GwilymT
1st Lieutenant
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2018
- Location
- Pittsburgh
In 1864 Patrick Cleburne put his name to a letter to Confederate leadership asking to be able to enlist black soldiers. This request was denied by Confederate high command and political leadership. His letter seems a good argument for arming black southerners and using the manpower in the Confederate cause. My question is two fold:
Why, if there were already so many black confederate soldiers as claimed in some corners, would a Confederate General find it necessary to make this request in 1864?
That aside, Why did the confederate leadership deny this request?
Cleburne's letter:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/patrick-cleburnes-proposal-arm-slaves
Why, if there were already so many black confederate soldiers as claimed in some corners, would a Confederate General find it necessary to make this request in 1864?
That aside, Why did the confederate leadership deny this request?
Cleburne's letter:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/patrick-cleburnes-proposal-arm-slaves
Bringing the