Unknown to Daniel D. Tompkins, February 18, 1862

Col. DANIEL D. TOMPKINS, Assistant Quartermaster-General, New York City:

COLONEL: You are hereby directed to furnish transportation by sea from New York City to Port Royal, S. ©., to all persons who may present to you written permits, issued under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury, and setting forth that such persons are proceeding to Port Royal, under the sanction of the Government, upon business relating to the collection, safe-keeping, and disposition of cotton, rice, and other property abandoned by persons inhabiting any district within the late territoriallimits of States declared by proclamation to be in insurrection, and to the condition and employment of persons of color, there or in the vicinity, lately held to service or labor by enemies of the United States, and now within the occupying lines and under the military protection of the Army. Said permits will specify whether the transportation shall be cabin or steerage, and will cover all baggage, agricultural instruments, and other articles mentioned therein.

You will also make suitable provisions for supplying said passengers with food during the voyage. Permits signed by the collector of the customs at New York City will be regarded by you as emanating from the Treasury Department.

Secretary of War.