“The fact was patent, and rather interesting when considered in connection with the horror rebels express at the suggestion of black soldiers being employed for the national defense.”
That’s easy. The man is obviously incredulous because, just like you, he made a false presumption and was amazed that the reality was the direct opposite of his false belief.
“If black soldiers were included in combat positions with rebel regiments, then why the horror at the idea of black Union soldiers?”
As with almost everything associated with the War Between the States you can find quotes that support both views. Rebels who were horrified at the thought and those who petitioned for it.”
[Confederate General John B. Gordon (Army of Northern Virginia) reported that all of his troops were in favor of Colored troops and that it’s adoption would have “greatly encouraged the army”. Gen. Lee was anxious to receive regiments of black soldiers. The Richmond Sentinel reported on 24 Mar 1864, “None…will deny that our servants are more worthy of respect than the motley hordes which come against us.” “Bad faith [to black Confederates] must be avoided as an indelible dishonor.” ]
From: http://www.footnote.com/page/1201_confederate_african_americanscivil_war/
“If blacks were respected members of the rebel army then why did they, time after time, refuse to take blacks as prisoners but instead shot them when they tried to surrender?”
“The idea of black combat soldiers was an anathema for the rebel soldier - and their leadership - up until the very end.”
I think if you insert the work “Union” before the word “combat” it becomes easier to understand.
Of course.
As with almost everything associated with the War Between the States you can find quotes that support both views. Rebels who were horrified at the thought and those who petitioned for it.
Sure you can.
Gen. Lee was anxious to receive regiments of black soldiers.
Of course he was. From a January 1865 letter: "Considering the relation of master and slave, controlled by humane laws and influenced by Christianity and an enlightened public sentiment, as the best that can exist between the white and black races while intermingled as at present in this country, I would deprecate any sudden disturbance of that relation unless it be necessary to avert a greater calamity to both. I should therefore prefer to rely upon our white population to preserve the ratio between our forces and those of the enemy, which experience has shown to be safe. But in view of the preparations of our enemies, it is our duty to provide for continued war and not for a battle or a campaign, and I fear that we cannot accomplish this without overtaxing the capacity of our white population."
I think if you insert the work “Union” before the word “combat” it becomes easier to understand.
Except that it's hard to find examples where the rebel army shot down white Union troops rather than allow them to surrender. Their record of doing that against black Union troops is quite different. Why the difference if not for the fact that the idea of an armed black man opposing them was something they couldn't stomach?