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Letters to the Editor

Build monument to black Confederates

Letter to The State editorial board
The Tennessee Civil War Museum opened with an exhibit stating that thousands of blacks fought for the Confederacy. A black mannequin dressed in a Confederate uniform is pictured.
The Tennessee Civil War Museum opened with an exhibit stating that thousands of blacks fought for the Confederacy. A black mannequin dressed in a Confederate uniform is pictured. JIM MYERS Associated Press
Columbia, SC

Books on black Confederates spell out several reasons why blacks fought for or aided the South:

1. Money. Blacks made money by trading in whiskey, food and horses from their foraging missions.

2. Local attachment. Many black and white children played together and grew up together, forming a bond that continued into adulthood.

3. The likelihood of being manumitted.

4. Regional pride. In 1861, African-Americans who volunteered to work on fortifications in Norfolk were presented a Confederate flag by former mayor, John Dodson. Black spokesman Charles Tinsley accepted the flag saying, “We are willing to aid Virginia’s cause to the utmost of our ability.”

We should have a State House monument to blacks who served in the Confederate military.

Elinor H. Mowbray

Fountain Inn

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Build monument to black Confederates."

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