post, "13th amendment", which did abolish slavery, on December 6, 1865.
Second, Grant's family was anti-slavery and Grant owned no slaves, but Grant's wife Julia (Dent) was a wealthy Southerner and her family did own, many.
When Grant managed their farm, he managed their slaves.
In 1858 Grant's father-in-law gave Grant a slave, William Jones, said to be worth $1,500 at a time when Grant was near bankrupt.
Grant gave the slave his freedom in early 1859.
It has been said that Julia (Dent) Grant kept personal servants during the Civil War up until the time of Lincoln's emancipation in mid-1862 and the comment above may have been hers.
Btw, Julia Dent was a cousin to CSA Gen. Longstreet.
NKP_Vet: "The Union Army was given instructions that the first Confederate soldiers to be shot were black soldiers fighting alongside whites, of which there were many.
Yankee history books ignore this well-established fact."
Nonsense, that's just Democrats doing what Democrats do -- look deep in their own souls and accuse Republicans of whatever evils they find there.
In fact it was Confederates who refused to take Union colored troops prisoners -- one thing that made Union black soldiers such fierce fighters.
The truth about Confederate black soldiers is that, except for the occasional body servants standing along side their masters to reload rifles, there were none.
There were, of course, many tens of thousands of slaves supporting Confederate armies in every way possible except as fighting soldiers.
The Federal Army was segregated. On top of that black soldiers were in a support role until the war was half over.. The Confederate Army was never segregated. You are wrong in your assertion that black Confederate soldiers were not fighting and its easily disproven. Here’s an interesting article from a black man who went to war and fought with his owner. And guess what, he said he would do it again. They also were given discharges like any other soldier and applied and were given pensions like any other soldier.
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The truth is until very recently Southern persons of color knew they had Confederate ancestors, and they knew the truth of Lincoln’s illegal war because their ancestors told them.
Here is an example of black Mississippi legislator, John F Harris, making a speech in favor of the erection of a Confederate monument in 1890 who came to address the legislature from a sick bed when he found out a member had opposed the monument.
Give this a read and you’ll understand why the Sons and Daughters of Confederates should never have decided to become ghosts in society.
“Mr. Speaker! I have arisen here in my place to offer a few words on the bill. I have come from a sick bed ... perhaps it was not prudent for me to come. But, sir, I could not rest quietly in my room without ... contributing ... a few remarks of my own. I was sorry to hear the speech of the young gentleman from Marshall County. I am sorry that any son of a Soldier should go on record as opposed to the erection of a monument in honor of the brave dead. And, Sir, I am convinced that had he seen what I saw at Seven Pines and in the Seven Days’ fighting around Richmond, the Battlefield was covered with the mangled forms of those who fought for their country and for their countries honor, he would not have made that speech.
When the news came that the South had been invaded, those men went forth to fight for what they believed, and they made no requests for monuments. ... But they died, and their virtues should be remembered. Sir, I went with them. I too, wore the gray, the same color my master wore. We stayed four long years, and if that war had gone on till now I would have been there yet ... I want to honor those brave men who died for their convictions. When my mother died I was a boy. Who, Sir, then acted the part of a mother to the orphaned slave boy, but my ‘old missus’? Were she living now, or could speak to me from those high realms where are gathered the sainted dead, she would tell me to vote for this bill. And, Sir, I shall vote for it. I want it to be known to all the world that my vote is given in favor of the bill to erect a monument in honor of the Confederate dead.”
Source: Daily Clarion, Jackson, Mississippi, Feb 23, 1890
50,000 in 3 days?
OTH for Northerners, blacks were exotic creatures that segregating in the Army made sense.
There's no denying that at least tens of thousands of slaves supported Confederate armies throughout the war.
There are also occasional reports of body servants standing with their masters in battle to, for example, reload his rifle.
But there are no reliable reports of such men being enlisted soldiers.
Indeed, the Confederacy notably refused to do the one thing which could have turned its biggest liability into its greatest strength -- as George Washington did in the Revolutionary War, offer slaves freedom in exchange for military service.
Not until the very end when it was far too little, far too late.
Confederate generals like Patrick Cleburne who had recommended it years earlier were not well treated.
NKP_Vet: "They also were given discharges like any other soldier and applied and were given pensions like any other soldier."
