Just my first exchange with you but rest assured I have read each and every response to this board. People don't take kindly to you for two reasons, 1) you won't accept a factual answer, you "yes but" every answer given to you and 2) you won't give direct answers.

Honestly I really don't care if you are offended or got your feelings hurt, not my problem. My problem is when you come here with what appears to be an obvious biased opinion about the South and/or the Confederate Army and what appears to be flawed history. My Confederate ancestors have been called traitors and much worse, they are slandered on a daily basis today and, the truth about why they wre fighting is raely ever told. My family lost everything in reconstruction and 140 years later we are still recovering from the policy of those days. That being said, I don't give red rats behind how the Confederates felt or did with the men of the 54th Mass., if they were dishonored, so be it, for my have my Confederate ancestors have been also. I also suggest you be careful with the word "traitor" When you throw out words such as traitor you better darn sure know where they are gonna land. I'll tell you this the Confedetaes may have been citizens of the United States before and after the war, BUT NOT A DAMN ONE OF THEM WAS A TRAITOR!!!!

To be honest I was prepared to give you a history lesson like you ain't never had before and one like you ain't never gonna get again, but for because of my northern friends and the integrity of this board I am just gonna let you slide. Actually I asked a simple question. It had simple answers A, B or C. I didn't ask for anything near what you have responded with. In truth the answer is C. Both the US and the CSA had slaves, both also had free black citizens, both had laws that regulated these free blacks. Yes free blacks could be citizens of the CSA and slaves could earn their freedom and become citizens. Slave States could also join the Union; do a little research on West Virginia.

Have a Dixie Day.

George Purvis
Proud descendant of over 30 Confederate heroes.