Chapter 16

Preparation in the South for Hostilities--Early Organizations of Battalions of Free Negroes--Review of Troops in New Orleans--Employment of Negroes in Constructing Fortifications--Early Enacting of State Laws authorizing the enrollment of Negroes for Military Service--The Appearance of a few Negro Troops announced by the Press--Apparent Enthusiasm of some Blacks--Effect on the Negroes of the Change in Northern Policy--Necessity for Negro Troops--Strong Opposition throughout the South--Letters from Gen. R. E. Lee urging the Organization of Black Regiments--Exciting Debates in the Confederate Congress--Passage of the Negro Bill--The Clerk's of the War Department Record--Letter from Jefferson Davis--Enlistment began, etc. 481