Confederate Memorial Day will honor soldiers who sided against the Union

Most Civil War histories usually ignore the more than 70,000 African-Americans who served with Confederate armies.

People know little about them, but in 1861, noted black abolitionist Frederick Douglass said, "There are many colored men in the Confederate Army as real soldiers, having muskets on their shoulders, bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down loyal troops and doing all that soldiers may do to destroy the Federal government."

Black soldiers' contributions to Union armies are already well known, popularized in Hollywood films such as "Glory" with Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.

However, suggesting that Southern blacks fought and died for a government that condoned and supported slavery is politically incorrect nowadays.

Nonetheless, at least three black Confederate veterans are buried in San Lorenzo Cemetery on U.S. 1 -- three of only six documented in the state.

Their memories -- and the memories of 46 white Confederate soldiers who died during that war -- will be honored Saturday, when Nelson Wimbush of Orlando, grandson of a black soldier who rode with Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, speaks at 10 a.m. at the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Wimbush is coming to St. Augustine to mark an early observance of Confederate Memorial Day by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Gen. William Wing Loring Camp 1316, St. Augustine.

According to Jim Davis, a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam and adjutant of the Loring chapter, the observance was moved from April 26, the anniversary of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson's surrender, to avoid conflict with Flagler College's graduation.

"After the speech, the names of all veterans listed on the Confederate Monument will be read aloud," Davis said.

Loring, a veteran of the Seminole and Mexican wars, was raised in St. Augustine and accepted a commission in the Army of the Confederacy in 1862. His ashes are buried under a monument in the west Plaza, Cordova and King streets, raised in his honor in 1920 by the Anna Dummett Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy.

"All of our veterans ought to be honored for the sacrifices they gave," Davis said. "This is our way of honoring the sacrifices of our Confederate veterans."

After reading the names, participants will be invited to San Lorenzo Cemetery to place flags on the graves of the 160 Confederates -- black and white -- buried there.

John Masters of St. Augustine, a retired U.S. Army colonel with combat service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, has documented 9,000 Confederate graves in Florida. Only six of them are black, he said, because most records of the time did not list race.

Most black Confederates worked as cooks, drivers or musicians, but at least 18,000 served as combat troops, Masters said.

"Black people don't want to believe that, but it's true," he said. "Nobody wanted to be a slave, but this was their home and the North was an aggressor nation."

Osborn was born here in 1843, the son of freed slaves. He was 18 when he enlisted in 1861 as a musician in Capt. John Lott Phillips' Company B, 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment, called the St. Augustine Blues.

He served in St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Tallahassee, Mobile, Ala., and Chattanooga, Tenn., fighting in the Battle of Perryville.

He was discharged in 1862 after his one-year enlistment ended and due to his ill health. He died in 1907.

In St. Augustine National Cemetery is buried a Samuel L. Osborn Jr., private in Company D, 33rd U.S. Colored Troops, who died in 1890. Masters believes this may be Emanuel's brother.

Welters, who served in the same company as Osborn and Papino, was also known under other names, such as Anthony Wetters, Tony Fontane and Antonio Huertas. A former slave, he was born in 1810 and enlisted as a fifer in 1861, when he was 51 years old.

He participated in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville.

Returning to St. Augustine, after the war, Welters lived at 79 Bridge St. and became active in politics and with the E. Kirby Smith Camp, United Confederate Veterans. He died in 1902 at 92 years old.

Only a few facts are available about Papino. He was born in 1813 and enlisted as a musician and mechanic in 1861 at 48 years old but was discharged in November 1862.

His burial place is not precisely known, but a stone in San Lorenzo stands near his comrades' graves in memorial of his service.

Many blacks who fought for the Confederacy drew pensions for their service after the war. Arkansas, the only state which identified these individuals by race, documented 278 blacks who received such pensions.

Masters said Confederate Gen. E. Kirby Smith, who was born and raised in St. Augustine, had a black orderly, Alex Darns. After the war, the general paid for his former orderly to attend medical school.

