AfriGeneas Military Research Forum Archive
Re: RUMOR AND CONFUSION-BLACK CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS
In Response To: Re: RUMOR AND CONFUSION-BLACK CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS ()
There is no argument over the fact thousands of Blacks (slaves and a few free people of color) served with and supported the Confederate Army. The question is, were they soldiers? The answer is NO! The vast majority were impressed to serve as laborers, teamsters, horse groomers, cooks and other support functions, plus hundreds of body servants went to war with their masters.
Their counterparts (over 200,000) served the Union Army in the same capacities plus as scouts and spies. The question is, were they soldiers? The answer is NO!
Another 180,000 to 210,000 Black men were mustered into the Union Army and Navy as soldiers and sailors. Their service records, pension records (if an application was submitted), rosters (descriptive rolls) and regimental papers are on file at the National Archives, Washington, DC. No such compiled records exist for Black units or individuals in the Confederate Army.
By the way the term "Black Confederate" is a modern day phenomenon. It has no historical significance.
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