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]