Did Blacks Serve In The C.S. Army? You Can Bet They Did!


The
denial of "those people"amazes me. With very little effort,
anyone can find that free blacks and slaves served in the C.S. Army.
Some were pressed into service, but many volunteered of their own
free will. Many argue the numbers which is moot, the simple fact
is that blacks served!

It
matters not if they were teamsters, cooks, combatants or simply
caring for the family at home. These patriots of color where heroes
and deserve better than they have received!

For
those in denial, the truth is out there and you know it!…PoP

Page
1

Conscript
Office
Rich’d
Dec. 22nd 1864


Captain

In
Answer to the enquiries of the Secty of war in reference to the
impressment of slaves,  transmitted by you to this office for
reply.   I beg leave to submit the following Report-

I
will take occasion in the ontset^to repeat what has been previously
presented for consideration of higher author-ity, in my letter of
the 19th of Sept. to Capt Duffield aag and subsequently in a communication
by myself of the 8th of Oct:- that owing to the want of competent
and efficient officers it is impossible to get prompt and accurate
returns _ and in   (?)  the accumulation of work arising
at the time the impressments were ordered the contrariety of constructions
in one and the same subject has tended to hinder and embarrass the
Enrolling Officers in the fulfillment of their duties, and in-promptly
reporting their action.

In
reply to the first inquiry. The number of slaves impressed under
the act of Congress of the 17th Feb: alt. you are informed that
at the date of my last report (Dec 1st) 1753 slaves had been impressed
under requisitions for Temporary Service and 1234 slaves for-twelve
months service.

In
reply to the second inquiry.  whether there are any slaves
in government employ exceeding One in


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of page one
See
this document’s first page HERE

Page 2

Five
of the male slaves between the ages of 18 & 45 yrs of one owner,
your attention is invited to the Enclosed Copy of Extract from SP.
Order No: 224 at also (cs) author izinn impressments of slaves between
the ages of 18 & 50 yrs.  This order was subsequestly
modified and restricted to impressment between the ages of 18 &
45.  This office however is not in possession of the information
as to how many slaves beyond the age of 45 yrs have been impressed
as no reports except as to the number impressed have been received
from Enrolling Officers which are in accompanies with discriptive
lists

In
reply to the third Enquiry.  Whether any slaves have been impressed
on a basis of calculation including female slaves et.  under
instructions from the comdng-Genl the Enrolling officers were directed
to include female slaves in the aggregate of ones slaves from which
impressment of male slaves should be made.  but little progress,
however was made under this order. as  subsequent instructions
revoking said order were issued soon there after and it is believed
that the actions under this order has been since rectified.

In
reply to the fourth Enquiry.  whether the credit directed to
be allowed by the act of Feb 17th has been allowed to.  Your
attention is invited to the Enclosed Copy of extract from Cir No
71 from this office issued In compliance with the instructions from
the Comdg Genl Directing that no credit be allowed except for

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of page two

See
this document’s second page HERE

Page 3

slaves
furnished in part satisfaction of the requisition. Owing to the
fact that this office has not received accurate returns from the
Enrolling officers it is impossible to furnish the authorities with
more definite information. In the execution of the order calling
for 2250 slaves for twelve months service, they are reported at
the Camp of Instruction and a record kept giving descriptive list.
Name of owner, Valuation tc and an information necessary for present
or future reference.

For
a fuller and more detailed report of Execution of the orders for
slaves impressments, your attention is invited to the regular monthly
report from this office on the subject to be forward ed at the end
of the month.



End of Doucument

See
page three of this doucument HERE

Comment
by Document Owner:
Sam
Snyder

I
personally feel it has great historical significance as it clearly
shows tens of thousands of Blacks weren’t drafted as is the Common
thought. Also of great interest is it mentions they were sent to
a camp of instruction. Clearly why would you send someone who is
going to be used as a teamster or cook to a camp of instruction.Clearly
they were being "drilled" or trained for some important
support or combatant role.

Of
particular nature also, is the mention of females!  Regardless
of if these people actually bore arms is irrelevant.  They
still severed in whatever capacity. Was a possible clerk who was
drafted into WWII not recognized as a vet?  They most certainly
are. The fact the numbers are so low in this document lead credibility
to how many must have volunteered based on how many served.