Pre Civil War Northern black militia companies

major bill

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
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Aug 25, 2012
In the 1854 to 1860 time period black militia companies were forming in several Northern states. These black militia companies could be found in Rhode Island, New York, Michigan, Ohio, and probably other states as well. Has anyone seen any information about how the Southern states interpreted this? One would think that Northern states allowed armed black militia companies and in some cases even providing the arms, would have concerned some Southerners.

I am trying to do some work on the Detroit Liberty Guards which formed in Detroit prior to the Civil War. The Republican leaning Detroit newspaper seemed to support the company, the Democratic leaning Detroit newspaper seemed to not be as supportive. The Michiagn Militia offer them arms, but instead they purchased their own arms.
 
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