Josh The Lighthouse Guy
Major
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2012
- Location
- Jupiter, FL
The vast majority of blacks who served in the Union Army were infantry - 135 or so regiments of infantry (USCI). However, there were also 6 black cavalry regiments (the "other" USCC), 13 heavy artillery regiments, and ten batteries of light/field artillery.
Given the attitudes of the time, why were black cavalry and artillery units formed? Was it by the request of the enlistees, or potential enlistees, themselves, who petitioned to serve in branches other than infantry? Was it a calculated decision by recruiters to get more enlistments? Was it simply a need for specific types of units?
Light artillery seems the easiest to understand. When USCT operated in brigades or divisions they would need artillery support. Having black infantry supported by black artillery removed a point of potential conflict in the form of white artillerymen who resented serving with or supporting black troops.
Heavy artillery seems a little harder to understand. On the one hand, those were generally garrison troops, which was how most black soldiers were used. On the other hand, by 1864 it seemed like there was an excess of heavy artillery units and a need for more infantry, as evidenced by Grant stripping the DC defenses. Was the intent to fill garrison slots at fortifications where white troops were unhappy about serving?
Cavalry surprises me the most. It seems like shortage of prospective white cavalrymen was never a problem; it was the horses that were never plentiful enough, not to mention the extra logistical needs of cavalry units. So why black cavalry? Were they serving with larger formations of black infantry (like the black light artillery) or places where cavalry was needed but white soldiers didn't like serving (like black heavy artillery)?
Maybe my guesswork is off the mark. I'm trying to come up with logical explanations, but I've not read any books about USCT yet.
Given the attitudes of the time, why were black cavalry and artillery units formed? Was it by the request of the enlistees, or potential enlistees, themselves, who petitioned to serve in branches other than infantry? Was it a calculated decision by recruiters to get more enlistments? Was it simply a need for specific types of units?
Light artillery seems the easiest to understand. When USCT operated in brigades or divisions they would need artillery support. Having black infantry supported by black artillery removed a point of potential conflict in the form of white artillerymen who resented serving with or supporting black troops.
Heavy artillery seems a little harder to understand. On the one hand, those were generally garrison troops, which was how most black soldiers were used. On the other hand, by 1864 it seemed like there was an excess of heavy artillery units and a need for more infantry, as evidenced by Grant stripping the DC defenses. Was the intent to fill garrison slots at fortifications where white troops were unhappy about serving?
Cavalry surprises me the most. It seems like shortage of prospective white cavalrymen was never a problem; it was the horses that were never plentiful enough, not to mention the extra logistical needs of cavalry units. So why black cavalry? Were they serving with larger formations of black infantry (like the black light artillery) or places where cavalry was needed but white soldiers didn't like serving (like black heavy artillery)?
Maybe my guesswork is off the mark. I'm trying to come up with logical explanations, but I've not read any books about USCT yet.
Bringing the