The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-07-25
The Negro Question.
INSTRUCTIONS TO MILITARY COM
MANDERS.

On the 4th inst. resolution was adopted
by the Senate, calling upon the President
to communicate instructions to commanding
officers in pursuance of the acts of last July
setting free the slaves who have been en-
ployed, with the consent of their masters,
against the government and laws of the
United States, and to state what steps have
been taken to make the statutes effective.
The following is a synopsis of the volumi'
nous documents transmitted in response to
the call
The Secretary of War writes to Briga-
der General Saxton, under date of June
16, directing him to assume the charge, in
the Department of the South, of all plans
tations deserted by their owners with the
inhabitants thereof, with authority to make
such rules for the cultivation of the land
and the control and employment of the PEG,
pie as circumstances may require. He is
authorized to assume police duties over
them; is guaranteed ample protection from
the Major General commanding is all
lowed such rations as may be suitable for
those in want; is furnished with medical
and ordnance stores, and is independent of
any authority except that of the command
ing General. The Secretary says:
1t is expected that by encouraging industry
and skill in the cultivation OF the necessares
of life, and general self-improVement, you WILL
as far as possible, promote the well-being of
all people under your jurisdiction.
Gen. Butler, writing from the Depart
inent OF Virginia, May 2, 1861, said be was
perplexed with new difficulty. He had
negro property to the amount of 100000;
portion of them women and children, not
abe.bodied laborers. He passed to credit
all labor performed, and charged all goods
and rations furnished them. He says:
As military question, it would seem to be
measure of necessity to deprive their mas.
tiers of their services; as polical question and
question OF humanity, can receive the SER
vices of father and mother and not take the
children! Of the humanitarian aspect q have
no doubt of the political one) | have no right
10 judge,
Secretary Cameron, May 80, 1861,
writes 10 Gen. Butler that his action is APP
proved. August 9Th he writes again, say
ing that it was the desire of the President
that all existing rights in loyal States should
be preserved; but that in States wholly or
partially under insurrectionary control,
these rights must necessarily come under
military authority; that all slaves should
be received, and no claim be allowed to dis,
loya! owners for the services of the slaves.
Under date OF September 20, 1861, the
Secretary of War directs Gen. Wool to
send contrabands to Gen. Mcclellan, and
on the 22d orders them to be returned for
service on the Southern coast. October 5,
be directs 1000 Of them to be prepared to
accompany Gen. Sherman.
Assistant Secretary Scott writes to zen.
Sherman, October IA, to employ f gitives
10 such services as they may be fitted for,
either as oldiDary employees, or if special
circumstances seem to require it, Gin squads
companies Or otherwise, as you may deem
beneficial to the service: this, however,
not being a general armiDg of them for
military services"
Major General Wool writes from Fortress
Monroe, November 25, inquiring about the
pay of coatrabands. He says some of the
officers paid Gu account OF the government
$40 for laborers. He allowed $40 and
Subsistence, aud wished to reduce all to that
price. The Secretary communicated his
approval.
General Phelps writes from Camp Para
pet to Mr. Carroiton of Louisiana, giving
particulars OF the sending of slaves, bag and
baggage, to his lines, by Mr.. LIE Branch,
who tells them that the Yankees are king
here now, and that they must 60 to their
king for food and shelter He enlarges
upon their peculiar condition; comments
upon the utter failure of the COVER nment to
recognize their rights; discusses the elements
of insurrection ia louisiana refers to the
effect Of the slave labor system Oh society
there; considers the question of emaucipa
ton; intimates that compromise will here.
after De made With labor, and not with
politicians; favors the policy of immediate
abolition, and closes with statement OF
the wants Of the iugitives before his lines,
asking Instructions. He says the new article
OF war is the first support he has yet had
from the government. he thinks Mr. Branch,
who PROCESSES 20 be loyal, recognizes the
emancipation as an impending fact.
General Batter, june Is, 1852, gives fur
thev details of the above case, and asks Tor
distractions.
The Secretary OF War, July 3, 1862,
writes to General Butler:
lie (the Presidency is CT opinion that. under
the law OF Congress, they cannot be sent back
to their master; that in common humanity,
they must not be permitted to suffer for want
OF food, shelter, or other necessaries of life
that to this end they should be provided for
by iha QJartermaster and COmmissary De-
partments, and that those who are capable of
labor should be set to work, and paid reason.
able wages. The President. indicating this.
does not assume 20 settle any general rule at
present with regard to the slaves.
War lIenfimc in DatrNit.