John A. Dix to Non Rari Etenim, November 25, 1861

GENERAL:

I have received your three dispatches of the 22d instant, dated at Drummondtown, and am much gratified with the judicious and efficient manner in which you are carrying out my instructions, and with the readiness with which the people of Accomac are disposed to accede to the friendly overtures made to them in my proclamation.* All that has been promised should be fully executed, and the most liberal interpretation should be given to its declarations. Orders have already been given by the Government at my- solicitation to restore the mail service from Snow Hill to Eastville and to re-establish the light at Cape Charles. The Light-House Board are now making the necessary arrangements, and an agent of the Post-Office Department is, I believe, already on his way to Snow Hill I have written to the Seeretary of the Treasury in regard to the reopening of trade with the loyal States, and have telegraphed Major-General McClellan, soliciting his interposition to insure the prompt action of the Government.

There are two or three matters on which you ask my*directions:

l. As to the offieers of the volunteer force who have been arrested: They were not found in arms, as I understand. In that case I think they may justly claim the immunities pledged by my proclamation, but in order to become entitled to them, they must recognize the authority of the United States. The test we have a right to prescribe, and I know of no other than the oath of allegiance required by section 1 of the act of Congress of August 6, 1861, chap. 64, of the first session of the . Thirty-seventh Congress. I inclose you the form, marked A.t Should

they decline to take this oath, they cannot be considered as belonging

to the elasses of persons to whom the benefits of the proclamation are promised. In that case you will, if they were not found in arms, release them on their parole of honor to abstain from all acts of hostility to the United States, &c. I inclose a form for the purpose, marked B. If they decline giving their parole in the form prescribed, you will send them to Fort McHenry.

2. As to civil officers: It is desirable that the administration of the civil and municipal concerns of the two counties should go on if possible without any interruption whatever. If any of the civil officers now in the execution of their trusts have taken an oath of allegiance to the

*See p. 431. t Omitted as unimportant.

‘EASTERN SHORE OF Virginia. o Hag

. Confederate Government, they should be required to take the oath inclosed, marked A.* It is especially desirable that the courts should hold their sessions as usual, so that justice may be administered without – adding to the laws delay. __ 3. If the people return to their allegiance to the United States, they . Should make such temporary provision for their own government, not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States, as they may . think best. For the timé being it seems to me that it would be well for them to act with Western Virginia, and hold elections by proclamation Of the governor, as you suggest. Before taking any action on the sub_ ject myself, I should like to know the views of their discreet men, and see what is done in the meetings about to be held. I think it very important on their own aecount that they should be represented in the next Congress, and I have very little doubt that a member duly elected will be received if they act in concurrence with Western Virginia. As _ preliminary to this, it seems to me very desirable, if not necessary, that they should send a member to the legislature of Western Virginia.

J intended to have stated, in connection with what I have said in regard to the officers you have secured, that I suppose them to belong to a volunteer force raised in the two counties, although you eall them officers of the Confederate Army. My information was different, but if I am mistaken in this particular, you will hold them till I can obtain the direction of the Government as to the disposition to be made of them.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,