Mike & George,

On another popular forum site I post on from time to time, the term "Black Confederate" is an anathema to some and an anomaly to others. Actual research seems to quieten them down though. For instance, I recently sought some further evidence on the letter from John Hammond, a Confederate in the 5th (McKenzie's) east Tennessee Cavalry. He writes to an Uncle on Feb.10, 1862. In the letter he happens to mention a recent fight with "Lincolnites", during which a "Colored man", Jack Thomas, a member of their unit, killed one of the Federals. The following March, both Hammond and Thomas were killed (probably after being captured).

It's enough for me to know the letter is part of a special collection at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In order to reinforce my confidence, I personally found that :

1. Both men are in the 1860 census of Polk County, TN. Polk County was one of six east Tennessee counties that voted solidly in favor of secession. Company E (originally Co.D of the 1st east Tennessee Cavalry) was the only company in McKenzie's 5th from Polk County.

2. They lived in close proximity of one another, (at least for that day), and could have been acquainted. On one file card Jack is listed as being age 30, on another, 35. The Census lists him as 43.

3. Jack Thomas
United States Census, 1860
Name Jack Thomas
Event Type Census
Event Date 1860
Event Place 5th District, Polk, Tennessee, United States
Gender Male
Age 43
Race Black
Race (Original) Black
Birth Year (Estimated) 1817
Birthplace Georgia
Page 97

4. Jack and wife Hannah had 8 children, ages, 2-21. A white man named P.M. Carson lived with them. All members of the household were born in Georgia, so they hadn't been in Tennessee very long.
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1. John Hanmon
United States Census, 1860
Name John Hanmon
Event Type Census
Event Date 1860
Event Place 5th District, Polk, Tennessee, United States
Gender Male
Age 18
Race White
Race (Original) [Blank]
Birth Year (Estimated) 1842
Birthplace Tennessee
Page 99

2. John lived with his parents and 7 siblings, ages 7-23 and probably a 65 year-old maternal aunt or grandmother. John's parent's are age 50, they and his oldest sibling (a sister) were born in South Carolina.