Keith,

I wasn't commenting on your posting in any way. I did not know if you were familiar with Art's work. I'm glad to hear you have read the book and I would think from reading it, you know that he takes a very balanced approach to the subject. I've always respected Art's position, because unlike many academics, he acknowledges African-Americans in combat roles of their own free will. I don't like speaking for him, but I'll continue. Art, does seem to take the position that the participation of African-Americans in the Confederate army as combatants was very limited. I'd have to say, I agree with this position. I do not believe their was a "sable horde" fighting for or wanting to fight for the Confederacy. I do believe that there were thousands of African-Americans, freedmen and slaves, in support roles, who were not all looking for the first opportunity to run away. I am certainly no expert on this subject. I have read a considerable amount on the reaction of the Confederate government and high-command to the "Cleburne Proposal" to offer freedom to slaves who enlisted and fought in the Confederate army. Because of this reaction, I find it difficult to believe that the Confederate authorities would have allowed large-scale participation of African-Americans in combat roles.

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Jim