New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-12
table, tina. the enemy. expedition (. Intended % per. nsyd


e TOO soon but plant their shot dibersey and
ITO enable ths only steamer at my disposal 10 carry ns
defer orders to another o,cssion.
Gen Lsvton will prossbly send 500 nea ,nd ten days
LEVIN iof sehou,es or for any other puPo,s y9S deem
necessary. Respectfully, yours. n. Il YOUNG;
Assistant AdjuisniGsnersL'
The information which Dir. Benjamin considered
entirely reliable" was Of course conjecture in
ference of come rebel agent at Washington or Fortress
Monroe, or may have been based On the knowledge
that Port Royal was one of the points to which it
was likely the feet would proceed. His guess turned
ont to be lucky one, enabling the rebels to make
additional preparations, and enriching our success
with additional spoils
Some accounts of the flag Of truce sent inland with
Gen. Shermans extraordinary proclamation have al
ready appeared, bu. those which have seen are in
some important respects Inaccurate and incomplete.
The matter is one which has attracted, as it deserves
considerable attention, and cannot yet have been
forced enre out Of the public mind that correct
statement will be uninterestiDg
First as to the origin Of the expedition. A clergy
man of the Church of England and British citizen
settled at Beaufort. The Rev. Mr.. Wilson left be-
hind him when he fled letter to Gen. Sherman,
stating that he meant TO return in few days, when
the place should have been occupied by our troops,
and expressing the hope that meantime bis property
might be protected. Whether negroes formed any
part Of this property / am not informed. Aware,
perhaps, Of Gen. Shermans views as to the peculiar
sacredness of black chattels, when considered az
property the reverend fugitive thought it unneces-
sary to make any special request in their ts be-
la1c h.. ;,ali 10 boJ IS
that sort to be protected.
The letter of Mr.. Wilson came duly into the hand
of Gen. Sherman, by whom an answer was prepared,
in which the proclamation was nclosed and effort
was thereupon 10 be made TO transmit the letter 10
Mr.. Wilson, and at the time TO recall to their
duty and faternal embraces South Carolnians,
who had run away unaware Of our benevolent inten-
tons. The mission was considered both important
and delicate, aud some time was spent in the seec-
ton of an envoy. Gen. Sherman finally ntrusted it
to Dr. Francis Bacon, Surgeon Of the 9TH Connecticut
Volunteers and detailed Lieut.. Magner of his staff to
accompany him. circular letter was prepared by
hin sherman, of which the following ID an exact
and only copy;
Doc,. Bacon ard Lent Muguer sent under Hss Of
with the wishes Of the that s loyal
citizens should retarn pesesb their homes and protect
their property from tbs that the negro population
committing All loyal and peacsbe ciLens sbsl BE- pro-
tected In their srd property and receive the benefits
oil al fg" w. SHERMAN sP r I g o.p Cong
Port Royal s. c. Nov. 10 OIL"
Armed with this letter, DR.. Bacon and Lieut.
Magner started November IA, about in the morn
ing, on the United States gunboat Seneca Capt.
Ammer for Beaufort, and on their arrival cap
turing couple of rather indifferent mules and hoist.
ing large white flag, rode inland Great numbers
Of negroes were met along the road some Of whom
inistakng them for Carolnians, fed into the woods
az they approached but the gro Per number apps-
rently understanding the flag, and recognizing them
as friends, came frankly up with words Of welcome
and gratitude. From these negroes they learned
tina; mounted patrols were established On all the
roads leading 70 Beaufort and below 10 prevent the
escape Of tue slaves, and that many OF them had
already been shot IN tho attempt reach the camp.
The Door fellows were in the greatest anxiety aud
alarm ahon, their wivss and children WIZ .hey
bad been unable to bring with them, and many sank
down by the side Of the road the party passed. in
agones of tears and helpless distress. At the end o.
about five miles three men on horseback were seer
at distance undoubtedly while, and probably
patrols but they followed the example of some o.
their black brethren Oh foot and also took TO til.
woods. The road on which the party was travelling
runs nearly straight for mile OF so, then turns tc
avoid the corner of swamp, or the head Of q creek
and lie straight for another mile Mile posts regu
lary set. Jus. before reaching the ninth, another
horseman was seen ahead, and be also showed de.
sire to avoid closer acquaintance squirting his horse
with the evident intention Of Gliding The party.
Being finally overtaken, or nearly TO- about three.
quarters Of mile from PORT Royal Ferry, he turned
and rode up with smiling face, and rather unsuc-
cessful attempt 20 appear overoyed at the interview
He was in fact very much frightened bur the nature
of flag Of truce having been explained to him, aud
his fears Of instant dagger quoted, be announced
himself as the Rev. Mr.. Walker Of Beaufort. The
letter 10 Mr.. Wilson and the circular were shown
him, and be was asked to take copy Of the procla
nation, but be hastily declined exclaming, o, no.
gentlemen, I'm a msn of peace; Il man OF peace,
gentlemen" Further efforts 10 induce the accep''
anec Of the warke document being unavait-
ing. and only resulting in renewed endeavors
on his part to side away toward the bushes,
the direct offer was abandoned and inquiries were
made for Mr.. Wilson. lie confessed 10 some knowl-
edge Of him, and finally agreed to deliver the letter,
though not without considerable hesitation as TO
whether he, being Of peace, coud also receive
the Enclosed proclamation, even for transmission
The party rode on in company, aud Mr.. Walker was
asked how far 10 the Ferry. His notions were I'M
certain, but lie thought about five miles, though a
chatiel called Tom, pointed cut by the clergyman as
4" a fine loyal fellow" estimated the distance at half
mile, and Toms judgment was certainly the better,
for few minutes more brought them in sight Of the
LANDING. Dir. Walker described TO Dr.. Bacon the
terror Of the inhabitants arising in great measure
from the frigh,ful atrocities which had been commit
ted by the Northern troops in Alexandria and near
Eortresa Monroe eve have confidence" he said