I presume anyone that does not accept your position is not a "real Southerner". If you go around the internet viewing this discussion, I see this response over and over again, that if I don't accept large numbers of black Confederates in frontline Confederate service, I'm a traitor or a turncoat to my Southern heritage.

Listen, my Confederate ancestors, did not generally go off to war to support the institution of slavery; however, by their actions of supporting the Confederate government and defending its territory, they did perpetuate it. I do not try to justify their actions based on modern morality and views. I can fully accept that my ancestors, if not actively supporting slavery, were apathetic about its existence. If you are embarrassed or feel you need to justify your ancestors actions to deny that they "didn't give a hoot" about the treatment of blacks, then I presume that is a good thing based on a modern perspective. I make no apologies for my ancestors' pro or anti-slavery positions. I am not embarrassed that they were pro-Union or pro-Secession.

Slavery was a legal institution under United States law until after the Civil War. I believe, secession was legal according to the Constitution and as viewed by the founders "in their own words". I believe that slavery was the moral and contentious issue that led to secession, but that the majority of Southern soldiers enlisted and fought for their right of secession and in defense of their homeland and property.

You know this issue is dividing "we Southerners" in our defense of our heritage and the position of our ancestors. Honestly, Edward, I wish those you who supported this position would just state your view and then not attack fellow Southerners, who cannot be convinced of your view. You know it's okay to just agree to disagree.

Now, Edward, may I ask that you and others holding this position, not engage in these lengthy diatribes on your personal experiences and the black family that lived on the other side of your fence and post a document or source. How about some Compiled Military Service Records or a Confederate government document authorizing the use of Black Confederates. I can post a number of denials or refusals by Confederate government officials to accept Black Confederates. Can you post one that approves it, prior to February of 1865?

By the way, when I was about eighteen (18) years old, I resigned from a Civil War re-enactment unit due to some improper conduct occurring within the group. I approached the leadership of the group "in private" and stated I could not continue, until this problem was addressed and changed. The reply from this "highly-respected" unit was to call me "Judas Iscariot, Benedict Arnold" and to threaten bodily harm should I come near their camp at any future reenactments. I guess I'm saying this response is nothing new to me, just disappointing.

Those who stand opposed to your view should not be called names or demeaned, because they demand documentation of a historical position.

Jim Martin