BLACK n Blue Soldiers

 Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letter, the U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder, and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on earth that can deny he has earned the right to citizenship. -Frederick Douglass-

SEC.12. of the Militia Act of 1862 states, "And be it further enacted, That the President be, and he is hereby, authorizes to receive into service of the United States, for the purpose of constructing entrenchments or performing camp service, or any labor, or any military or naval service for which they may be found competent, persons of African Descent, and such persons shall be enrolled and organized under such regulations, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws, as the President may prescribe.”

Militia Act of 1862-transcribed

Picture from the Libary of Congress