"St. Augustine was occupied by the Union in 1862," Masters said. "Smith's mother was a Confederate spy. She and someone else cut down the flag pole in front of the arsenal (now National Guard headquarters) so they couldn't fly the Union flag on it."

Well, I didn't get the guy's name to come up at all. Whatever.

It's possible that this text written by Dr. Steiner somehow got attributed to him, but Dr. Steiner wrote it.

Some more of Dr. Steiner's phamplet:

"Some of the rebel regiments have been reduced to 150 men; none number over 500. The men are stout and ragged, anxious to "kill a Yankee," and firm in their belief that. Confederate notes are as good as gold. Their marching is generally very loose. They marched by the flank through the streets of Frederick. Some few houses had rebel flags, to which one enthusiastic admirer ofseces- sion had added a white cross on a red ground. Some handker- chiefs waved, but all felt there was no genuine enthusiasm. The movement to Frederick had proved a failure. Their friends were anxious to get rid of them and of the penetrating ammoniacal smell they brought with them. Union citizens had become stron- ger in their faith. Rebel officers were unanimous in declaring that "Frederick was a d-d Union hole."

The ill-suppressed expressions of delight on the countenances of the citizens could not be interpreted into indications of sympathy with Secession. They manifested only profound delight at the prospect of its speedy departure. This force had about 150 guns with the letters U. S. This rebel army seemed to have been largely supplied with transporta- tion by some United States Quartermaster. Uncle Sam's initials were on many of its wagons, ambulances, and horses. One neat spring-wagon was lettered "General Casey's Headquarters." Each regiment, was supplied with but one or two wagons. The men were mostly without knapsacks: some few carried blankets, and a tooth-brush was occasionally seen pendant from the button-hole of a private soldier, whose reminiscences of home-life were not entirely eradicated.

Their apologies for regimental bands were vile and excruciating. The only real music in their column to-day was from a bugle blown by a negro. Drummers and fifers of the same color abounded in their ranks....A drunken, bloated blackguard on horseback, for instance, with the badge of a Major-General on his collar, understood to be one Howell Cobb, formerly Secretary of the United States Treasury, on passing the house of a prominent sympathizer with the rebellion, removed his hat in answer to the waving of handkerchiefs, and reining his horse up, called on "his boys" to give three cheers. "Three more, my boys!" and "three more!" Then, looking at the silent crowd of Union men on the pavement, he shook his fist at. them, saying, " Oh you d—d long-faced Yankees! Ladies, take down their names and I will attend to them personally when I return." In view of the fact that this was addressed to a crowd of unarmed citizens, in the presence of a large body of armed soldiery flushed with success, the prudence—to say nothing of the bravery—of these remarks, may be judged of by any man of common sense.

Some of the citizens have been encouraging the Confederate soldiers by assuring them of the sympathy of Maryland, and urging them to push on northward with their offensive operations. One gray-haired man, who had escaped from the military authorities twelve months since by taking the oath of allegiance, was over- heard saying to a rebel Colonel, "Make them feel the war when you reach Philadelphia."

Thursday, September 11.—General Hill's division, numbering about eight thousand men, marched through the streets, on their route westward, this morning. This division showed more of military discipline than either of its predecessors; the men marched in better order, lead better music and were fairly clothed and equipped. This division moves more rapidly than either of the others. This was held to indicate the approach of the National army. Three of the buildings on the hospital grounds were taken possession of by the Confederates for the accommodation of their sick. These soon threw themselves on the beds, with their filthy clothing and boots. In a few hours a marked contrast could be noticed between the neatness of the wards containing the Union soldiers and those occupied by the rebels. The secessionists collected the ladies of their order of thinking, and, for the first time since the breaking out of the rebellion, the fair forms of female secessionists were seen within the walls of the Frederick hospital, ministering to the wants of suffering humanity. I must. confess that they seemed to work with a will. The Union ladies, whenever they found their supplies more than sufficient for our own sick, freely gave them to sick rebels. Charity knows neither party nor religious creed as a limit, to its blessed work. Rumors of a strong Federal force moving towards Frederick pre- vailed during the evening. Old and young prayed with fervor that these rumors might be based on truth. The Union citizens were not harboring vindictive feelings towards their secession neigh- bors, but they longed for the old flag. Bright eyes were growing dim and rosy cheeks pale from anxious watching, day and night, for the coming of our National army. Hope deferred had made the heart sick, but still it was clung to with wondrous tenacity. Dreams of "blue-coats" were the attendants of such sleep as met their eyelids—dreams of a happy restoration to the rights of the old Union. Would they never be realized!

