Enlisting Slaves
Summary
Arguments are presented on the issue of enlisting slaves. On one side, since slaves are counted in terms of representation in the federal and state legislatures at the ratio of 5 slaves equivalent to 3 white persons, then masters should expect that slaves will also participate in the war effort. However, for masters loyal to the Union, the enlistment of their slaves as soldiers amounts to taking away their property. The War Department is prepared to compensate loyal masters $800 for each slave who enlists and this should help remedy the ill feelings of slave owners toward enlistment of their slaves. Colored troops raised in Maryland are to be credited to the quotas established for districts within the state.
Article Source
Newspaper: The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light
Publication Date: September 23rd, 1863
Page/Column: 2A
Town: Hagerstown, MD
County: Washington
Subjects
- Slavery / Emancipation
- African Americans
