NEW YORK, March 30.
The steamer Empire City, from Port Royal, has arrived. The following is from the New South newspaper of the 22d:
Gen. Sherman visited Jacksonville on the 19th, and was waited on by a committee of citizens, who represented that all in town were Unionists. The rebels, when they left, threatened to hang all who remained.
The sentiment of eastern Florida is declared to be loyal. Rebel deserters are numerous. Many are willing to take up arms against the rebel tyranny. Our troops were treated hospitably.
The gunboat Ottawa has been 120 miles up St. John’s river, beyond Jacksonville, meeting with no opposition. White flags were displayed and the inhabitants claimed protection.
Pensacola has been evacuated, including Forts Barrancas and McRea. The troops raised in Florida were ordered off, but refused to go.
Gen. Sherman issued a proclamation to the people of East Florida, saying he came to protect loyal citizens and enable them to resuscitate a State Government.
At a meeting of loyal citizens of Jacksonville, on the 20th, it was declared that no State has the constitutional right to separated from the United States, and that the act of secession by Florida is void and in conflict with the Constitution, never having been submitted to the people for ratification.
They recommended a convention to be called forthwith, to organize a State Government, and the United States Government be requested to keep a sufficient military force to keep order and protect persons and property.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 1, 1862, p. 1
No comments:
Post a Comment