Recounting the experiences of black soldiers in the Civil
War
In the ten probing essays collected in this volume, Howard C.
Westwood recounts the often bitter experiences of black men who
were admitted to military service and the wrenching problems
associated with the shifting status of African Americans during the
Civil War.
"Black Troops, White Commanders, and Freedmen during the Civil
War" covers topics ranging from the roles played by Lincoln and
Grant in beginning black soldiery to the sensitive issues that
arose when black soldiers (and their white officers) were captured
by the Confederates. The essays relate the exploits of black heroes
such as Robert Smalls, who singlehandedly captured a Confederate
steamer, as well as the experiences of the ignoble Reverend
Fountain Brown, who became the first person charged with violating
the Emancipation Proclamation. ""
Although many thousands were enlisted as soldiers, blacks were
barred from becoming commissioned officers and for a long time they
were paid far less than their white counterparts. These and other
blatant forms of discrimination understandably provoked discontent
among black troops which, in turn, sparked friction with their
white commanders. Westwood's fascinating account of the artillery
company from Rhode Island amply demonstrates how frustrations among
black soldiers came to be seen as "mutiny" by some white
officers.
General
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