T. W. Sherman to apne HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, February 9, 1862

Port Royal, S. C., February 9, 1862.

To the ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. A., Washington, D. C.:

SIR: The imperative necessity of putting the blacks in the way of avoiding starvation before the planting season expires without a draw on the commissariat to an extent that would cripple the service, and for other reasons suggested in the general order which I herewith inclose, has induced me to the measures mentioned therein.

I would respectfully ask for a speedy reply to this communication, and should the plan be generally approved, then how far I shall be authorized to hire instructors. This is a point whereon I have entertained some doubts. I firmly believe, however, that the general agent of instruction should be employed by the Government, if not all the instructors; but the latter, the district or sub-instructors, may possibly be provided by the public charities.

This step which I have taken is of vital importance, and to be beneficial for the present year must go into operation at once. The present condition of the blacks, daily increasing in numbers and daily diminishing in their resources, must be alleviated both for their own welfare and the great cause itself.

No correct census has yet been taken, but I estimate the number of blacks now on land in possession of our forces to be at least 9,000, which is probably a low estimate.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
GENERAL apne HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS,
No. 9. Hilton Head, S. C., February 6, 1862.
The helpless condition of the blacks inhabiting the vast area in the
occupation of the forces of this command calls for immediate action on
the part of a highly-favored and philanthropic people.