On this Memorial Day, we should remember those who have fought and died in defense of the United States. It was first observed -- as "Decoration Day" -- in remembrance of the Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. In fact, its date (though not fixed) is near the date of reunification of the United States following the Civil War.
As the war began between the Union and the Confederacy, African-Americans – both free and enslaved – were barred from serving in the U. S. army by a 1792 law. Ironically, in this war where slavery played a central role, the Union still used slave labor while denying free African-American citizens the right to enlist. Objecting to this policy, Frederick Douglass wrote in 1861,
Why does the Government reject the negro? Is he not a man? Can he not wield a sword, fire a gun, march and countermarch, and obey orders like any other? . . . If persons so humble as we can be allowed to speak to the President of the United States, we should ask him if this dark and terrible hour of the nation’s extremity is a time for consulting a mere vulgar an unnatural prejudice? . . . We would tell him that this is no time to fight with one hand, when both are needed; that this is no time to fight only with your white hand, and allow your black hand to remain tied.
Groups of free African-Americans from around the Union continued to volunteer their services, some even going so far as to organize into regiments, but the government continued to refuse their aid. Even when, not one, but two Union generals attempted to allow the enlistment of black soldiers – mostly runaway slaves in the south – on the battlefield, President Abraham Lincoln countermanded their orders. In Lincoln’s estimation, were the Union to allow the enlistment of African-Americans, the “border states” of Maryland and Missouri – both slave states that did not secede – would certainly go over to the Confederacy.
In July 1862, the Second Confiscation Act, passed by Congress, allowed Confederate slaves who ran away to Union army camps to be allowed into to service.
Then, after the Emancipation Proclamation was declared, Lincoln and Congress reversed their positions, and universal African-American enlistment became permissible in late 1862. The first all-black regiments came from South Carolina, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Tennessee. In May 1863, the Bureau of Colored Troops was established.
Across the lines of war, the Confederates did not allow any African-Americans, free or enslaved, into military service until March 1865. Convinced that their slaves had no place fighting in this war, the Confederates suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the African-American soldiers in the Union Army. The war was officially lost a few months later, without a single regiment having been organized.
For more information, read the following book by James M. McPherson:
Compiled service records of the soldiers of the U. S. Colored Troops are available online at Ancestry.com:
Find your African American ancestry 
Comments
Had the South especially, found ways (social, economic, political, and especially equitably)for both free and enslave blacks to serve more extensively, both under arms in the military, and otherwise with the military; even with diminished rewards for that service after the Revolution; that war might have been won, and won better, much earlier that it was. My hero of the Revolution is James Armistead Lafayette, successful (more so than Hale, who was exposed) slave spy who's master would not manumit the hailed Patriot, so the Virginia General Assembly purchased his freedom, and by specific named "private legislation", a grateful U.S. Congress awarded a pension (note: perhaps I reverse which did which). I am "white" with seven Confederate ancestors, no Union ancestors. I never felt closer to my late great grandfather who I never met, Episcopal Rev. Edward Wooten/Wootten, Sgt. & Lt. CSA, when in N.C. State Archives, I read he and a Red Cross lady fought to get a black, his CSA pension.
Check with F. Douglas he witnessed armed African- Americans at the Battle of Manassas and Gen Forrest had African- American in his troops early in the War also. As Nelson Winbush an African American who's grandfather rode with Forrest. He does not speak to highly of the Yankees as they burned and raped their way across the South. Have a Dixie Day, Hondo of AR
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!