He had come from the British colony of the West Indies – and was surprised to observe how cognitively undeveloped the slave population was in America. In the West Indies the British had established “Re-Education Camps” which all former-slaves had to be held within. They were daily taught how to read and write, how to count, and how to civilly interact with one another (and other people). They were taught cleanliness and hygiene, etc. This included medical understanding and religious practice (Protestant Christianity). When each individual successfully passed all the sets tests and examinations – they were declared a “Free Citizen” and released into general society. Another way of gaining this status was to join the British Army and serve in Africa for the UK government. Men who survived 20-years gained British Citizenship and the right to settle in England as an Englishman – a great honour. Jefferson Davis wanted a phased reduction and abolition of slavery once the sovereign status of each State had been decided. He certainly had no intention of extending or preserving the institution – but you can see from the above quote that the North preserved slavery well into the 20th century – but gave it a thin-veneer of a faux “freedom”. Just as Davis promised the Native Americans their own country – he promised all Black men who supported the Confederacy “Freedom” and “Citizenship”. Because the North did not bother to transition the former slave populations – America is today riddled with all kinds of sociological ills. As matters stand, a “forced” assimilation does not seem to be working.
