Attacks Fort Wagner News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

>> while many northern whites aren't willing to fight for the emancipation of black americans, free blacks and former slaves are more than willing to take up arms for their personal freedom and a union that will recognize them as equal under the law. for the 54th massachusetts regiment, fort wagner is more than just another battle. it's a long-awaited opportunity to prove to doubters in the south and the north that black soldiers are every bit the equal of white soldiers. >> finally, we get to show these rebels what we can do. >> african-americans wanted america to know that they wanted their ...

>> while many northern whites aren't willing to fight for the emancipation of black americans, free blacks and former slaves are more than willing to take up arms for their personal freedom and a union that will recognize them as equal under the law. for the 54th massachusetts regiment, fort wagner is more than just another battle. it's a long-awaited opportunity to prove to doubters in the south and the north that black soldiers are every bit the equal of white soldiers. >> finally, we get to show these rebels what we can do. >> african-americans wanted america to know that they wanted their ...

>> there's possibly no better way to define true citizenship as when you're willing to lay down your life on behalf of your country, and for these black men, who stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder in defense of their country, what better proof of equality and citizenship was that? >> after fort wagner, northerners and the union army welcome the enlistment of more black soldiers, but the rebel army can't seem to stop losing its troops, even at the highest level. >> now, i assume you're here to discuss the situation in tennessee, general. i've been briefed on this -- >> no, mr. president. ...

>> president. >> gentlemen. >> mr. davis. >> what many people don't know is that not all confederate officers are against fighting alongside black soldiers. major general patrick cleburne proposes freeing the slaves for enlistment as a way to reinforce the rebel army. he is convinced it's the best and only hope for winning confederate independence, but davis immediately rejects cleburne's proposal. not only that, covers it up for 30 years because the truth is, the confederacy would rather lose its independence before giving up the practice and profitability of slavery. >> double time, march! >...

>> president. >> gentlemen. >> mr. davis. >> what many people don't know is that not all confederate officers are against fighting alongside black soldiers. major general patrick cleburne proposes freeing the slaves for enlistment as a way to reinforce the rebel army. he is convinced it's the best and only hope for winning confederate independence, but davis immediately rejects cleburne's proposal. not only that, covers it up for 30 years because the truth is, the confederacy would rather lose its independence before giving up the practice and profitability of slavery. >> double time, march! >...