The debate over the role of African Americans who served in Confederate armies has not subsided. Historians remain in disagreement over the numbers of Black Southerners involved and whether significant military contributions were made. Nevertheless, official records, newspaper articles, veterans' accounts, and other surviving documents suggests that large numbers of slaves and freed men served as Southern allies - and, in some instances, as soldiers and sailors for the Confederacy. -- From the back cover.

Encountering Black Confederates in history -- Reports and correspondence from the Official Records -- Veteran accounts -- Confederate pension applications -- Historical accounts -- Newspaper articles, 1861-1941 -- Southern memorials, markers, and tributes -- Bivouac of the dead : published obituaries and reminiscences -- Contemporary perspectives.