The Contradictions and Realities of Slaves During the American Civil War
During the American Civil War, slaves who were under the control of the Confederate Army found themselves torn between two seemingly contradictory situations: both being called upon to serve the Confederate cause while simultaneously being recruited, sometimes forcefully, by Union forces. This study focuses on the experiences of these slaves, including their voluntary and involuntary movements, the roles they played, and the conflicts that arose from these complex circumstances.
The Voluntary Journey to Union Lines
Contrary to popular belief, many slaves did not find themselves captured or conscripted into the Confederate military. Instead, they came to Union lines on their own volition, often seeking freedom. This phenomenon was significant as it complicated the operations of the Union army, who found themselves responsible for the welfare of these "contraband" former slaves.
One notable example of this is an Army officer from Elgin, Illinois, who was also a Baptist pastor. Upon his arrival in Alabama, he encountered a group of former slaves. Acting on his own initiative, he managed to round up a locomotive and boxcars, transporting the former slaves to Elgin where they became part of the community. Furthermore, they established a lasting institutional presence in the form of the Second Baptist Church, which continues to thrive to this day.
The Union Army's Encounters and Policies
The Union forces initially returned contraband slaves to their owners, but this policy soon changed as the war progressed. Many slaves provided valuable intelligence to the Union forces, and some even built fortresses and other critical structures under more favorable conditions than they had in the Confederate army. Approximately 180,000 free and former blacks voluntarily joined Union ranks, contributing significantly to the war effort.
Forced Recruitment and Injustices
Despite the efforts of some Union officers to help contraband slaves, the situation was often fraught with injustice. Field General Nathaniel Banks, for instance, issued orders to recruit slaves, but in practice, these orders were not always followed. Many slaves were forcefully conscripted or captured by Union forces, leading to grim situations like the case in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, where free blacks and slaves faced severe oppression.
Historian records reveal that Union forces sometimes overlooked the well-being of slaves. For example, in St. Landry Parish, the Union's Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks ordered the confiscation of property, just as any other property, with little regard for the specific needs and status of these individuals. Slaves were not just assets to be seized; they were individuals with their own lives and families. The Records of the War of the Rebellion document cases where these slaves were taken without consequence, leading to the abandonment of crops and essential work.
Abandoned and Forgotten
Many former slaves faced a dark reality after the Union's initial enthusiasm to enlist them. There are countless accounts of African American men being captured and transported to POW camps, while women, children, and the elderly were simply left behind, struggling to fend for themselves without their husbands, fathers, or other family members. The accounts reveal a disturbing picture of abandonment and uncertainty, with slaves being mistreated and often left to fend for themselves in dangerous situations.
Conclusion
The experiences of slaves during the American Civil War were complex and often harsh. They were caught between two belligerents, often serving their masters—or in some cases, the Union—under forced conditions. The legacy of this period includes both heroes and victims. From the establishment of the Second Baptist Church by freed slaves to the accounts of inhumane treatment and abandonment, the history of slaves during the Civil War is a crucial part of America's past that continues to influence the present.
Keywords: Slaves during Civil War, Contraband Slaves, Union Army and Slaves, Civil War Conflicts