With the increased recruiting of African-Americans as active service soldiers across the North, the Confederate Congress reacted to what they rightly considered as a fundamental blow to the institution of slavery with a draconian piece of legislation. Citing the dire consequences of an end to slavery and a "servile War," the Retaliatory Act laid down harsh action against black Union soldiers captured in battle, including an instant return to slavery, and the execution of any white officers captured leading black troops, for the crime of "inciting servile insurrection." The measure was strongly condemned in the North and did little to stem the tide of black enlistment in the Union Army. (By John Osborne)
Reprinted in Frank Moore, ed., The Rebellion Record: A Diary of American Events, with Documents, Narratives, Illustrative Incidents, Poetry, Etc. (New York: G.P.Putnam, 1863), VI: 578-579.