Horatio G. Wright to Horatio G. Wright, April 2, 1862

Commanding Provisional Forces of East Florida, Camp Langford, East Florida:

COLONEL: After a careful consideration of the propositions presented in your communication of the 1st instant, brought in by Mr. Oscar Hart, under a flag of truce, I have to make the following reply:

1st. That permission to Mr. Hart to have interviews with any citizens of Jacksonville in regard to their leaving the city cannot be granted, nor can I permit him to collect transportation for the conveyance of persons desirous to leave our lines. The propriety of this decision you, as a military man, will readily recognize.

2d. That the policy announced in my note of yesterday, of permitting the removal from Jacksonville of such persons as may desire to leave our lines to join their families or to reside in the interior of the State, will be continued, and that on applieation to these headquarters such permission will be granted as will carry them safely beyond our lines. We do not profess to wage war upon women and children, nor upon quiet, unoffending citizens; but, on the contrary, have done all in our power for the protection of their persons and property.

In announcing this policy I have to express the hope that it will be reciprocated by yourself in permitting the free return to Jacksonville of such persons as may desire to come back to their homes. I desire further to say that the forces under my command are instructed to carry on all operations according to the rules of civilized warfare, and that any outrages upon unarmed and unoffending citizens wil! be punished to the full extent of the law.

From the representation made to me of your character as an officer and a gentleman I am sure you will be governed by a similar spirit.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,