Friday, September 12.—Stewart's cavalry passed through town to-day, on their way towards Hagerstown. It is said to be composed of Ashby's Cavalry and the Hampton Legion. The men are more neat and cleanly than the infantry that preceded them, and their horses, of good stock, are well-groomed and fed.

Bragging is the order of the day with the cavalry. They boast that they never met more than one Federal regiment that dared to cross sabres with them, and that was the First Michigan Cavalry. Stewart has been visiting some of our sympathizers with the rebellion.

Meeting Hospital Steward Fitzgerald, he asked him to state to the commanding officer of the Federal troops that might come to Frederick, that he would inflict severe punishment on Union men, wherever he could find them, if any punishment was meted out to the Southern sympathizers in Frederick by such officer. The steward answered that he, as a warrant-officer of the United States Army, could carry no such message, and suggested that General Stewart should remain to deliver it himself. The General did not act on this suggestion.

The joyous news at last reached town that the Federal troops were near at hand. Union people looked up their National flags. Two companies of Stewart's men, still in town, were stationed at the intersection of Market and Patrick streets. Cannonading was heard in the distance. Hearts were beating with joyous expectation. Our Union citizens were assembling at different points, discussing the probable results of the skirmish then taking place. It was evident that nothing more than a skirmish would take place, for the enemy; notwithstanding his boast that our troops would not meet him in a fair fight, was retreating westward towards the mountains. The advance cavalry of our National Army charged into our streets, driving the rebels before them. They were met by a counter-charge of Stewart's men, made in grand style. Saddles were emptied on both sides. Stewart's men fell back, carrying with them seven of our men as prisoners, and leaving many of their own men wounded on the ground. The accidental discharge of a cannon caused the death of seven horses and the wounding of a few men.

Martial music is heard in the distance; a regiment of Ohio volunteers makes its appearance and is hailed with most enthusiastic demonstrations of joy. Handkerchiefs are waved, flags are thrown from Union houses, and a new life appears infused into the people. Burnside enters amid vociferous plaudits from every one, and the citizens, with enthusiastic eagerness, devote themselves to feeding the troops and welcoming them to their houses, as their true deliverers from a bondage more debasing than that of the African slave.

A little incident connected with the charge referred to is worthy of note. The wife of one of our prominent Union men threw out the National flag from her window just as Stewards men dashed by the house. It seemed peculiarly fitting that a member of the Washington family should first unfurl her country's banner as our victorious troops entered a place which had been infested with the armed supporters of treason.

Saturday, September 13.—The town was effervescent with joy at the arrival of the Union troops; no business was done. Every one felt jubilant, and congratulated himself and neighbor that the United States troops were once more in possession. General McClellan with his staff rode through, about nine o'clock, and was received on all sides with the most unlimited expressions of delight. Old and young shouted with joy; matrons held their babes towards him as their deliverer from the rule of a foreign army, and fair young ladies rushed to meet him on the streets, some even throw- ing their arms around his horse's neck. It was a scene difficult to realize in this matter-of-fact age, but deep-seated feelings of gratitude found expression in every possible form. The reality of the joy constituted the poetry of the reception. Years of obloquy and reproach might have been considered compensated for by such a reception. The army, as well as its loved general, was welcomed with enthusiasm. To Frederick belongs the high honor of having given the first decided, enthusiastic, whole-souled reception which the Army had met since its officers and men had left their fami- lies and homes to fight the battles of their country. It is true that companies and regiments on their way to join the Army had been received with shouts of approval in the towns through which they passed, but the Army) as such, had always trudged along its accustomed line of duty without one word from the people in the way of satisfaction or commendation. But in Frederick it was received as a band of brothers, fighting for the welfare of the whole country and, whether successful or unsuccessful, entitled to the warmest demonstrations of good feeling possible.

