Both leading "black" characters in the film are not played by African-Americans. The role of the "Mammy" is played by Minnie Devereaux, a Canadian-born Native American. The role of the "Negro Servant" is played by white actor Nick Cogley. Both actors performed their roles in "blackface".
This Civil War era melodrama was filmed and released just 50 years after the end of the Civil War--when several Civil War veterans were still alive.