Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-11-15

action, but deem it an imperative duty to say
that the fring and maueuvring Of our feet
against that OF the rebels and their formidable
land batteries was masterpiece Of activity and
professional skill, that must have ELECTED the
applause Of the rebels themselves Ar a tactical
operation.
think that too much praise cannot he award
ed 10 the science and skin exhibited by the flag
oilieer OF the naval squadron and the officers
connected with the ships. deem the perfor-
nance mastery one, aud ought to have been
seen to have been fully appreciated.
After the works were reduced, | took posses
sion Of them with the land forces. The beauti-
fnlly constructed work on Hilton Head was
severely crippled, and many Of the guns dis
mounted. Much slaughter had evidently been
made there, many bodies having been buried in
the fOr', and some 90 or 80 were found some
half a mile distant. The island for many miles
was found strewed with arms anl accoutrements.
and the baggage Of the rebels, which they threw
aTey in their hasty retreat We have also come
nio possession Of about 40 pieces of cannon
most Of which nre of the heaviest calibre aud the
most approved models, and large quantity Of
camp equipage
1t is my duty TO report the valuable services
Of Mr. pontelle, assistant in the Coast Survey
assisting me with his accurate and extensive
knowledge Of this country. His services are
Invaluable to the army as well ns the navy, and
| earnestly recommend that important notice he
taken Of this very able and semitic officer hy
the War Department.
am, very respectfully, your obd't servt,
T. W. SHERMAN,
Brighdier General Commanding.
PROCLAMATION TO THE PEOPLE OF
SOUTH CAROLINA.
After landing and taking possession OF the
forts, General Sherman issued the folio wing
proclamation
To THE People OF SogTH CAROLINA
In obedience to the orders Of the President
OF these United States of America, | have
landed on yonr shores with small force oil
national troops The dictates of duty which,
under these circumstances, owe TO n great
sovereign State, and to n proud and hospital
be people, among whom have passed some
Of the pleasantest days of my life, prompt inc
to proclaim that we have come amongst you
with no feelings Oh personal animosity, no de-
sire to harm your citizens, destroy your pros
pery, or interfere with any of your lawful
rights or your social and local institutions
beyond what the causes herein briefly alluded
to may render unavoidable.
Citizens OF South Carolina The civilized
world stands appalled, at the course you are
pnrsuing--nppAlled at tile crime you are COM
mitting against your own mother, the best, the
most enlightened, and heretofore the most
prosperous of nations.
N0n are in It state OF active rebellion against
laws OF your country. You have lawesslv
seized upon the forts, arsenals, and other pro-
periy belonging TO our common country, and
within your borders and with this property
you are in arms and waging ruthless war
against your Constitutional Government, and
thus threatening the existence OF Govern
ment which you are bound by the terms OF Il
compact to live under and faithfully support,
INt tuar 10. 4
and preparing the way for totally ignoring
yonr own political and social existence, but
you are threatening the civilized world with
the odous sentiment that self-government is
impossible with civilized man.
frllow-citi1ens implore you to pause md
reflect upon the tenor and consequences of
your acts. II the awful sacrifices made by the
devastation OF our property, the shedding Of
iraiera blood in battle. the mourning and
wallng OF widows and orphans throughout
our land are insufficient To deter YOU from
further pursuing this unholy war,then ponder
bcseech you, upon the ultimate, but not ess
certain result which its further progress must
necessarily and naturally entail upon your
onrc happy and prosperous State,
indeed, can you pursue this lratricdal war,
and Gun you imbrue your hands in the loyal
blood of your countTymen-yonr friends, Your
kinsmen for no other object than to nnlaw-
iully ulslupt tht Cohiederacy OF great people
Conlederacy established by your own hands
in order TO set up, were it possible, an indie
pendent government, under which You can
never live in peace, prosperity, or quietncss?
CarOlinians; We have come among Won as
loyal men, fully impressed with our conslitu-
lional obligations to the citizens OF your State.
These obligations shall he performed as far as
in our power. But be not deceYcd. The oh.
legation OF suppressng armed combinations
against the constitutional authorities is para
mount to all others. If, in the performance ~
This duty, other minor but important obliga-
lions should he in any way neglected. il must
he attributed to the necessities of the case, he
cause rights dependent on the laws of the
State must be necessarily subordinate 10 the
military eHigencies created by insurrection and |
rebellion. Il. w. SHERMAN.
Brigadier General Commanding.
headquarters, Port Royal, S. c., Nov. g. 1861