A letter to the editor from Captain M. M. Buford support pensions for black men, former slaves "whose faithful service" during the war should be appreciated and rewarded with a pension. It's fair to point out that he's speaking of service by these men, not fighting.
The Herald and News. (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, December 10, 1920
South Carolina discusses pensions for "the faithful negroes of the Confederate war" and both the State house and senate look favorably on the measure. And as we know, it will ultimately become law.
The Abbeville Press and Banner. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, February 07, 1921
56 years after the war ended, Tennessee was talking about pensions for former servants in the Confederate army. How many were still alive at this point? "Every Negro who served in any way his master in the Confederate Army is to receive a pension...."
The Broad Ax. (Salt Lake City, Utah) June 18, 1921
The headline and the body copy are inconsistent, 447 vs. 47. Either way, it goes to show how few were left alive at this point. Better late than never, and it no doubt gave some financial help to the few who were still alive, but more should have been done sooner. (you can look up the Negro pensions granted in the SHAPE website)
"Negro Confederate Vets" in modern vernacular would be "Black Confederate Vets".
New Britain Herald. [volume] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, July 27, 1921
