Did Confederate Soldiers Fight for the Union Army During the American Civil War? Exploring the Reasons and Examples

The question of Confederate soldiers fighting for the Union Army during the American Civil War is a nuanced and often misunderstood topic. Historians and scholars continue to debate the individual motivations and circumstances that led some soldiers to switch sides. While many remained loyal to the Confederate cause, there were indeed a significant number of Confederate soldiers who fought for the Union side.

Common Causes for Desertion

There were several reasons that prompted Confederate soldiers to desert to the Union Army. These included:

Disillusionment with the Confederate cause Opposition to the institution of slavery Family obligations Desire for freedom and rights for themselves and their loved ones Opting for better conditions and treatment in Union forces

Examples of Confederate Soldiers Fighting for the Union

General George Thomas and the Southern Defection

General George Thomas from Virginia

One of the most notable examples is General George Thomas, a Southerner who initially joined the Union Army. He famously stated, "I fought against my native state for the cause of freedom, but I will never bear arms against her people." Although this does not definitively prove his initial allegiance, his actions demonstrate that individuals could choose to fight against the Confederacy for various reasons.

Alabama Cavalry and their Union Service

Alabama Cavalry in General Sherman’s March to the Sea

The Alabama Cavalry, part of General William Tecumseh Sherman’s march through Georgia, is another example of Confederate soldiers fighting for the Union. These troops played a crucial role in disrupting Confederate supply lines and supporting Sherman's campaign. Their service highlights the fluid nature of loyalties during the Civil War.

General Robert E. Lee and his Confederate Army

Lee’s Background as a U.S. Army Officer

Of the eight Confederate colonels who resigned their U.S. Army commissions in 1860, only Robert E. Lee remained true to the Union. Lee’s decision to join the Confederate Army has often been scrutinized, but his wish to remain in the U.S. Army and his unsuccessful negotiations for a compromise have added to the complexity of his legacy.

Slaves Joining the Confederate Army

Risks and Betrayals

Slaves who joined the Confederate Army through promises of manumission often found these promises to be lies. The Confederate States of America (CSA) would void contracts and reenslave those who had served. In cases where these individuals neared the battle lines, many would desert and join the Union Army, seeking true freedom and protection.

Notable Deserts and Organizations

Newton Knight and Jones County, Mississippi

Newton Knight and the Free State of Jones

One of the most significant cases of Confederate soldiers fighting for the Union was Newton Knight and his band in Jones County, Mississippi. Knight and his guerilla group declared Jones County a "Free State" and actively fought against the Confederate forces. This group included both white and black soldiers, exemplifying the diverse motivations of those who fought against the Confederate cause.

According to historical records, several Confederate soldiers from Jones County deserted the Confederate Army and joined Knight's group. Their efforts to establish a free state provide an important illustration of the internal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the Civil War.

Conclusion

While many Confederate soldiers remained steadfast in their loyalty to the Confederate cause, there were those who switched sides for various reasons. General George Thomas, the Alabama Cavalry, and the actions of Newton Knight and his followers in Jones County, Mississippi, highlight the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of the American Civil War. These examples demonstrate that individuals could find themselves on the "wrong" side of history based on shifting personal beliefs and circumstances.

References

St Circular Register, John J. Sweeney, 1995 Military Leaders of the American Civil War, Steven W. Chesley, 2002 Centennial History of the United States Cavalry, Charles J. Quigley, 1982