Authenticated 19th Century Photographs
Widely Used to Illustrate
Service With The Confederate States Army;
However, Confederate Service is Unknown



Though the photographs below are authentic, several historians came forward questioning if the following African-Americans were present with the Confederate States Army during the War Between the States.  Because the stories of these men were so compelling to people during their era, the Black Confederate Soldiers website maintains a list.



PHOTOGRAPH 1

Picture of William Mack Lee, known as a cook with General Robert E. Lee

William Mack Lee
Published Literature: History of the Life of Rev. Wm. Mack Lee: Body Servant of General Robert E. Lee Through the Civil War: Cook from 1861 to 1865.
Source: UNC University Library: Documenting the American South

Researcher Note:  The picture of William Mack Lee is authentic; however, there is question if William Mack Lee was with General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War.  If you have documented information from a primary or secondary resource, about William Mack Lee, email info@blackconfederatesoldiers.com.


PHOTOGRAPH 2

25th USCT, often mistaken for the Louisiana Native Guards

Original Photograph of the Union
25th United States Colored Troops, Company C or G
Camp William Penn in February 1864
Source:  People of the University of Virginia

Researcher Note:  The picture above is often circulated around the internet as the Louisiana Native Guards.  However, Dr. Andy Waskie, a professor at Temple University, states the photograph is of the 25th United States Colored Troops (USCT).

The actual (Confederate) Native Guards enlisted with the Confederate Louisiana on May 2, 1861.  The (Confederate) Native Guards participated in two grand reviews on November 23, 1861 and January 7, 1862.  At the November 1861 grand review, there were 33 black officers, 731 black enlisted men.  On February 15, 1862, the (Confederate) Native Guards was disbanded.  For details read Chapter 1 in the book titled The Louisiana Native Guards by James G. Hollandsworth, Jr.   On February 28, 1862, Harper's Weekly unveiled a picture sketch of the (Union) First (1st) Louisiana Native Guards (Colored Troops).  These men were, perhaps, the first and only African-Americans to enlist on both sides (Confederate and Union).

The muster roll of the Confederate Louisiana Native Guards (1861-1862) is listed in the Appendix of the book titled “A Black Patriot and a White Priest” by Stephen J Ochs.


If you know where an authentic photograph (picture) of the (Confederate) Native Guards (11/1861 - 02/1862) is stored, please contact info@blackconfederatesoldiers.com.


PHOTOGRAPH 3

Colored Army Teamsters (Union Army)

Original Photograph of the Union
Colored Army Teamsters, Cobb Hill, Virginia
Source:  
Ohio Historical Society, 
Collection Number: SC 5227-04, 
Image Number: 1973
 

Researcher Note:  This is a stereograph of Union Army African American teamsters from "War Views" published by E. & H. T. Anthony & Co.  Because photographs of Confederate States Army teamsters are difficult to locate, many people use this photograph to portray Confederate States Army teamsters.




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