Thomas W. Sherman to Joseph Holt, March 8, 1862

To the ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. O.:

SIr: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your instructions of the 12th ultimo.

I find it impracticable to conform to those instructions with that promptitude which may perhaps be expected without incurring a strong liability to produce a misconception on the part of the blacks as to what the Government intends to do with them. There is much danger of producing a panic among them by too sudden a movement. Many of them surmise that they will ultimately be sent to Cuba and sold, and to permit a stir among them of this sort would be attended with unfortunate results.

I think, however, that from 400 to 500 will be induced to accept the offer made to them, viz, to accept their services for a limited period, with a promise that they shall return to their homes after their services are performed; and as soon as I hear from Edisto, if the result of the inquiry is as favorable as from other points, they shall be shipped by the first convenience.

Very respeetfully,

your obedient servant,