Synopses & Reviews
A bona fide classic, the Sable Arm was the first work to fully chronicle the remarkable story of the nearly 180,000 black troops who served in the Union army. Hailed by such distinguished historians as T. Harry Williams ("superbly written") and George B. Tindall ("a volume of permanent value"), this work paved the way for the exploration of the black military experience in other wars. The present edition, with a new foreword and bibliographical essay, makes available once again a pioneering work that will be especially useful for scholars and students of Civil War, black, and military history.
Table of Contents
Foreword, by Herman Hattaway
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. "We are ready and would go . . ."
2. "The ultras in their eagerness have spoilt all."
3. "And who better to begin the work . . ."
4. "Soon have an army."
5. "No man can hender me."
6. "The very air seemed to be filled with obstacles."
7. "I am here to raise as many regiments of blacks as I can."
8. "But the high soul burns on . . ."
9. "The difficulty is not in stating the principle . . ."
10. "There seems to be inequality and injustice . . ."
11. ". . . taking life and honor in their hands . . ."
12. "We looks like men a-marchin' on . . ."
13. ". . . even the slave becomes a man . . ."
Notes on Sources
Critical Bibliography
Bibliographical Update
Index