True, Johnston did not forward the letter as Cleburne requested, because he considered it a political rather than a military matter. However, at least 14 officers at the meeting knew of the letter. According to the article, "Major General W.H.T. Walker, who violently opposed Cleburne's plan, sent a copy to Davis in hopes of quashing it. The concept of arming slaves stirred up a storm inside the inner circle in Richmond, although the southern people never knew anything about it." Bragg, now Davis' chief military advisor, said, "Great sensation is being produced by the Emancipation project of Hardee, Cheatam, Cleburne and Co. It will kill them." This showed Bragg believed they agreed with Cleburne.

Davis ordered all copies of the letter suppressed, and forbade discussion of the matter. A copy of the letter surfaced in 1898, and was published. Hood, in his memoirs, spoke favorably of Cleburne and his idea, saying he believed it would have resulted in the South's independence if it had been adopted.

You are correct that there was no official notice of the letter, but with so many people being aware of the idea, that was a big secret to keep from the politicians.

Also, check this site: http://www.forrestsescort.org/blacks.htm

It addresses other instances of service and at least one request from the 14th Georgia to enlist blacks to serve with them. Two already did.

I gueass we'll never know for sure who knew of the Cleburne proposal. It is interesting to consider. In my other post, perhaps I assumed Davis' inner circle was wider than it might have been. Stan