Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-05-06
FRoM NEw cREEK. cAMP.
Gen. Sehenek's Reply 10 a Demand
upon him for che return OF slaves
Within His Camp.
HEADQUARTERS, SCIENCES BRIGADE,
MnTrErAIN DFpA RrMENR


Within His Camp.
HEADQUARTERS, SCHEScK's BRIGADE,
M0USTAIN DEPARTWEST,
CAMP LIE, April 90, 1862
SIN; am instructed by Gen. Srhenek
to reply to your letter of the 18th inst, in
which you state that two boys, servants
(meaning blscks-slaVes) have been en-
ployed by officers of the 5ih Regiment
Virginia Volunteer Infantry, belonging to
this brigade; that the boys desire. TO return
toyOR and that you request the General
to take measures for having them restored
or seat back.
The General has sent for the boys, found
them, examined and carefully interrOgated
them himself, and ascertains, from their
account of themselves, that they left of
their own accord, and prefer remaining
where they are. He will not therefore in
terfere between you and them.
By your own admission these boys are
not claimed by you as property Of your
own, but are represented rs belonging to
your son, James Armstrong, who, some
lime since, for reasons connected with his
relation 10 the present disturbed condition
of our country, abandoned his farm or
household, leaving his servants behind
him. 1.-The had remained at home, as true
and loyal citizen, it is not probable thati
they would have followed his example, or
sought place or employment elsewhere
But this fact does not materially affect the
question. The decision of the General
would have been the same If the boys were
claimed as your own slaves.
/ You are aware, it seems, of the existence
I Of a Law, recently passed by Congress, pro-
hibiting the use Of our soldiers in return
( ing to their masters fugitives from service.
I This law you must expect him to obey uu-
der his sense of duty as an officer; and he
will obey it cheerfully because it COM
1 meuds itselft to his judgment and conscience
as necessary and wholesome enactment.
/ 1t is neither reasonable TO expect our arm
/ les, nor, in fact, possible for them, to car
! ~ along on the march the proper civil
! agents and process to enforce the statutory
I provisions in relation to fugitiVes. Our
military forces have all their time and at
tentioR more appropriately occupied in the
suppression of a causeless and infamous re-
beliion, instigated aud sustained generally
by the very men who, while they thus iu-
+, terrupt the due enforcement aud execution
OF the laws by the regularly constituted tri-
bunals and ministers, are clamOrous for
help for that peculiar species of property,
which have little possible protection out
side of the Constitution and Union which
they are treacherousIy seeking TO over
throw.
The General commanding this brigade
will, therefore, rs has been stated to you
! not interfere with the military force at his
command between the claimant anl the
fugitive slave. He will neither allow the
one class nor tue other as loafers about his
camps. But if either of them, coming
voluntarily within his lines, can be profit
ably employed, within the scope of mill
tary restrictions and usage, as guides, ser
wants, laborers, or in any other available
! capacity, he will not hesitate to so engage
them or permit them to be engaged. II,
will punish any officer or private soldier o
his command who may be caught eithe
enticing or forcing a slave to leave hi
loyal master; but he will not lend his sol
diers to be established as guards to proven
the escape of tuGitives from bondage seek
ing their liberty.
In his camps, too, he is resolved Their
snail be no disturbance occasioned by thi
peculiar relation and the claims to which
it gives rise. If the master and the RIM
away, in case the latter be found at any
time within our lines, can quietly agree
to their mutual satisfaction, that the old
relation between them shall be restored
the General will not permit interference,
~ prevent SUCH duilcADle adjustment o
the question. But he will not allow fore,
to be used, either by the master to reclaim
his power. or by his officers or soldiers t,
resist the demand. Such conduct h,
would punish, ON either side, as he would
any another scene of disorder subversiyt
of military rule and good discipline.
by order of Brig. Gen. Schenck.
Yours respectfully,
Hon. William Armstrong, New Creel
u Va