Thanks for providing the context for that particular reference.

It is a fairly straightforward process to determine whether an individual served as a soldier. Again, you need to look at the muster rolls and enlistment papers. Is there any evidence in DiLorenzo’s book that he has done this research? If he has than you ought to share it with us. If he hasn’t than his commentary is worthless.

If you want to know if any individual served as a soldier in the Confederate ranks you need to consult the relevant primary sources. You need to check out the relevant muster rolls and enlistment papers for the individual. Lorenzo is not a serious historian and he certainly has not done any research on this topic. I have no idea what sources Lorenzo used nor do I have any way of identifying the individuals referenced in your quote.

Please understand that this is not the way to go about researching this subject. Slaves were not enlisted as soldiers. The Confederate government was explicit on this issue until the very end of the war. What exactly do you think you are looking for? Again, go to the regimental records and find the papers. Anything short of that is a complete waste of time.

the next section is the finish of the speach

When the news came that the South had been invaded, those men went forth to fight for what they believed, and they made no requests for monuments. But they died, and their virtues should be remembered. Sir, I went with them. I too, wore the Gray, the same color my master wore. We stayed four long years, and if that war had gone on till now I would have been there yet. I want to honor those brave men who died for their convictions. When my mother died I was a boy. Who, Sir, then acted the part of a mother to the orphaned slave boy, but my “old missus”? Were she living now, or could speak to me from those high realms where are gathered the sainted dead, she would tell me to vote for this bill. And, Sir, I shall vote for it. I want it known to all the world that my vote is given in favor of the bill to erect a monument in honor of the Confederate dead.”
On the day of the vote, former Slave John Harris was joined in equaled zeal by 6 other Black Representatives in the Mississippi Legislature to pass the bill for the Confederate Memorial. It is amazing how much history has been deliberately buried and suppressed.

“When the news came that the South had been invaded, those men went forth to fight for what they believed, and they made no requests for monuments. But they died, and their virtues should be remembered. Sir, I went with them. I too, wore the Gray, the same color my master wore. We stayed four long years, and if that war had gone on till now I would have been there yet. I want to honor those brave men who died for their convictions. When my mother died I was a boy. Who, Sir, then acted the part of a mother to the orphaned slave boy, but my “old missus”? Were she living now, or could speak to me from those high realms where are gathered the sainted dead, she would tell me to vote for this bill. And, Sir, I shall vote for it. I want it known to all the world that my vote is given in favor of the bill to erect a monument in honor of the Confederate dead.”

On the day of the vote, former Slave John Harris was joined in equaled zeal by 6 other Black Representatives in the Mississippi Legislature to pass the bill for the Confederate Memorial. It is amazing how much history has been deliberately buried and suppressed.
My source-T J Lorenzo.

So was he a soldier or a slave?

Denise

Are you arguing that the draft is slavery, and that selective service thus violates the 13th Amendment?

p.s. You will notice that your other comment was not approved. I am not turning the comments section into a platform for people to share stories that they’ve picked up in some unidentified source w/o any analysis of the content.