Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-03-31
TELEGRAPHIO NEWS.
FROM THE SOUTH ATLANTIC Coasr,

UHioH Dsmonstratioss in East F7orida-ProcIa-
nation Of General Sherman to the People ef
New YORK, March 30.-The steamer Empire
City, from Port Royal, has arrived The follow
Ing is from the "New South" newspaper Of the
22i inst:
and was waited on by committee OF citizens,
who represented the feelings Of all In the town as
str'ngi In favor OF the Union. Many citizens are
returning TO Jacksonville, among whom are de-
sertcrs from The rebel army, anxious to take the
oath OF allegiance, and who state that dcSertions
will be numerous
The sentiment Of Eastern Florida is declared to
be loyal, and many are willing to take up arms
to defend themselves against rebel tyranny. On
one occasion, when the regulators were reported
as coming, even the women seized arms to de-
lend themselves. The national troops are treated
TO every hospitality which the town affords, and
the people state they will go away with the gun
boats II they leave, but measures have been taken
to fully protect them.
Some eighty Of the inhabitants of Fernandina
have returned TO their homes
The news OF our victories had greatly rejoced
our troops, and inspired them with renewed en-
ergy.
The gunboat Ohama had been 100 miles I'D the
-. Johns river, beyond Jacksonville, meeting
with no opposition. White flags were displayed
by the Inhabitants, who claimed his protection
The rebel steamer st. Mary's and yacht Amer.
lea were also found sunk, but Capt. Stevens, Of
the Ohama, was raising them.
pensacola has been evacuated, including also
Forn Barancas and McRae, and the rebels an
nounce the entire abandonment of Florida The
troops raised in Florida had been ordered off.
but thev refused to 90
Gen. Sherman has issuel proclamation to the
people OF Florida, In which he stated that the
troops Of the United States had come To profect
loyal citizens and their property and enable them
10 Tesuscltate their government. All loyal people
who return or remain at their homes In the Quiet
pursuit Of their lawful avocations shall be pro.
tected In all their constitutional rights The sole
desire and intention of the government was to
maintain the integrity of the Constitution and
laws and reclaim the States revolted from the
national allegiance to their former prosperous
He expresses great satisfaction at the evidences
OF LOYALTY, and recommends the citizens to assem-.
pie In their cities and towns and precincts and
and swear true fidelity and allegiance to the Cen
stltutlon OF the United States, organize a State
government, and elect officers In the good old
ways Of the past When this is done, he predicts
return OF prosperous and happy times, immunity
from want and suffering, and the enjoyment n
the fruits OF honest labor and the sweets Of happv
homes, and the consolation of living under wise
and saiutary laws, due only to an industrious and
At meeting Of the loyal citizens Of Jsckson
Vile ON the Goth, declaration of lights and a
protest and resolutions were unanimously adopt.
ed to the following effect:
That no Stste has constitutional rio ht In sen
aTate from the United States. That the act of
secession adopted by the State Convention of
rloflca Is VOID, being in conflict with the con.
stltution, and never having been submitted TO
TIE people for ratification. That Florida Is an
Integral part Of the United States subject TO con-
shtuiiOnal jurisdiction, and Il IL believed that
thousands Of her citizens hail with low the Te.to.
ration OF the government, bringing deliverance
from the tcrrors Of an unrestrained military des.
potism ~
They protest against all the acts and ordinance,
OF tne convention as depriving them of their
rights as citizens OF the United States; against
the despotism which denied freedom of sDeech
ard OF the press; against the contributions of
money, property and labor, and military enlist
ments forced upon them: against the tyranny
which demands the abandonment of their homes
and property, and the exposure Of their wives and
children to sickness, destitution ana famine and
untold miSerics; against the barbarOus policy
which sends brutal soldiers TO pillace and burn
property and destroy life punishment for re-
ihalning In their homes; and against the govern
inent which threatens TO brand them because thew
Will not tamely submit To such indignities
Having been released from Ich dangers ard
indignities and restored to the government of the
United states, and the reign Of terror having
passed, 1t now becomes them as loyal citizens TO
up and state that the state and government de-
lnands that convention of all loyal citizens be
called forthwith to organize Stale government
OF the state OF Florida Also, that the chief of the
military department Of the United states be re-
quested to retain sufficient force TO maintain ordet
and protect the people In their persons and prop
eTty. ~