To Edwin M. Stanton1Jump to section
Sir: You are directed to have a transport (either a steam or sailing vessel as may be deemed proper by the Quartermaster-General) sent to the colored colony established by the United States at the island of Vache, on the coast of San Domingo, to bring back to this country such of the colonists there as desire to return. You will have the transport furnished with suitable supplies for that purpose, and detail an officer of the Quartermaster's Department who, under special instructions to be given, shall have charge of the business. The colonists will be brought to Washington, unless otherwise hereafter directed, and be employed and provided for at the camps for colored persons around that city. Those only will be brought from the island who desire to return, and their effects will be brought with them. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Annotation
[1] OR, III, IV, 75. This order was enclosed by Stanton to Meigs on February 3, 1864. On February 4, Meigs reported to Stanton:
``The ship Maria L. Day has been chartered in the port of New York. She is being fitted, victualed, and watered as for a voyage to Aspinwall by the Windward Passage, to bring to Boston 500 troops.
``I have directed Major Van Vliet, quartermaster at New York, to hold the ship ready to take on board the officer who may be designated to go in her, and to obey his orders to stop at any other port than Aspinwall, and to proceed in any direction he may order.
``I respectfully name Edward L. Hartz, assistant quartermaster, U.S. Army, as the officer to receive the special instructions. . . .
``I propose to order Captain Hartz to proceed at once to New York to report to Major Van Vliet and receive from him the charge of the ship. . . .