Addressing Slavery 1 Sherman, the Secretary of War, and 20 Emancipated slaves meet On the evening of Thursday, the 12th day of January, 1865, the following persons of African descent met by appointment to hold an interview with Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, and Major-Gen. Sherman, to have a conference upon matters relating to the freedmen of the State of Georgia, to-wit: Garrison Frazier being chosen by the persons present to express their common sentiments upon the matters of inquiry, makes answers to inquiries as follows: Stanton State in what manner you think you can take care of yourselves, and how can you best assist the Government in maintaining your freedom. State what you understand by Slavery and the freedom that was to be given by the President's proclamation. The way we can best take care of ourselves is to have land, and turn it and till it by our own labor–that is, by the labor of the women and children and old men; and we can soon maintain ourselves and have something to spare. And to assist the Government, the young men should enlist in the service of the Government, and serve in such manner as they may be wanted. We want to be placed on land until we are able to buy it and make it our own. Slavery is, receiving by irresistible power the work of another man, and not by his consent.  The freedom, as I understand it, promised by the proclamation, is taking us from under the yoke of bondage, and placing us where we could reap the fruit of our own labor, take care of ourselves and assist the Government in maintaining our freedom. Garrison Frazier

Give freedmen 40 acres and a mule Addressing Slavery 2 General Sherman issues “Special Field Order 15” After the conference he [Secretary of War Stanton] was satisfied the negroes could, with some little aid from the United States, by means of the abandoned plantations on the Sea Islands and along the navigable waters take care of themselves. He requested me to draw up a plan that would be uniform and practicable. General Sherman in a letter to the President 1866 The order explicitly called for the settlement of black families on confiscated land, encouraged freedmen to join the Union army to help sustain their newly won liberty, and designated a general officer to act as inspector of settlements. Inspector General Rufus Saxton would police the land and work to ensure legal title of the property for the black settlers. In a later order, Sherman also authorized the army to loan mules to the newly settled farmers. Give freedmen 40 acres and a mule

2 Addressing Slavery General Sherman issues “Special Field Order 15” “It seems to me, General, that this is contrary to law.” “There is no law here except mine, Mr. Secretary.” The concern is “what is the difference between stealing property, and redistributing property? Edwin Stanton Secretary of War

Edwin Stanton Secretary of War Addressing Slavery 2 General Sherman issues “Special Field Order 15” Wow, you’re salty Word Edwin Stanton Secretary of War

3 Addressing Slavery Congress creates a Freedman’s Bureau SCHOOLS Its mission was to provide relief and help freedmen become self-sufficient. Bureau officials issued rations and clothing, operated hospitals and refugee camps, and supervised labor contracts. In addition, the Bureau managed, assisted benevolent societies in the establishment of schools, helped freedmen in legalizing marriages entered into during slavery, and provided transportation to refugees and freedmen who were attempting to reunite with their family or relocate to other parts of the country. SCHOOLS MARRIAGE LICENSES FOOD WORK CONTRACTS