NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
November and December 1863
From The Missouri Democrat, Tuesday, November 24, 1863.
THE COLORED SOLDIERS.
OBLIGATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THEM.
NO FURTHER EXCHANGES TO BE MADE UNTIL MADE GENERAL.
NEW YORK, Nov. 23. – The Washington correspondent of the Evening Post says an article said to have been inspired at the War Department, says that in determining on the employment of colored troops this Government became bound by the highest moral obligations as well as those appertaining to the well-being of the service to give our soldiers of this description every guarantee that they should be protected, cared for, and treated in all respects like other troops in the service.
Rebel authorities, so soon as we placed colored regiments in the field, proclaimed the purpose of handing their officers, when captured, over to their several State authorities to be punished under their State laws as criminals engaged in inciting slave insurrections, and selling into slavery are colored troops as they might perchance fall into their hands. As far as the Government has been able to learn, we apprehend they have rigidly carried out this threat, formally promulgated in a message from the pen of Jeff. Davis.
It will be recollected thus far nothing whatever has been ascertained of this fate of such of our officers commanding colored troops as were captured at Milliken’s Bend, Charleston, and Sabine Pass. If alive the rebel authorities have them in secret dungeons, not having ever pretended to bring them to public trial under their State laws; but the impression is irresistible that they have been murdered, and as no traces of them can be found. So alas it is clear that our colored soldiers captured by them have shared the same fate, or been reduced in slavery – the latter most probably.
The War Department seems to be firm on this point. It will not consent to further exchange until it is made general, including all Union soldiers who have been captured. The President, I understand, agrees with the War Department, and all good men will support them in the position they have taken on this subject.
