Drones in the Great Hive: A Letter from an African-American Civil War Soldier

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A double purpose induced me and most others to enlist, to assist in abolishing slavery and to save the country from ruin. Something in furtherance of both objects we have certainly done, and now it strikes me that more could be done for our welfare in the pursuits of civil life. I think that a camp life would be decidedly an injury to our people. No matter how well and faithfully they may perform their duties they will shortly be considered as ‘lazy nigger sojers’-as drones in the great hive.

I have trespassed upon your time to a much greater extent than I intended but I wished you correctly to appreciate my motives for leaving the service.

Very truly & respectfully Yours
Christian A. Fleetwood
Sergt. Major 4th U.S. Cold. Troops

This article was written by Christian A. Fleetwood and originally appeared in the December 1995 issue of Civil War Times Illustrated.

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Tags: 19th Century, African American History, American Civil War, Civil War Times, Historical Conflicts

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