22. Mack helped create the myth of slaves fighting for the Confederacy
William Mack’s autobiography claimed his presence, with General Lee, at several battles during which Lee was elsewhere. He also claimed to have served Lee’s dinner guests at various times, including Nathan Bedford Forrest and Albert Sydney Johnston, “at the headquarters in Petersburg”. Neither of those Confederate officers came to Virginia during the course of the war. In his book, Mack described the former Confederate General in fawning terms, adding to the legend of the gentlemanly and honorable Lee perpetrated throughout the Lost Cause. He claimed Lee shared confidences with him throughout the war, including insights into his fellow generals and commanders.
Mack became an example of the loyalty and devotion shown by slaves to their masters before and during the war. Ample documentation of Lee’s harshness toward his slaves exists, including in his own letters and diaries. Mack’s writings refute them. In the pre-war listing of the slaves held at Arlington, Lee’s home, Mack’s name does not appear. Nor is it in the listing of the slaves in the court records in Virginia. Lee did not refer to his cook and servant in his letters or documents regarding the war. None of his staff officers or fellow commanders mentioned him in any of their writings. His autobiography, which is still frequently referenced by those defending the Confederacy and the myth of slaves fighting for it, is unsupported by fact.
Where do we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
“How did slaves support the Confederacy”. Article, Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Online
“Black Confederates: Truth and Legend”. Sam Smith, American Battlefield Trust. Online
“Dismantling the Myth of the ‘Black Confederate'”. Rebecca Onion, Slate. August 30, 2019
“Marching Masters”. Colin E. Woodward. 2014
“Black Confederates”. Article, Encyclopedia Virginia. Online
“History of the Life of Rev. William Mack Lee”. Rev. William Mack Lee
“Gen. Robert E. Lee owned slaves. Arijeta Lajka, Associated Press. June 12, 2020
“CSA First Louisiana Native Guard”. Joelle Jackson, Blackpast.org. June 23, 2011