Sherman and others on returning slaves

Via SHNV

I would like to submit the following excerpts from the Official War Records as evidence of the Yankee position on slavery. While many still contend the war was to free slaves, these and many others writings in the OWR prove time after time that it was not.

CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, July 16, 1861.

Brigadier-General MCDOWELL, Commanding, &c.

SIR: The general-in-chief desires me to communicate to you that he has received from the President of the United States a second note dated to-day on the subject of fugitive slaves in which he asks: "Would it not be well to allow owners to bring back those which have crossed" the Potomac with our troops? The general earnestly invites your attention to this subject knowing that you with himself enter fully into His Excellency's desire to carry out to the fullest all constitutional obligations. Of course it is the general's wish the name of the President should not at this time be brought before the public in connection with this delicate subject.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SCHUYLER HAMILTON,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Military Secretary.

LOUISVILLE, KY., October 15, 1861.

Colonel TURCHIN.

DEAR SIR: Two gentlemen unknown to me but introduced by Mr. Guthrie say some negro slaves have taken refuge in your camp and are there sheltered.

The laws of the United States and of Kentucky all of which are binding on us compel us to surrender a runaway negro on application of negro's owner or agent. I believe you have not been instrumental in this but my orders are that all negroes shall be delivered up on claim of the owner or agent. Better keep the negroes out of your camp altogether unless you brought them along with the regiment.

Yours, &c.,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Eddie Grey