Contrabands
During the American Civil War, the term "contraband" was frequently used in the US military to indicate a new status for some individuals who had fled slavery or who had joined the Union army. People who fled slavery and crossed over to Union lines would no longer be returned; instead, they would be considered "contraband of war," or captured enemy property, according to a decision made in August 1861 by the Union Army and the US Congress. Many were employed as laborers to aid Union activities, and they soon started paying money.
These self-emancipated Freedmen established camps close to Union forces, frequently under army guidance. Both adults and kids among the refugees received support and education thanks to the army. In the military, thousands of men from these camps in the United States Colored Troops when recruitment started in 1863.
Source: National Park Service
Camp Brightwood, D.C.--Contrabands in 2nd R.I. Camp
Photographer: Unlisted. Created Date: Between 1861 and 1865
Capt. B.S. Brown (left); Lt. John P. Shaw, Co. F 2nd Regt. Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry (center); and Lt. Fry (right) with African American men and boy.
Citation: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA