1865 Confederate Congress Bill Enlisting SLAVES To Fight For The Confederacy
A BILL
"To be entitled As Act to increase the military force of the Confederate States."
"The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, that in order to provide additional forces to REPEL INVASION, maintain the rightful possession of the Confederate States, secure their independence and PRESERVE THEIR INSTITUTIONS, the President be and is hereby authorized to ask for and accept from the OWNERS OF SLAVES the services of such number of ABLE-BODIED NEGRO MEN as he may deem expedient, for and during the war, to perform military service in whatever capacity the General-in-Chief may direct.
Sec. 2. That the President be authorized to organize the said slaves into companies, battalions, regiments and brigades, under such rules and regulations as the Secretary of War may prescribe, and to be commanded by such officers as the President may appoint.
Sec. 3. That while employed in the service the said slaves shall receive the same rations and compensations as are allowed in the Act approved February 17th, 1864, and the Acts amendatory thereto, "to increase the efficiency of the army by the employment of free negroes and slaves in certain capacities" and the compensation fo allowed shall be made to the owner or to the slave as the owner thereof may elect.
Sec. 4. That nothing in the Act shall be construed to authorize a change in the relation which the said slaves shall bear towards their owners as property, except by consent of the States in which they may reside, and in pursuance of the laws thereof."
Document measures 10"x6", 1 page - printed on both sides. Small pencil inscription to upper right corner. Some toning to page border, some foxing and soiling. Housed in custom grey board pamphlet binder. SCARCE and in great condition!
