I recently saw this article come across the Web… and, quite naturally, was taken aback by the claim that these people make regarding the “rebel flag” flying “for freedom” and, of course, that “at least 100,000 blacks… fought in the war,” seemingly in the name of freedom as provided courtesy of the flag. So, when I found this quote today, I thought it worthwhile mentioning…
All thought money to be absolutely necessary, and for awhile rations were disdained and the mess supplied with the vest that could be bought with the mess fund. Quite a large number had a ‘boy’ along to do the cooking and washing. Think of it! a Confederate soldier with a body servant all his own, to bring him a drink of water, black his boots, dust his clothes, cook his corn bread and bacon, and put wood on his fire. Never was there fonder admiration than these darkies displayed for their masters. Their chief delight and glory was to praise the courage and good looks of ‘Mahse Tom,’ and prophesy great things about his future. Many a ringing laugh and shout of fun originated in the queer remarks shining countenance, and glistening teeth of this now forever departed character.
– Carlton McCarthy, Richmond “Home Guard,” and later the Second Company, Richmond Howitzers (quote can be found on p. 19 of Detailed Minutiae of Soldier Life in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865). Note: emphasis made in the quote is my own.
It’s interesting that McCarthy makes no mention of the ‘boys’ being seen as fellow soldiers/comrades in arms.
I will add, however, that I took note recently of a reference to a black servant who did take to horse and pistol, along with his master, in the fight at Mile Hill in Leesburg, on September 2, 1862. In his report on the affair, Col. Thomas T. Munford (2nd Virginia Cavalry) noted “It is proper to say that Edward, a servant of Private [William O.] English [*], Company K, went into the charge, following his master, gun in hand, and shot the notorious Everheart [**], who was left in Leesburg badly wounded.”
I wonder if “Edward,” after receiving praise for his actions, returned to his duties as English’s “boy.” Incidentally, it appears that “Edward” was not included on the muster rolls of the regiment.
*William O. English later made his way through the ranks and was a 1st lieutenant in the Ordinance Dept. by Feb. 1863, serving first with Snowden Andrew’s artillery battalion, and later Carter Braxton’s battalion.
**”Everheart” was Armstead Everheart, a farrier with Co. A, Loudoun Rangers… a Southern Unionist from Waterford, Virginia. He survived the shooting, but was discharged in April 1863. I haven’t seen his service record, but it would seemly likely that the discharge came as a result of the wound. I’m not quite sure yet why Munford referred to him as “notorious.”
Cenantua's Blog 
Craig Swain
September 8, 2009
Very good example, again, Robert. The absence of “Edward” on the muster rolls recalls the same practice I cited for the 7th Tennessee Cavalry, where servants were mentioned but not officially counted.
I wonder if Everheart was “notorious” for his smithing skills?
cenantua
September 8, 2009
Yup… one “mean smither,” I suppose… or perhaps Munford was just jealous that he didn’t have him as a “smithy.”
Michael Aubrecht
September 9, 2009
Nice post Robert. I also quote Carlton McCarthy and his paper (different parts) in my upcoming book on CSA camps in Spotsy. My chapter on this particular subject is titled Colored “Confederates” (note the emphasis w/ ” ” ‘s) and the subtitle is ‘Black Cooks, Body Servants and Slaves.’ I do briefly recount the story of Levi Miller at Spotsylvania as it is regionally relevant, but all the rest of my photos and first person accounts present the role of African Americans as anything but soldiers. (No where in any of the letters or recollections I quote from the FSNMPS archives are blacks spoken of as troops. They are however often presented as cooks, laundry, and servants.)
cenantua
September 9, 2009
Thanks for commenting, Mike. I look forward to seeing the book. I think your portrayal of blacks in the service of the Confederacy is accurate. Granted, I have seen a couple (free black and slave) actually make the rosters, but even when they did, in most cases, I find they were either designated as cooks or musicians. Interestingly, even in the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USA, most were designated as cooks… but some did see combat service. I wonder if there is something to this… Southerners, no matter Union or Confederate, and their “placement” of blacks in hierarchy of service in the commands.
Nevertheless, in the rare cases where blacks (or people of color… which may actually indicate indigenous roots and not African) were on the muster rolls, I think this is the only valid situation where we can actually consider them “soldiers.” No matter the crazy claims among some today, the same cannot be said, by any means, for the majority who more accurately fall under the description that McCarthy makes.
Michael Aubrecht
September 9, 2009
…and another gentlemen I write about is one of the longest surviving Confederate body servants, a local man named Cornelius S. Lucas. In captivity, Lucas had belonged to William Pollock of Stafford County, who served in Company H, 47th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Upon receiving his freedom, Lucas became a minister and eventually operated a coffeehouse and store in the downtown district. He is said to have received a pension (one of the few I believe Mr. Krick was able to uncover), but nowhere was he recorded as being a soldier or ever being armed, or participating in any engagement.
cenantua
September 9, 2009
Mike, So that is a servant’s pension for C.S. Lucas?
Michael Aubrecht
September 10, 2009
It says that he is reported to have collected a pension from the army and that he also received a commendation from the UDC. I am quoting an article that ran in the Fredericksburg papers. He was not a soldier and was being remembered in the article for his contributions to the church and black community. They speak of him in the field strictly in terms of a servant. Regardless he looks like an interesting guy who had a full life.
JSmith
July 26, 2011
Willam G. Pollock commanded Company A, not Company H. Lucas was his servant.