The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-08-07
Retaliation.

taken in arms under the National Flag and
death to the officers commanding them, has
been remorselessly executed whenever an
opportunity has offered. Every one CONVEX
SAINT with the history of the war will readily
recall numerous outrages which have follow
ed the issuing of that proclamation. 1t will
will be remembered that, at Galveston, Texas,
the free black servants of the white officers
were sold into slavery Immediately after the
surrender of the national forces Near Muir
treeboro, twenty-five black transfers, in the
employment of government, who were cap
tured by rebel soldiers, were tied to the near
est trees, logged and Shot No negroes were
found inside the works at Nicksburg when
that place surrendered. All of those captured
had been shot. At Port Hudson, negro pick.
cts who were taken were at once hanged in
sight of our own camps. The negroes who
led the assault on the Rebel works were
all Of them bayoneted after they were wound
ed or had surrendered. In. the desperate
! hight at Mllllkens Bend, where the negroes
fought so nobly, not one Of them who fell in.
to the hand of the Rebels escaped-every
one OF the wounded and prisoners were either
hung, shot Or bayoneted. And two weeks
ago, in the battle Of Morris Island. when
Fort Wagner Was assaulted many of the 9th
Massachusetts (colored) regiment We're taken
prisoners, but not one was returned vi hen the
prisoners were exchanged, neither were the
officers who commanded them. Officers who
have been exchanged GENTLY that the first
question asked them was whether they com
manded negro troops, and when they answer
ed, No, were told it was fortunate for them, for
that every damned niger officer would be
hung or shot at sight" Other instances
might be cited to show that tie rebel govern
ment have really carried out the threat con-
tanned in jeff Davis December proclamation.
We believe the government should retail
ate for these outrases. 1t is too late for
queries or quibbes OR talk about the policy
Of employing black soldiers in carrying on the
war. The President has already called for
colored soldiers: the Secretary of War con-
siders them as Federal troops; they are to be
fed clothed and armed by the government
as white soldiers are; in short, they are to
enjoy all the privileges that are granted to
volunteers in the Federal army. The atten-
ton of Government has otter been called to
these facts, by the loyal press, by prominent
men, by the government CT several of the
states and by representatives., but ithas made
no move to stop the savage outrages upon
Federal soldiers No earnest official procla-
nation has gone forth from the powers at
Washington saying to the Rebel government:
at Richmond: "If you shoot, bayonet, hang
black, the military authorities of the United
States will be directed to retaliate by intlc-
'''S oE"''i IVA any "uH cNtI' ii>ldHCF III
which death or captivity : inflicted upon ID
Federal soldier. And for this painful but
necessary course of justice, repusnant to our
feelings and cruel though it seems, We appeal
to the deliberate Judgment of mankind and
the mercIful forbearance Of Almighty God"
Let the government not only sag thus but
fulfil the threat to the very letter, and these
savage cruelty now inflicted upon black sold
ierS will soon cease
p. ). Az We go to press the telegraph
brings the welcomed news that President
Lincoln is determined to retaiiate if the bar
barous practice OF numbering and enslaving
soldiers because they are black is not stopped
at once by the rebels. The following order
has been issued by the President
WAR BULLETIN - OFFICIAL
WAR DEPARTMENT.. }
ADJUTANr GENERALS OFFICE,
Washington, July 81.
GenerM O,ler No. 233.
the following order of the President is
Published for the information and government
OF all concerned:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington. July 80. 1868.
1t Is duty of every government to give pro-
lection to its citizens of whateve, class c,i0r
OF condition, and especially to those VINO are
duly organized as sol iiers in the public ser
vice. The law Of nations and the usasps and