During the Civil War, the word contraband was applied not only to smuggled goods but also to:

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The term "contraband" was used to refer to runaway slaves who sought refuge with Union forces during the Civil War. Union General Benjamin Butler first used the term in this context in 1861, arguing that since Confederate forces considered slaves as property and were using them for labor in support of the rebellion, those who escaped to Union lines could be considered "contraband of war" and thus not returned to their Confederate owners.

During the Civil War, the Word Contraband Was Applied Not