Patriot Resistance To Using African Americans
Revolutionary leaders began to be fearful of using blacks in the armed forces. They were afraid that slaves who were armed would uprise against them. Slave owners became concerned that military service would eventually free their people. In May 1775, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, stopped the enlistment of slaves in the armies of the colony. This action was adopted by the Continental Congress when they took over the Patriot Army. George Washington in July 1775 issued an order to recruiters, ordering them not to enroll "any deserter from the Ministerial army, nor any stroller, negro or vagabond". unable to bear arms, nor old men unfit to endure the fatigues of the campaign, are to be enlisted." Most blacks were integrated into existing military units, but some segregated units were formed, such as the Bucks of America.
Read more about this topic: African Americans In The American Revolution
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