Doc. 62.-General Dana's proclamation.
headquarters U. S. Forces, Texas, pass Cavallo, Jan. 30, 1864.
General orders, No. 14.
it is known to the world that, on the eighth day of December, ultimo, the President of the United States published a proclamation which touched the heart and inspired the tongue of every lover of liberty on the civilized earth.
Its burden is pardon and liberty.--“Thy sins be forgiven thee.”
“Let the oppressed go free.”
Such parental care of a people has not been exhibited to the world since the patriarchal days of old — not since the Saviour of men cried to the multitude: “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
In order that the deluded and oppressed people of this State may be enlightened and informed on the subject, and may rejoice at the dawning of day from behind the black night which has surrounded them in darkness which might be felt and enabled the evil spirits to work upon them, it is directed that a sufficient number of copies of the President's Proclamation be printed, at these headquarters, to supply whatever demand there may be for the same, coming from each and every company in the command; and all officers and men are desired to use every opportunity which properly presents itself, to distribute them in the interior of the State.
It is further ordered that all persons, now or hereafter within the lines, who have ever claimed to be citizens of the United States, or of the so-called confederate States, or who have aided or comforted the rebels in their hostility against the United States, and who have not, since the commencement of the rebellion, taken an oath renewing their allegiance to the United States, may have the opportunity of enjoying the full benefits of the said proclamation, by voluntarily taking the oath therein contained.
The provost-marshal is required to take a census of the population now within the line, in order that such persons as may not wish to enjoy the benefits of the proclamation, may be known, and be assigned a convenient place of residence where they will not have opportunity to do injury to the cause for which we fight.
He will proceed, in the most thorough manner possible, and will give public notice of his orders and regulations to consummate the end in view, and will report, on the tenth day of February, proximo, the list of those persons who refuse the benefits of the proclamation.
By order of 