Most poor Rebs did not go to war with a slave to care and carry for them. At least my ancestors did not and I would think that would be true of most all who did the actual fighting in the trenches. Maybe a FEW rich officers could take a slave with them. My ancesters only owned a gun and a horse and saddle. When their widows applied for pensions they listed their net worth as $80 to $120. and that was only if they had land valued at $1. an acre. If someone was carrying their rifle for them, it was their 17 year old son they took to fight with them.