Did Free Blacks Serve in the Confederate Army and Navy? Examining Enlistment Records and Historical Context

The role of free African Americans in the Confederate forces, particularly the military, has often been a subject of historical curiosity. This article delves into the existence of enlistment records for free blacks, the formation and purpose of such units, and specific examples of their service, such as the Third Colored Regiment and a case study involving Andrew and Silas Chandler.

Enlistment Records for Free Blacks in the Confederate Forces

Yes, there are records of free African Americans serving in the Confederate Army and Navy. One notable example is the Third Colored Regiment, which was formed at the beginning of the Confederacy. Although it fought valiantly, this regiment was eventually disbanded due to racism and the fear of slave uprisings. Despite this, free blacks fought in the Confederacy well before any served in the Union Army.

Andrew and Silas Chandler: A Case Study

In 2012, a PBS documentary series called History Detectives highlighted the story of Andrew Chandler, a gentleman from Mississippi, who fought for his state in the Confederacy. Andrew brought a slave, Silas Chandler, with him to the 44th Mississippi Infantry, where Silas took part in combat alongside his master.

In 1861, Andrew and Silas were photographed together, dignified in Confederate uniforms, with both men holding large bowie knives and Silas carrying a rifle across their laps. Another pistol was placed in Silas's shirt, while Andrew held a pistol and a third was tucked into his belt. They fought side by side during the war, with Silas even opting to save Andrew's leg by bribing an army surgeon with a gold coin to avoid amputation. Silas later returned to the front with Andrew's younger brother, Benjamin Chandler, in the 9th Mississippi Cavalry.

After the war, Andrew and Silas lived near each other, continuing to farm and maintaining a friendship until Silas's death at the age of 82 in 1913.

Complexities of the Confederate Military and Slavery

While these examples have been used in modern political discourse, it is important to approach the subject with nuance. Both sides of the political spectrum who use history to support their agendas miss the complexity of the situation. The "Lost Causers" who see the War Between the States as a heroic endeavor and progressives who see it as a war for the abolition of slavery oversimplify a much more nuanced situation.

The institution of slavery was ethically and morally bankrupt, but the war itself was not fought to free slaves. It is true that the war eventually led to the abolition of slavery, lifting a significant weight from the conscience of the United States. However, the reality is far more complex than popular myths would have us believe. The complexities and contradictions of history cannot be reduced to simplistic narratives.

Keywords: Confederate Army, Free Blacks, Enlistment Records