March 5, 1863.
COLONEL,--You will please proceed with your command, the 1st and 2d
Regts. S.C. Volunteers, which are now embarked upon the steamers John
Adams, Boston, and Burnside, to Fernandina, Florida.
Relying upon your military skill and judgment, I shall give you no
special directions as to your procedure after you leave Fernandina. I
expect, however, that you will occupy Jacksonville, Florida, and
intrench yourselves there.
The main object of your expedition are to carry the proclamation of
freedom to the enslaved; to call all loyal men into the service of the
United States; to occupy as much of the State of Florida as possible
with the forces under your command; and to neglect no means consistent
with the usages of civilized warfare to weaken, harass, and annoy those
who are in rebellion against the Government of the United States.
Trusting that the blessing of our Heavenly Father will rest upon your
noble enterprise,