March 29, 1864 (Saturday): Draft Dodgers Head For Canada

General James B. Fry (Library of Congress)

LOUISVILLE, March 29, 1864.
Colonel J. B. FRY,
Provost-Marshal-General:
    Loyal slave-holders willing to abide by the law, or to allow their slaves to volunteer, complain that they run off in great numbers for Canada to escape military service. Can any check be applied under the law to prevent this? Answer by telegraph immediately.


     W. M. SIDELL,
     Major and Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal-General.

Official Records, Series III., Vol. 4, Part 1, Page 210.

Kentucky had not abolished slavery, although it was firmly controlled by Union forces.  Since it was within the Union, the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply there.  Many slaves preferred not to enter the army and fled to Canada.