Not at the time, maybe years later and at most a tiny handful of the many tens of thousands who served and even them you have to wonder.
Stolen valor was not invented in modern times, after any war many more claim to have served than actually did.
Today, for example, the numbers claiming to be Vietnam vets is said to be triple those who actually are.
Both armies used thousands of African-Americans in nearly every possible job.
One difference is the Union Army paid its workers, while the Confederate army paid their "owners".
Another is that Union black workers were declared free and could leave their jobs whenever.
Confederate slaves, not so much.
As for segregated Union regiments, it's true and some were used for less critical guard duties.
Others earned a fearsome reputation in combat and suffered much higher casualties for it.
Black Union soldiers performed so well many were kept on after the war as Buffalo Soldiers out West, and it's said, one even rode into mythology as the Lone Ranger.
Hiho Silver, away!
Kemosabe, try doing a little better homework.
Black Confederates
Why haven’t we heard more about them? National Park Service historian, Ed Bearrs, stated, “I don’t want to call it a conspiracy to ignore the role of Blacks both above and below the Mason-Dixon line, but it was definitely a tendency, which began around 1910.” Historian, Erwin L. Jordan, Jr., calls it a “cover-up” which started back in 1865. He writes, “During my research, I came across instances where Black men stated they were soldiers, but you can plainly see where ‘soldier’ is crossed out and ‘body servant’ inserted, or ‘teamster’ on pension applications.” Another black historian, Roland Young, says he is not surprised that blacks fought. He explains that “…some, if not most, Black southerners would support their country” and that by doing so they were “demonstrating it’s possible to hate the system of slavery and love one’s country.” This is the very same reaction that most African Americans showed during the American Revolution, where they fought for the colonies, even though the British offered them freedom if they fought for them.
It has been estimated that over 65,000 Southern blacks were in the Confederate ranks. Over 13,000 of these, “saw the elephant” also known as meeting the enemy in combat. These Black Confederates included both slave and free. The Confederate Congress did not approve blacks to be officially enlisted as soldiers (except as musicians), until late in the war. But in the ranks it was a different story. Many Confederate officers did not obey the mandates of politicians, they frequently enlisted blacks with the simple criteria; “Will you fight?” Historian Ervin Jordan, explains that “biracial units” were frequently organized “by local Confederate and State militia Commanders in response to immediate threats in the form of Union raids…”. Dr. Leonard Haynes, an African-American professor at Southern University, stated, “When you eliminate the black Confederate soldier, you’ve eliminated the history of the South.”
The “Richmond Howitzers” were partially manned by black militiamen. They saw action at 1st Manassas (or 1st Battle of Bull Run) where they operated battery no. 2. In addition two black “regiments”, one free and one slave, participated in the battle on behalf of the South. “Many colored people were killed in the action”, recorded John Parker, a former slave.
At least one Black Confederate was a non-commissioned officer. James Washington, Co. D 34th Texas Cavalry, “Terrell’s Texas Cavalry” became it’s 3rd Sergeant. In comparison, The highest-ranking Black Union soldier during the war was a Sergeant Major.
Free black musicians, cooks, soldiers and teamsters earned the same pay as white confederate privates. This was not the case in the Union army where blacks did not receive equal pay. At the Confederate Buffalo Forge in Rockbridge County, Virginia, skilled black workers “earned on average three times the wages of white Confederate soldiers and more than most Confederate army officers ($350-$600 a year).
Dr. Lewis Steiner, Chief Inspector of the United States Sanitary Commission while observing Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson’s occupation of Frederick, Maryland, in 1862: “Over 3,000 Negroes must be included in this number
[Confederate troops]. These were clad in all kinds of uniforms, not only in cast-off or captured United States uniforms, but in coats with Southern buttons, State buttons, etc. These were shabby, but not shabbier or seedier than those worn by white men in the rebel ranks. Most of the Negroes had arms, rifles, muskets, sabers, bowie-knives, dirks, etc., and were manifestly an integral portion of the Southern Confederate Army.”
Frederick Douglas reported, “There are at the present moment many Colored men in the Confederate Army doing duty not only as cooks, servants and laborers, but real soldiers, having musket on their shoulders, and bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down any loyal troops and do all that soldiers may do to destroy the Federal government and build up that of the rebels.”
