Last month I posted how pleasantly surprised I was to discover several references to the African-American experience at Confederate encampments in our region. The subject of "Black-Confederates" remains one of the most controversial subjects in today's Civil War studies. I have intentionally setout to include them (in whatever capacity they served) in my latest book project. I have been diligently transcribing sources I obtained from the NPS collection and came upon two mentions today. I will be exploring these in further detail, but wanted to share a couple excerpts with you. The first quote refers to multiple “negro Balls” of which I am not that familiar with, and the second and third describe the services provided by slaves who went on campaign with their masters.

W. Johnson J. Webb: Co. I, 51st GA Vols:

Bill is as well pleased as any Negro you ever saw, he has been to three negro Balls since we arrived at these camps, but he would go off without first asking permission.

Robert Wallace Shand: Co. C, 2nd SC Vols:

John Clarkson of our mess had a negro man named Mander who cooked for us and served our mess. We chipped in and got a horse and wagon and foraging was easy, for the county around was rich in food stuffs. The beef was magnificent drawn largely from Loudon County, which was a garden spot. Chickens, ducks, butter, eggs, buttermilk etc. were easily obtained and we fared sumptuously every day. Meantime, we went diligently thro' all the routine of Camp-life. Reveille beat at dawn of day which comes sooner there than in Columbia in June--and later in December. After roll call the boys proceeded to cook their breakfast, but as our mess had a servant we went to sleep again.

During all the months of my service, what was camp life? I have mentioned guard mounting and our drills. At guard mounting (or troupe) every morning, the 2d Sergeant took the sick and ailing ones to the Surgeon at the hospital tent, who diagnosed and prescribed - the latter according to stock on hand. The noncommissioned officers and men had to get their own wood and water, do their own cooking and washing. and keep their guns clean. The officers had servants for these duties. Until after Sharpsburg, old Manders slave to John Clarkson, did most of these duties for us. He also was a good provider. When we stopped, he would go off and come back with chickens etc. for most of which we paid, but sometimes the old fellow (who was too honest to steal) would “impress” them, or, to use his own phrase, “pressed em.” But a disagreement broke up our mess and thereafter, Edwards, Bryce and I slept together, did our own cooking, toting etc.

(BTW: I have yet to encounter a single black soldier in our area fighting on behalf of secession. On a related side-note, this region was the site of the first recorded engagement between Confederates and U.S. Colored Troops.) 

I don’t make a habit of linking to local newspaper articles, but this one is special. Both donations and those who gifted them should be applauded. READ ARTICLE

Robert Duvall was in town, speaking at Ellwood on behalf of the CWPT. PHOTOS HERE