The Louisiana Native Guards Essay Example

only 11 percent having previous militia experience. Despite Butler recreating the unit, he initially looked down on them and had no plans to deploy them in combat. In Chapter three, titled "Woe to Any Man Who Flinches," an overview is given on the reformed Native Guards, which quickly became three regiments under white command. They aspired to achieve greater rights, with one member expressing the desire for their children to be treated equally to white children after the war. Hollandsworth discusses the community's pride in the Native Guards, yet highlights that they were frequently harassed by local whites and Union troops. Although their first deployment was an uneventful march in the backcountry, the unit managed themselves well. Chapter four, titled "When tried, They Will Not Be Found Wanting," mentions that discipline deteriorated by late 1862 and the Native Guards were often falsely accused of crimes committed by others.

General Nathaniel Banks, who replaced Butler, originally assigned the Native Guards to labor and guard duty. He came up with a plan to remove their black officers in order to lower morale. However, the troops performed well in their initial skirmish in April 1863, which happened before the highly praised 54th Massachusetts regiment saw any action. Chapter five of the book is titled "I Regard It as an Experiment," based on a statement by Brigadier General William Dwight, the new commander, who led the Native Guards in their first major battle. This battle involved attacking a heavily fortified Confederate position at Port Hudson, Louisiana.

Dwight wrote that the fate of the negro race depended on their conduct, without compromising anything. However,

the general's lack of proper planning resulted in over 160 Native Guards losing their lives during the unsuccessful assault, despite their valiant efforts. In chapter six, titled "The Equal of Any 'Yankee Troops' You Will Find," Hollandsworth contends that Banks acknowledged the Native Guards' prowess in combat, leading to an influx of Northern newspaper articles exaggerating their bravery.

According to Hollandsworth, discovering acts of heroism by black individuals during times of war would undermine the basis of slavery. However, in chapter seven entitled "Unsuited for This Duty," it becomes clear that white soldiers showed their contempt towards the Native Guards (later known as the "Corps d'Afrique"). The author explains that General Banks succumbed to racist sentiments when confronted with the possibility of white troops deserting if they had to salute a black officer. As a result, by the war's end, only three black officers remained after a purge.

In the text, it is argued by the author that Banks' decision to remove black officers from the army was not well thought out. The author believes that this decision overlooked the opportunity to utilize the skills possessed by these officers. In chapter eight, titled "We Shall Eventually Come Out Ahead," it is mentioned that General George Andrews replaced Banks and implemented a policy of treating black troops fairly. As a result, the issue of unequal pay was resolved and ineffective white officers were removed. However, despite these improvements, the Native Guards were once again assigned to guard duty, which negatively affected their morale.

The ninth chapter, called "Diggers and Drudges," focuses on how former officers of the Native Guards worked to secure black

rights after the war. They did this by reaching out to abolitionist leaders. The Native Guards were subsequently renamed as the 73rd, 74th, and 75th U.S. Colored Troops, and they performed manual labor until their demobilization in September 1865. Afterward, they fought for their rights as citizens. In the tenth chapter, known as "Manhood of the Colored Race," these efforts are further explored. During the Reconstruction period, which lasted for about a decade, there was a push for political equality and several former Native Guards officers held public office. However, resistance from white individuals led to a gradual erosion of black liberties.

Hollandsworth's concise analysis is presented in a clear manner, allowing the authentic voices of contemporary sources (primarily letters) to speak. He effectively shows that the Native Guards played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights. These black veterans actively campaigned for equality as soldiers and citizens, enduring mistreatment in their uniforms as they pursued their objectives. However, their hard-fought achievements were ultimately nullified by the combination of Southern racism and Northern apathy.