Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-08

The following Is from the New York TImes's
alleged Port Royal ENTHUSIASTICALLY
indorsed
In a letter from Port ROYAL, written some
weeks ago. l stated that negro preacher ut that
place named Adam MurchisOn. possessing great
influence among the blacks. had been summoned
before Gen. Hunter who desired To obtain from
him some important information. One of the
subjects on which he was questioned was the feel
ing OF the blacks in regard To military organZa-
ton. The conversation was deemed OF sufficient
Importance by Gen. Hunter To warrant further
proceedings, and Abram directed To- call
meeting of all the male blacks al Hilton Head
with a view of ascertauing their disposition aud
desires
This meeting was held on the evening of Mon
dav April Z. The object unknown To the
negroes themselves; they were only aware that II
was ore that closely touched their interest The
call and proceedings were conducted With the ut
most secrecs. Only two white men were pres
ent-Mr Lee Superintendent OF the negroes
employed at Hilton He,d. and Mr. Wilson. head
carpenter for the Government. The most rigid
guard WAS instituteu Co exclude those whose
presence was not desired. and To prevent caves
dropping on the part OF the over curious.
The large room used fot negro meetings
crowded by the expectant audience The iuvi
tatIon had been extended only 10 males-hence
no women present. Murchison made short
address 10 his brethren, In which he depicted
With great deal OF clearness and force their
condition and relations to tie Government, and
the obligations and interests that should impel
them To H. support. AT times his language rose
to elOqueuce. and he listened "a with the
most breatlde~s interest, and Il was evident that
every word found a response IN the symplthes
OF his hearers.
After stating that Il was in contemplation by
the Government TO offer then the means and op
portuuty OF military organization, and after can
didly explaining tire labOrs hardShipS and dan
gers. as well a. the advantages of soldier lie.
the speaker desired all Who we're willing To take
up arms in defense OF the Government and them
selves. TO rise. Every man sprang to his feet in
an instant
Mr. Lee AMI Mr Wilson followed tie remarks
of Abram, With Others designed ~ enlghten the
negroes in regard % the intentions ct the Gov
eminent IL Ms Impressed npon them that they
not IN the slightest degree u be cuerccd
into this military measure All who chose 10 Ell
roll themselves must Go SO voluntaril, and with a
full knowledge OF tie consequences. Eaeh man
Who chose wss permisled - come forward and
have his name entered on the Mt ~ q volunteer
soldier in case me Government chose Ia accent
his services Every alsn in the came for
ward A few OLD men and BOYS were reieeted on
the ground OF age. AMI the refusal seemed 70 n-
spiTe them with the most genuine regret.
They were then told that Government had
promised arms and equipments, anu urged 90
give he matter the most serious reflection. With
caution against public conversation the subject.
the meeting was dismissed: and each one lett, all
excited 60 enthusiasm, and apparealy rejoicing
in the opportunity thar WIS about be re allied.
OF exercising the right OF defense OF himself aud
his family. aud OF Offering his lite in je euse OF
the Coz ernaient whose protection he eaiOs VI
The number enrolled that evening VA lbs.
During the next day many Others who had not
been present came forward and gave in their
names. swelling the list TO about 800 During
the next few days II reached the number OF $50
This. / learn embraces nelrly quite al the
able bodied negroes employed at that point
There has been 10 reacton-Ho SYMPTOM OF re
eret The action OF the negroes seem bssed up
upon feelings genuine, AMI convictions arm
a. those that insgigate white n similar eir
cumstances Ii the black men at Hilton Head
are fair index OF the whole population OF III.
plant aii0ns, land l see no reason % doubt il j
history has nes er furnished an instance OF more
conspicuous and unanimous patriotism. Neither
Greeks. nor Switzers. nor Highland Scots. noT