Mr. Lassiter:
Thanks for yor prompt reply to me posting re blacks serving as soldiers in Confgederate forces.

I've been fooling around with the history of blacks in the American military for some time and have learned that there is one ABSOLUTE rule that needs to be followed: might have, could have, possibly did
are all important hints and clues and encourage further research in the surviving historical documents--but they are still a long way from proof.

Proof, especially when the topic is controversial (such as blacks in gray), is often had to find and usually comes in small bits and pieces.
Assemble enough of these pieces and then--Eureka

Thanks again for your response--and the bits and pieces that you posted. I remain, however, a serious doubter--BUT I am open to being convinced and persuaded otherwise Perhaps others who read this message board can contribute to this discussion.

Tom Phillips