IN THE CHRONICLES of Ameri-
But no topic, with the exception of secession, instigates more heated discussions than the service of African-Americans on behalf of the Confederate States of America.
Understandably, black Confederate soldiers appear to be one aspect of the conflict that many find virtually impossible to believe. Despite the existence of photographs, military records and firsthand accounts that support the notion, some people still seem unable to comprehend why anyone would fight on behalf of a government that ultimately held its own people in bondage.
The fact is that there were free African-Americans living in the South at the outbreak of the war, and some of them took up arms alongside their white neighbors in an effort to protect their own families and interests. The discrepancy lies in the numbers of black Rebels, which have been quoted as anywhere from 10 to 10,000.
Although the Confederate Congress did not sanction so-called "Colored Units" until 1865, when it was too late, there were many "unofficial" soldiers supervised by officers who were desperate to fill the ranks that were so quickly diminishing. Also, many individual Southern states authorized "Colored Militia Units," which included free men as well as slaves and waged tremendously successful guerrilla campaigns against the occupying Federal forces.
Regardless of their exact numbers or motivation, the courage and tenacity of these men was just as extraordinary as that of any other gray-shirted combatant, and their memory is to be valued with the same respect and admiration as that of any Confederate soldier.
Due to the wide range of conflicting statistics, many Civil War authors shy away from this subject, which in my opinion is a terrible disservice to the legacy of all black Confederate soldiers. Luckily, we have historians such as Jack Maples, who have dedicated themselves to preserving the stories of these remarkable men.
I had the pleasure of meeting Maples, who lives in Manassas, when we shared a book-signing bill at a Civil War re-enactment in Harrisonburg known as The gathering of Eagles. In addition to being a meticulous researcher and a talented writer, Maples is first and foremost a wonderful storyteller. After spending some time discussing the synopsis of his work, I must admit that I was captivated and knew that I had to share his highly original contribution with my readers.
Maples' book, titled "Reconstructed Yankee," is a blend of both fictional and nonfictional material. It tells the life stories of two North Carolina friends, one white and one black, who fought together during the Civil War, first for the Union and later for the Confederacy.
The main characters are Caleb Parker, a free person of color, and his best friend, Tom Parker. Both men are talented gunsmiths following in the footsteps of their fathers, and together they carry on a prospering business creating arms that include "The Parker," their own version of the Spencer repeating rifle. As their reputation as master craftsmen begins to spread far and wide, each man starts a family and both appear to be living out the American Dream despite their unconventional relationship.
All that changes, however, with the first shots fired at Fort Sumter in 1861. At the outbreak of war, these "brothers in arms" are caught up in the midst of a moral dilemma: whether to fight for a cause they do not believe in, or seek vengeance for the unprovoked hanging of their fathers. What follows is a bittersweet adventure spanning many years that recalls the triumphs and tragedies of the war from both the Northern and Southern perspectives.
Clearly an expert on his subject matter, Maples has labored to present an enjoyable tale that is firmly rooted in historical fact. He goes on to provide a most welcome conclusion that breaks down each and every major character and event while explaining which are fact and which are fiction. That alone makes this book worthy of applause, and I beg other novelists to try the same approach, as it truly helps the readers to distinguish what is real, in case they wish to research additional materials on a particular person or subject.
Maples' story line takes the reader on a journey through the entire Civil War, encompassing major battles, minor skirmishes and unsanctioned raids on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. Along the way, we are introduced to men of high moral character as well as bloodthirsty outlaws who exploited the conflict as an opportunity to spread hatred and chaos under the guise of military action.
As a result, Maples has presented a very honest and straightforward commentary on the frequent atrocities perpetrated by both the Union and Confederate forces. Far beyond the glory of courageous charges and last stands, it was the citizens of the North and South who suffered devastating blows to their homes, families and economies.
Another forgotten aspect of the war was the struggle that was endured by blacks who were trying
Making matters worse was the expanse of this injustice, which stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border and beyond. I was surprised by the enormous distance that was covered by free men and ex-slaves alike in an effort to start over. Many traveled from town to town for months, or even years, before finding acceptance. Clearly, racism continued to exist as a scourge that plagued the North and South despite the surrender of the Confederacy and the reunification of the U.S. government.
In some instances the war changed very little, and many black Southerners actually considered themselves better off before the conflict, since they were able to practice a trade and feed their children by sharecropping. As the conquered Southern economy lay in ruins, so did its railroads, homes and businesses. Most of the plantations had been burned to the ground and their fields destroyed, leaving thousands of families with nothing. This trial was shared by both black and white citizens alike.
Perhaps the worst discrimination of all fell on the shoulders of the black Confederate veterans, who were not given the same postwar pensions and accolades as their white peers. Maples persistently tackles the subject of this struggle, leaving us with a feeling of sadness for the plight of these heroes that is tempered with a great sense of pride for their sacrifice and service.
Offering no apologies, this book pulls no punches in depicting the good, the bad and the ugly of America's greatest trial. More importantly, it is a story of two men of different races, bound by brotherly love and one man's ultimate triumph over oppression.
A well-written and powerful novel, "Reconstructed Yankee" will appeal to readers of historical fiction and Civil War buffs alike.
In addition, this book has already been scripted and appears to be headed for the big screen. Maples is currently in the process of locating investors to fund the $5.8 million project, and the movie's preproduction is already under way. I cannot wait to see it.
MICHAEL AUBRECHT of Spotsylvania County is the author of "Onward