Anyone think the draft acts was not along the lines of impressment (aka
remove freedom = slavery).  If you had not money (e.g. poor irish immigrant
off the boat)
to get out of it - off tot he front lines to fight for Abe Lincoln....no need
to be a citizen to get drafted.   Hence huge draft riots in 1863.


> > Confederate military commanders sought to mitigate by mobilizing labor
> > battalions of slaves in order to construct fortifications and
> > entrenchments.  Thus, slaves were in fact military assets of the
> > Confederate government
>
> don't forget the South also had blacks fighting in the Army...some
> willingly
> and some just when because their masters when.......but as you said the
> majority were used as construction  labors, teamsters and support personal
> for the Army..still I think this is an overlooked area in history...I guess
> in part because it doesn't fit the PC story


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