For those of you unaware, there is an excellent discussion going on over at Civil War Memory on the controversial subject of Black Confederates. It’s no secret that I don’t get along with the owner of that blog, but our good friend Richard Williams was invited to join in the discussion by Peter Carmichael and has contributed some thought-provoking posts on the topic. Actually, the entire group has shared a broad range of quality perspectives. Like Richard, I too am a proud member of the SCV, but can’t help but be disappointed at times with the ‘spin’ on the subject of Black Confederates that some members feel are required in order to justify their existence. This is completely unnecessary. Reality however, is.

Jim Lewis (a REAL Black Confederate) was certainly valued by his employer Thomas Jackson, but was he ever looked at as an equal? Of course not. He was a black man, a cook and manservant, who was treated better than a ‘common’ slave, but by no means thought of in the same stature as a white subordinate. All you have to do is look at his bed (or cot) in the upper attic-room at the Stonewall Jackson Shrine. It would barely fit an adolescent child comfortably, yet that is where Jim rested. That 'visual' (as I interpret it) tells the tale: Lewis was important enough to be there with Jackson’s family and closest staff members during his last days, but not worthy of the same comfortable sleeping arrangements. His bedding is symbolic to me. On the flip-side, Lewis put up with that and in turn valued Jackson enough to remain there at his side until the end. There was a fondness between these two men that is undeniable. But don’t call Jim a soldier. He was a 'black confederate,' but NOT a 'black combatant' as some would like to count him as.

That is an example of the paternalistic relationship that co-existed between a Confederate commander and his negro-servant. There was a racial bias no doubt, but beyond that grew an affection. Inflating and/or embellishing the quantities and servitude of Black Confederates is bothersome and adds nothing intelligent to their legacy. It actually tarnishes and depreciates their memory. Admitting that there were thousands of African-Americans who "served the" Confederate Army - NOT "served in" the Confederate Army is a more honest interpretation and makes their service just as worthy of our praise. Why not simply celebrate that?

Honor the South's black soldiers and servants (many, or few), but don't inflate their numbers or skew their social standing. Jim Lewis and all of his brothers deserve an honest memory. Let’s give it to them.