Blacks, Native Americans, and Whites all fought for freedom for the American colonies, and sources estimate that up to forty percent of the patriot militias may have been blacks or Native Americans, making this the most integrated American fighting force until the mid-20th century. Thousands, some free and others enslaved, fought for freedom, and in Georgia, the youngest colony, few were available for the militia, so every man was required to serve, even slaves. When conscripted, slaves were provided rifles, ammunition, and gunpowder, and if they took the life of an enemy or captured a flag, they gained their freedom. On August 14, 1786, in recognition of his military service during the Revolution, Austin Dabney received his freedom and land from the State of Georgia, one of many who fought for freedom in Georgia.