Where was the first major battle for African American troops in the union army Which Confederate military leader opposed slavery and secession but turned down an offer to command Union forces?

The first major battle for African American troops in the Union Army was the Battle of Port Hudson, fought in Louisiana in 1863. The Confederate military leader who opposed slavery and secession but declined an offer to command Union forces was Robert E. Lee. Lee's complex views on slavery and his loyalty to Virginia ultimately led him to side with the Confederacy despite his reservations.