The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-03-16
Confederate War HfstOrys--Un-
published Letter OF Gen.
H. H. Lee.

H f. Lee.
We have noticed discussion of late
in some of our exchanges chow origina-
ting and for what practical use we are
not pIeparedto say) in reference to the
failure of the Confederate authorities to
employ negro troops. in the late war. A
strong article on this subject was repro
duced in the Vicksburg Herald from the
Mobile Register. The discussion has
suggested to the writer Of this, the puo-
LEGATION of letter in his possession,
from Gen. Lee, the great leader and
central figure of the Confederate Armies,
on thst very topic. This letter, for the
first time given to the public, viii be
read With the interest which attaches to
everything emanating from its illustrious
author, and will be valued as contribu-
ton to the history of the struggle in
which he acted his distinguished part.
We will premise by stating that Presi-
dent Davis in advance of this letter had
called the attention of the Congress to
the employment of negro troops and had
recommended that they be emancipated
in consideration of faithful service The
proposition to employ them as soldiers
encountered violent opposition from prom
inent members-Messrs. Chambers, of
Mississippi, and Gholson, of Virginia,
leading off in strong and earnest argu-
ments which seemed to reflect the views
of the majority. The member to whom
the letter of Gen. Lee was addressed,
nevertheless introduced bill for the en-
listment of troops from that class of the
population. So violent was the feeling
against it, that Hon. w. P. Miles, of
South Carolina, Chairman of the Militia
ry Committee, moved its prompt rejection
without according to it the usual form OF
reference to the appropriate committee.
1t was, however, referred to select
committee composed in part of members
who had seen service in the feld-amona
the number we remember the names OF
Gen. Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky.
and Gen. Henry Gray, formerly OF
Mississippi of Texas.
Ii was at this stage of the proceeding
that the views of Gen. Lee were obtained,
and it need not be added that they Sc
cured the passage of the bill. In less
than day thereafter colored troops for /,
military service were drilling on the
Capitol grounds in Richmond. But the
measure, if it was efficacious, lad
been too long postponed. The veterans
of Lee who had for years stood as wall
of iron between the invader and the |
Confederate Capital, had gradually passed |
away until they were a mere corponrs |
guard compared to the immense armies
which they had often successfully en-
countered and driven back and almost |
simultaneous with its passage, the curtin
fell upon the closing scene of all at APP
pomattox:
HEAD QUARTERS G. S. ARMIFsl
18th February, 1865.
Hon. e. Barksdale, House of Representa-
tiUes, Richmond:
Il have the honor to acknowledge |
the receipt of your letter of the 18th Inst |
with reference to the employment of negroes |
as soldiers. l think the measure not only |
expedient, but necessary. The enemy will |
certainly use them against us if he can get
possession of them, and as his present nu-
merical superiority will enable him to pen
citrate many parts of the country, cannot
see the wisdom of the policy of holding
them to await his arrival, when we may, by
timely action and juGicious management,
use them TO arrest his progress. | do no.
think that our white population can supply
the necessities of a long war, without over
taxing its capacity and imposing great
suffering upon our people; and l believe
we should provide resources for protrac-
ted struggle, not merely for a battle or a
campaign.
In answer to your second question. can
only say that, in my opinion, the negro,
under proper circumstances, will make an
efficient soldier. l think we could do as
well with him as the enemy. and he at
taches great Importance to his assistance
Under good officers and good instructions,
do not see why they should not become
soldiers. They possess all the physical
qualifications, and their habits of obedience
constitute good foundation for discipline
They furnish more promising material |
than many armies OF which we read in his |
tory, which owed their efficiency to disci- |
pine dIOne Il lulIlk InOSc VINO are en- |
ployed should be freed. 1t would be neither
just nor wise, in my opinion, to require |
them to serve as slaves, The best course to /
pursue. it seems to me, would be to call for /
such as are willing to come with the con-
sent of their owners. An impressment or /
draft would not be likely to bring out the |
best class, and the use of coercion would |
make the measure distasteful to them and /
to their owners.
have no doubt that if Congress would
authorize their reception into service. and
empower the President to call upon indi-
viduals or States for such as they ere will
ing to contribute, with the condition of
emancipation to all enrolled, sufficient
number would be forthcoming to enable us
to try the experiment. If it prove success
full, most of the objections to the measure
would disappear, and if individuals still
remained unwilling to send their negroes
to the army. the force of public opinion in
the States would soon bring about such
legislation as would remove all obstacles |
think the matter should be left as far as
possible to the people and to the States,
which alone can legislate as the necessities
of this particular service may require. AS
to the mode oforganizing them, it should be
left as free from restraint as possible. Ex-
perienee will suggest the best course, and
it would be inexpedient to trammel the
subject with provisions that might. in the
end, prevent the adoption of reforms sug-
gested by actual trial.
With great respect, your ob't serv't,
Il. Z. LEE, General.