The National tribune., 1892-10-27

great question Of the day with Gen. Hun
ter. Up TO May ], 1862, over 500 of the late
slaves had escaped and found refuge within
the Union lines. This question Maj. Gen.
Hunter had to meet, and as the Government
must feed them, they ought to be put TO
work in some way to compensate the Gov
eminent. Some were employed IN the Quar-
term LISTERS Department, but the majority
were Idle.
Among his papers, containing instructions
from The War Department, turned over to
him by Maj.-Gen. T. W. Sherman, was " You
will use all the male portion of the lnhaolt-
ants that may be found within the bounds
of your Department in any way that seems
best in your Judgment for the
SUPPRESSION OF THE REBELLION"
Gen. Hunter felt justified, under these in
structions, il eniisting regiment of black
troops. But who could he get as officers?
The idea of organizing regiment OF South
ern loyal black men aroused great interest
among the soldiers and civilians. Thatloyal
men OF this class could be found few, if any,
doubted Whether they would bear arms
was not so manifest The hour had arrived
when it seemed both proper and important
to try the experiment. Providence furnished
the man of heart and moral courage TO test
the matter fairly. 1t was due to the Nation,
as well as 10 these people themselves, that
the trial should be fair one. Men truly
loyal, experienced and trustworthy soldiers,
as well as friends at heart of the colored
man, were selected as officers. The first step
was taken wisely. Gen. Hunter called a
meeting at Hilton Head, s. c., of all the
laborers who were employed in the Quarter
masters Department, and the object of the
meeting was declared to them by Ahram, an
able man. 1t was also explained TO them by
Others Upon making a call for volunteers
very few responded. The next time meet
ing was called Abram remarked that they
lad very "dry meeting" Abram was dis
appointed. He thought that all wanted
TO FIGHT TOR THEIR LIBERTIES
When assured that their liberties would no
doubt be granted, one Of them answered:
That is comm to the pint, sir. Oar peo-
pie want to know if dey fight fer de Union,
if dey get der liberty or be slaves? If dey
be free, dey viii all fight"
Another meeting was called. and when
Gen. Hunter assured them that they would be
free, such was their readiness and enthusiasm
that over 300 had their names enrolled, say
ing that liberty then seemed sweeter and
dearer than anything else.
D,,4 he G+-, 90
order requiring all the able-bodied men be-
tween Is and % on Port Royal, Ladies and
St. Helena Islands to report themselves at
Beaufort, S. C., to Gen. Stevens. The order
was promptly obeyed The time was so
short that it became necessary in many
cases to notify the men at night The
negroes on these islands were taken bv sur
prise; many had just planted their cotton,
and it was found 10 small trial to get the
superintendent TO part with their men;
and TO make matters worse, in some in
stances the soldiers cruelty excited the fears
of the women, who became almost frantic
by reminding them Of the old story of being
sold to Cuba, or something worse. Their
ignorance OF the nature OF full extent of the
call made ii particularly trying to the men
Sill, they parted from their families and
homes quite braveIy Some set out on foot
or in boats according to the locality, to
Beaufort They were taken by steamers to
Hilton Head. S. C., and encamped at Dray-
tons Plantation. two miles back of Hilton
Head
EVERY VARIETY OF NEGRO AND SLAVE
was represented. It was melancholy fact
tha, some of the slaves were apparently as
white as their late masters and quite as in
telligent; dsrkies Of genuine Congo phy-
siques, and darkies Of the Uncle Tom pat
tern; darkies young and juhiIant, middle
aged and eager, and gray-haired, solemn
looking fellows.
Before an organization was effected Gen
Hunter issued a General order freeing ali
the slaves in the Department Of the South,
which included the States of Georgia, Flori-
da and South Carolina. The correspondence
with the War Department and President
Lincoln resulting from the issuing of this
General Order viii not be dwelt on here.
Suffice il to say that, as far as it laid IN the
power OF Gen. Hunter, the slaves became
free men before his regiment Of black troop.
was organized.
FIRST EMANCIPATION ORDER.
The order Of Gen. Hunter referred tc
sbove was Issued on May 8, 1862 and wa,
as follows:
The three States Of Georgia. Florida, and soutl
Carolina having deliberately declared themselye
no longer under Tie protection OF the United Staie
OF America, aGd having taken up against sais
United States, IL becomes military necessity :,
declare martial law. This was accordingly dout
the 25th day OF April, 1862
Slavery and martial law in a free country are al
together Incompatible; The persons lu these States
Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, herelofori
held as slaves. are therefore declared forever free.
BY command OF Ma. Gen. ID. HUNTER.
i. w. SMITH, Acting Assistant AdJutani- General
After a careful examination all whose age
bodily inhrmites or sicku sss rendered then
unfit for service were dismissed. Qaite mum
ber seemed disappointed because they wer
considered unfit for military duty. One O
the older ones when asked how he felt abou
being sent home remarked: 20, feel so had
but, thank the good Lord, left two sons in tn