New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-02-24
SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Johns Island Anair-stntenent Of
Gen, Reecher-The Truth Of the Matter.

A long account of an alleged outrage by the
freedmen on Johns Island. near Charleston, ). c. was
published in the journals Of that city week or two
since and extensively copied by the Copperhead press
Of the North with great gusto The following CORE
spondence sets the matter right Several Pennsylvania
gentlemen had gone TO the island TO look at pianta'
ton with view 10 purchase but being mistaken by
the negroes for Secessionists were rather roughly
treated. although in no way injured;
HpoEs. MILITARY DISTRICT OF CHARIEsIoN
DETACHMENT OF SouIH CAROLINA,
ASSISTANT ApJuTANTGENEEALs OffCE,
CHARLESTON. ). g., Feb. Is, 100
EDITORS CHARLESTON Cot MER
GENTLEMEN: Breyet MajorGen. Deyens command.
inc the District desires that the accompanying report
of Breyet Brcader Gen. James c. BeecheT command
ing the Second Sub District Of the Military Dstcl o.
Charleston ('togethor with this note y may De pun,
sed to correct the erroneous reports that exist ana
have been published at various times as to alleged out
RACES on certain persons who visited johns Isand on
the 9th of January. lsbt. .
Gen Devens is satisfied, both from personal inspec.
ton and the reports Of his subordinate officers that
there is part of South Carolina where the RUE OF the
military authorities Is more completely enforced or
where every order OF the General commanding the
Depar readily executed, than on the sea
Islands in this District and has no doubt that this VIII
continue 10 be whatever may be the result oil ahcl-
pated legislation in reference 10 them.
IT, in the present unsettled condition OF the property
on these islands and the rights Of the people and former
proprieors there individuals choose 70 disobey OF neg
! lect
officer in command collisions are not unlikely 10 occur
in which those who are guilty OF such dsODeutnee or
neglect cannot be held blameess themselves even the
conduct Of others should also prove 70 be unJusabe
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
| NJ. ". RICE Capt 18th L. ;. Z. T.,
A. 4. Adjutant- General
HpQHs SECOND SrBDIsTRICT }
MILITARY DISTRICT or CHARLESTON,
SVMMERvILLE, :. c.. Feb. 6, lsto
| Cant NJ N. RICE, T. 4. AJutdat. General
CAPTAIN: / return herewith the papers OF Mr.. Chi
and 9TH
A day OF two after the transaction referred To- was
verbally informed Of il by Capt Nerland. commanding
tbe island also that be has arrested three OF the par
ties concerned and forwarded them 10 summerylie.
proceeded at with two Orderlies 20 Seis plan
tation passing through the neghborng places, assem-
bling all their and could easily have arrested about
VERY man connected with the mob. had such course
seemed necessary.
The people begged TO be pardoned foF this ofense.
said thew lad orders 20 arrest any white man landing
on the island except at the regular landing place said
there were three " Rtbs" whom they knew IN the
party they were all Rebs said they recognized the
military authority and would never arrest another
man white or black Reb or otherwise and much more
10 the same effect. After careful Inspection. re-
specially report TO the Commanding as
.e ner- ls naturaiy much excitement on the
Island respecting land titles and Jealousy respecting
visits Of land owners. The four gentlemen from Penn
syKana could not have selected worse escort than
the three eI.Reba land owners one OF whom was q
captain In the Rebel service and well known as such
by the freed people.
received had ordered escorts stationed at the two
public landings Johns Island. Tie fact that these
gentlemen avoided the landings and landed IN small
boats on the opposite side Of the island naturally excited
suspicious IN the minds OF tie people.
| Third On the previous evening. the gentlemen were
duly notified that they must go around TO the public
landing where their passes could BE- Inspected IL
seems they determined 10 create row II possible.
| and persisted in landing.
FourA As TO the incidents attending the transit
across the island Of the statements Of the freed
people vary widely from those Of Chichester and others
Ny first intention was 70 arrest the whole party OF
freedmen. and my force OF two ordeThes was quite
sufficient for the purpose but as the people expressed
great contrition arrested five OF the principal parties
and cautioned the rest against interfering with any
visitor. black or white The gentlemen from fennsyi
yania can land when and where they choose and with
any associates they may select. At the same time
when trouble has been taken TO order escorts for them
and they haue been directed nhere 10 land would suggest
that they common sense. II not common courtesy.
and land where they ordered 10 land. Concerning
the paper Of Mr. Chichester which saw In the public
prints long before its appearance AZ an official docu-
ment must report that It's statements appear 10 be
principally concerning serious damage the party HoEld
have received If something had taken place. which did
not take place or something had failed to take place
which did take place.
Second. The statement is incorrect In ayOwing that
the party not instructed where TO land they
General, Military District Of Charleston.
Third The statement is incorrect In averrrDg that a
United States colored solder refused 10 interfere IN
their behalf The only soldiers IN that locality were
with the sergeant, who promptly relieved them from
arrest.
Fourth The paper states incorrectly that n sergeant
OF the 35h T. = Colored Troops is Commssary ON the
island. The sergeant in question was simply ordered
TO that landing act escort for the gentlemen
from Pennsy wanna II they had landed in accordance
with their Instructions they would have found an ELI.
cient escort have prospeced the island and received
all due courtesy They would also have avoided play
ing into the hands OF interested parties who appeared
TO have made shrewd use OF their opportunity.
Respectfully. your obedient servant,
JAMES G. BEECIrR Breyet Brig. Gen. Commanding.
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