Amid all this, there was exhibited no vindictive feeling towards the secession citizens of the town. No arrests were made of so-called Southern sympathizers. Many of these were disgusted with their friends of the Southern Army, and not at all displeased that they had left Frederick and had been followed by the strung arm of the United States Government. In the afternoon I found McClellan with a large portion of his army encamped on my farm, west of Frederick. The nature of the camp and its arrangements prevented one forming any other conclusion than that it was a bivouac and only intended for temporary occupation. Some onward movement of the Army was evidently already in contemplation, but what it might be was kept concealed in the breast of the General commanding.

ON THE CONDITION OF THE REBELS.-One thing may be said with perfect truth of the Rebel army, and that is, but few stragglers are left behind as they march through the country. Depredations on private property in this neighborhood have been comparatively rare. This is understood to be the result of some very stringent rules adopted by General Lee with special refer- ence to the invasion of Maryland. Some of our men have been less scrupulous in their treatment of private property. Teamsters, who seem to fear neither man nor God, are found committing depredations on all sides. This evil might be suppressed if team- sters were enlisted men and subjected to military punishments. I do not know what the rule is in foreign service, but it is manifest that the management of this class of men would be comparatively easy, were they placed under the same laws that govern the rest of our Army.

The experience of one week with the Rebel Army satisfies me that the men are in a high state of discipline and have learned implicit obedience. When separated from their officers they do not show the same self-reliance that our men possess,—do not seem able to discuss with intelligent ease the political subjects which claim every man's attention at this time. All of them show a lack of energy and spirit, a want of thrift and cleanliness, which are altogether paradoxical to our men.

A constant fear of their officers is associated with their prompt obedience of orders. Many, while they expressed their contempt for "the Yankees," would lament the war and express a desire to throw down their arms and return to their homes, if they could only do this without molestation.

Jackson's name was always mentioned with a species of veneration, and his orders were obeyed with a slavish obedience unsurpassed by that of Russian serfs. The men generally looked sturdy when in ranks, yet a cachectic expression of countenance prevailed, which could not be accounted for entirely by the unwashed faces that were, from necessity or choice, the rule. Those who have fallen into our hands show worn-out constitutions, disordered digestions and a total lack of vital stamina. They do not bear pain with any fortitude, and their constitutions seem to have very little power of resistance to disease. The rate of mortality in the rebel sick and wounded is double or treble that found in the Hospitals containing our men. In point of professional ability, their medical officers vary very much. Some few are men of superior talent, but many are without either professional knowledge or social culture. Constant associa- tion with hardship and suffering may have made them callous to the appeals of their patients, but this excuse will hardly justify the neglect which some of them show towards the sick. As to medi- cal supplies they rely largely upon captures, upon confiscating whatever they meet with on their marches, and upon paying for medicines with the worthless rags they call Confederate notes. With such uncertain sources for their supplies, the imperfections of their medical and surgical treatment cannot, be severely cen- sured.

Sunday, September 14th.—Major-General Banks' corps d'armee, commanded by Brigadier-General A. S. Williams passed through town this morning on its way to the front. The men were in the best possible spirits, all eager for the fray. They are fighting now for and among people who appreciate their labors, and who welcome them as brothers. Brigadier-General Gordon said that "the reception of the troops by the citizens of this place was equal to a victory in its effects upon the men of his command."

All very interesting.

Walt

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	click photo to enlarge A Confederate flag adorns a memorial marker placed in remembrance of Isaac Papino, an African American soldier who served in the Confederate army. By MATT MAY, Staff


	click photo to enlarge Col. John Masters unrolls an American flag before placing it at a grave of Anthony T. Welters, an African American soldier who served in the Confederate army. By MATT MAY, Staff


	click photo to enlarge Confederate soldier Anthony T. Welters is pictured in this late 1800's portrait. Welters is one of at least two African American Confederate soldiers buried at San Lorenzo Cemetery in St. Augustine. Special to The Record