The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1864-03-05
THE REAL OBJECT OF THE FLOR
IDA EXPEDITE


The following explanation from the
Chicago Times, of the real object CT the
recent expedition from Hilton Head to
Florida and which resulted 50 disastrously,
is borne out by so much concurring testi-
mony from Washington, that there is no
room to doubt its entire truth, sickening
as it is:
A few weeks ago, as the reader may re.
member, Mr.. Hay, until then tho Private
Secretary Of tho President, was fitted out
with sone sort of commission from the
War Department., and sent to Florida
At absut tho same time, without the
knowledge Of tho General-in Chief the
military expedition to Florida, which has
terminated 80 disastrously, was set on
feet As it was without the knowledge Of
General-in-Chisf SO it excited the surprise
and received the disapproval Of General
Gilmore. commanding tho Department
of the South. 1t excited the surprise and
received the dsApproval Of Gen. Gilmore,
because the military possession OF Florida
could be of no strategic importance what.
ever, and to attempt to occupy 1t wsuld
cost . useless sacrIfice OF life and treasure
The expedition was not fitted out for
Hay was appointed TO conduct political
military possession. These objects were,
TO set up bogus State government and
arrange for the election Of set Of Presi-
dental Electors next November. These
we're the unlawful dissraceful, Infamous
objects Of the expedition, the author Of
which is Abraham Lincoln.
We have yet to learn the cost in life OF
the disaster which has overtaksn the ex-
petition. 1t il, however, two OIL three
thousand men, And the cost in treasure
is doubtless two or three millions Of dol
lars. And all this to subserye the most
atrocious parti an designs which any
public man in the country has ever con-
ceIved. All this to manufacture three
fraudulent electoral votes which should
stand against honest electoral votes in
loyal States.
If the time does not soon come VIII en-
Abraham Lincoln will be buried deeper
beneath public wrath and scorn than any
man o: modern times has been buried
then indeed are the virtue and integrity Of
the American people things Of the past.
The following order of Gen Gilmore, on
the arrival Of Maj. Hay at Hilton Head
affords ample proof of the motive Of the
Florida expedition, as well as who ordered
it,
HsApocARrERs DEPARTMENT OF Tns SoUru,
Hilton Heed, IS O. January 81. 1864.
In accordance with the provisions OF the
Presidential proclamation of pardon and
amnesty, given at Washington on the Sth
day Of December, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and sixty
three. and In pursuance Of instructions re
csivcd from the President of the Uaitcd
States, Major John Hay, Assistant Adju-,
tant General, will proceed to Fernandina,
Florida, and other convenient, points in
that State, for the purpose of extending to
the citizens of the State of Florida an OPP
portunity TO avail themselves Of the bene.
! fits Of that proclamation by Offering for
their signature the oath Of allegiance there
in prescribed, and by issu.n. to all tl,ose
subscribing TO said oath certificates en-
titling thee, to the benefits! OF the procla
nation. Fugitive citizens of the State of
Florida within tho limits Of this Depart
ment viii! have an opportunity to subscribe
TO the same oath and secure certificates in
the Office OF the Post Commander at ILL.,
ton Head. South Caroiisa
BIZ con'd Of Maj Gen. = A. Gilmore:
En- W. sulTs, Asst Adj't General.