This pretension is aggravated by the fact that many of these hunters are notoriously disloyal. Sir, it is hard that our Constitution should be violated, and men hurried into Slavery, at the trumpery process of such offensive characters. I think the Committee will find a remedy.
On motion of Mr. Grimes, the resolution was amended by substituting the Committee on the Judiciary for the Committee on the District of Columbia, and then agreed to.
INFORMATION IN REGARD TO FREEING SLAVES BY OUR ADVANCING ARMIES.
Mr. Sumner submitted the following resolution for consideration.
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of War be requested to communicate to the Senate copies of any instructions to commanding generals, in pursuance of the Act of Congress, approved August 6, 1861, setting free slaves who have been employed by the consent of their masters against the Government and lawful authority of the United States; and also to inform the Senate if any steps have been taken to make this statute effective, and to insure its due execution by our advancing armies, for the benefit of slaves who have been so employed.
June 4th, the resolution was considered and agreed to.
July 10th, a report was received from the Secretary of War, entitled “Instructions to commanding generals in regard to the freeing of slaves,” which, besides the instructions, contained communications from General Phelps and General Butler.[60]
HELP FROM SLAVES, WITH RECIPROCAL PROTECTION IN THEIR RIGHTS AS MEN.
The following resolution was introduced, as an expression of opinion, and an appeal to the country.
RESOLVED, That, in the prosecution of the present war for the suppression of a wicked Rebellion, the time has come for the Government of the United States to appeal to the loyalty of the whole people everywhere, but especially in the Rebel districts, and to invite all, without distinction of color, to make their loyalty manifest by ceasing to fight or labor for the Rebels, and also by rendering every assistance in their power to the cause of the Constitution and the Union, according to their ability, whether by arms, or labor, or information, or in any other way; and since protection and allegiance are reciprocal duties, dependent upon each other, it is the further duty of the Government of the United States to maintain all such loyal people, without distinction of color, in their rights as _men_, according to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.