Black and white militiamen returned heavy fire on Union troops at the Battle of Griswoldsville (near Macon, GA). Approximately 600 boys and elderly men were killed in this skirmish.
In 1864, President Jefferson Davis approved a plan that proposed the emancipation of slaves, in return for the official recognition of the Confederacy by Britain and France. France showed interest but Britain refused.
The Jackson Battalion included two companies of black soldiers. They saw combat at Petersburg under Col. Shipp. “My men acted with utmost promptness and goodwill…Allow me to state sir that they behaved in an extraordinary acceptable manner.”
Recently the National Park Service, with a recent discovery, recognized that blacks were asked to help defend the city of Petersburg, Virginia and were offered their freedom if they did so. Regardless of their official classification, black Americans performed support functions that in today’s army many would be classified as official military service. The successes of white Confederate troops in battle, could only have been achieved with the support these loyal black Southerners.
Confederate General John B. Gordon (Army of Northern Virginia) reported that all of his troops were in favor of Colored troops and that it’s adoption would have “greatly encouraged the army”. Gen. Lee was anxious to receive regiments of black soldiers. The Richmond Sentinel reported on 24 Mar 1864, “None…will deny that our servants are more worthy of respect than the motley hordes, which come against us.” “Bad faith [to black Confederates] must be avoided as an indelible dishonor.”
In March 1865, Judah P. Benjamin, Confederate Secretary Of State, promised freedom for blacks that served from the State of Virginia. Authority for this was finally received from the State of Virginia and on April 1st 1865, $100 bounties were offered to black soldiers. Benjamin exclaimed, “Let us say to every Negro who wants to go into the ranks, go and fight, and you are free…Fight for your masters and you shall have your freedom.” Confederate Officers were ordered to treat them humanely and protect them from “injustice and oppression”.
A quota was set for 300,000 black soldiers for the Confederate States Colored Troops. 83% of Richmond’s male slave population volunteered for duty. A special ball was held in Richmond to raise money for uniforms for these men. Before Richmond fell, black Confederates in gray uniforms drilled in the streets. Due to the war ending, it is believed only companies or squads of these troops ever saw any action. Many more black soldiers fought for the North, but that difference was simply a difference because the North instituted this progressive policy more soon than the more conservative South. Black soldiers from both sides received discrimination from whites that opposed the concept.
Union General U.S. Grant in Feb 1865, ordered the capture of “all the Negro men… before the enemy can put them in their ranks.” Frederick Douglas warned Lincoln that unless slaves were guaranteed freedom (those in Union controlled areas were still slaves) and land bounties, “they would take up arms for the rebels”.
On April 4, 1865 (Amelia County, VA), a Confederate supply train was exclusively manned and guarded by black Infantry. When attacked by Federal Cavalry, they stood their ground and fought off the charge, but on the second charge they were overwhelmed. These soldiers are believed to be from “Major Turner’s” Confederate command.
A Black Confederate, George _____, when captured by Federals was bribed to desert to the other side. He defiantly spoke, “Sir, you want me to desert, and I ain’t no deserter. Down South, deserters disgrace their families and I am never going to do that.”
Former slave, Horace King, accumulated great wealth as a contractor to the Confederate Navy. He was also an expert engineer and became known as the “Bridge builder of the Confederacy.” One of his bridges was burned in a Yankee raid. His home was pillaged by Union troops, as his wife pleaded for mercy.
As of Feb. 1865 1,150 black seamen served in the Confederate Navy. One of these was among the last Confederates to surrender, aboard the CSS Shenandoah, six months after the war ended. This surrender took place in England.
Nearly 180,000 Black Southerners, from Virginia alone, provided logistical support for the Confederate military. Many were highly skilled workers. These included a wide range of jobs: nurses, military engineers, teamsters, ordnance department workers, brakemen, firemen, harness makers, blacksmiths, wagonmakers, boatmen, mechanics, wheelwrights, etc. In the 1920’S Confederate pensions were finally allowed to those workers that were still living. Many thousands more served in other Confederate States.
