INFORMATION IN REGARD TO FREEING SLAVES BY OUR ADVANCING ARMIES.
Resolution in the Senate, May 26, 1862.
Mr. Sumner submitted the following resolution for consideration.
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of War be requested to communicate to the Senate copies of any instructions to commanding generals, in pursuance of the Act of Congress, approved August 6, 1861, setting free slaves who have been employed by the consent of their masters against the Government and lawful authority of the United States; and also to inform the Senate if any steps have been taken to make this statute effective, and to insure its due execution by our advancing armies, for the benefit of slaves who have been so employed.
June 4th, the resolution was considered and agreed to.
July 10th, a report was received from the Secretary of War, entitled “Instructions to commanding generals in regard to the freeing of slaves,” which, besides the instructions, contained communications from General Phelps and General Butler.[60]