The Draft
Summary
With the successful enlistment of large numbers of Negroes from Maryland, it appeared to be unnecessary to draft white men to fill the military quotas required by the government. Loyal slave owners have allowed their slaves to be enlisted with the idea that they will be compensated for "private property" which has been "taken for public use." Disloyal slave owners, who have gone to fight against the Union, will not allow their slaves to be used to fight for the Union. Now there is an order from Maryland Governor Bradford, on recommendation of Hon. Reverdy Johnson, to suspend enlistment of slaves. The consequence of the suspension is that the draft of white men will be necessary. The paper argues that slavery in Maryland is now a "skeleton" and soon to be abolished. Enlistment of slaves with or without owners' permission should be allowed. They are "persons" and as liable for conscription as white men.
Article Source
Newspaper: The Frederick Examiner
Publication Date: October 14th, 1863
Page/Column: 2B
Town: Frederick, MD
County: Frederick
Subjects
- African Americans
- Battles / Military