During the early 1900’s, many members of the United Confederate Veterans (UCV) advocated awarding former slaves rural acreage and a home. There was hope that justice could be given those slaves that were once promised “forty acres and a mule” but never received any. In the 1913 Confederate Veteran magazine published by the UCV, it was printed that this plan “If not Democratic, it is [the] Confederate” thing to do. There was much gratitude toward former slaves, which “thousands were loyal, to the last degree”, now living with total poverty of the big cities. Unfortunately, their proposal fell on deaf ears on Capitol Hill.
During the 5oth Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1913, arrangements were made for a joint reunion of Union and Confederate veterans. The commission in charge of the event made sure they had enough accommodations for the black Union veterans, but were completely surprised when unexpected black Confederates arrived. The white Confederates immediately welcomed their old comrades, gave them one of their tents, and “saw to their every need”. Nearly every Confederate reunion including those blacks that served with them, wearing the gray.
The first military monument in the US Capitol that honors an African-American soldier is the Confederate monument at Arlington National cemetery. The monument was designed 1914 by Moses Ezekiel, a Jewish Confederate, who wanted to correctly portray the “racial makeup” in the Confederate Army. A black Confederate soldier is depicted marching in step with white Confederate soldiers. Also shown is one “white soldier giving his child to a black woman for protection”. – Source: Edward Smith, African American professor at the American University, Washington DC.
Black Confederate heritage is beginning to receive the attention it deserves. For instance, Terri Williams, a black journalist for the Suffolk “Virginia Pilot” newspaper, writes: “I’ve had to re-examine my feelings toward the [Confederate] flag…It started when I read a newspaper article about an elderly black man whose ancestor worked with the Confederate forces. The man spoke with pride about his family member’s contribution to the cause, was photographed with the [Confederate] flag draped over his lap…that’s why I now have no definite stand on just what the flag symbolizes, because it no longer is their history, or my history, but our history.”
Books:
Charles Kelly Barrow, et. al. Forgotten Confederates: An Anthology About Black Southerners (1995). Currently the best book on the subject.
Ervin L. Jordan, Jr. Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia (1995). Well researched and very good source of information on Black Confederates, but has a strong Union bias.
Richard Rollins. Black Southerners in Gray (1994). Also an excellent source.
Dr. Edward Smith and Nelson Winbush, “Black Southern Heritage”. An excellent educational video. Mr. Winbush is a descendent of a Black Confederate and a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).
This fact sheet is provided by Scott Williams. It is not an all-inclusive list of Black Confederates, only a small sampling of accounts. For more information about the SCV or “Confederates of Color” contact Mr. Williams at e-mail: swcelt@stlnet.com.
For general historical information on Black Confederates, contact Dr. Edward Smith, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20016; Dean of American Studies. Dr. Smith is a black professor dedicated to clarifying the historical role of African Americans.
http://www.scv.org/new/contributed-works/black-confederates/
Your article does its best to emphasize the constructive roles of Confederate slaves.
But it cannot exaggerate the fact that the basic Revolutionary War promise of freedom for service was withheld until the Civil War’s final weeks — far too little, far too late.
I’ve long argued that one act, if done with enthusiasm in, say 1862, could have changed the war’s outcome.
Slaves don’t get paid a soldier’s salary. Black Confederate soldiers were paid the same as white soldiers. I see you didn’t attempt to refute anything in the article. That’s because facts can’t be refuted. That there were not black soldiers freely fighting for the Confederacy is one of the biggest lies of the war.
The old Walt-Brigade of FR past simply morphed into the “Neo-WaltBrigade” they ought to be happy as lark.
The southern heritage our past is now all but destroyed sadly it won’t be long before it completely disappears forever more. Sigh!
Now the same forces these freepers ally with have moved on to the Alamo and our Founders and even Honest Abe
And Israel
I was on Breitbart or Gateway last week and some tard posted this screed where he includes demonizing southerners
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YourKillingMeRubes 5 hours ago
Patriotic Americans like myself don’t want a war, its Trump supporters who are threatening to start a new civil war if their con man criminal mob boss president gets impeached for the multitude of high crimes and misdemeanors he has committed in less than 2 years....
Its Trump supporters that want to declare Trump above the law, and have threatened to enforce that edict with guns and violence...
All I am saying is if that happens the men and women of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines will put these Treasonous Traitors back in their place, just as the Union Army put the Traitors of the confederacy in theirs....
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Could easily have been written by any of these guys many of whom lest we forget were nevertrumpers....Mac_truck was not fwiw
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