By 1862, the Union Army’s need for new recruits could no longer be met by volunteers, and in March 1863 the U.S. Congress passed the Enrollment Act authorizing a national draft. Drafted or enrolled men of means could hire substitutes to serve in their stead. Many substitutes were African Americans fleeing war or slavery and seeking a source of income and citizenship. Indiana did not meet its July 1864 troop quota, and for the December troop call more than 1,200 Hoosiers obtained substitutes. Nine southern-born African Americans joined the 8th Regiment U.S. Colored Infantry as substitutes for white Gibson County men. As part of the African American 25th Corps, the 8th Regiment took part in the campaign that led to Lee’s surrender and the end of the war in April 1865.