Proclamation of the Governor of South Carolina.
Governor Magrath, of South Carolina, has issued the following proclamation to the people of that State, in view of the coming invasion of Sherman: Headquarters, Charleston, December 29, 1864.
Special Orders.
The Legislature of South Carolina has declared that all free white men between the ages of sixteen and sixty years, not already in the Confederate service, shall be liable to militia service.
The city of Charleston requires for its defence all within its limits who are between these ages.
This service is for the defence of our homes.
It cannot be declined except by those who are unwilling to defend that State whose laws protect them; that city by which they are sheltered.
All will come forth; all must come forth.
The free proffer of service is what the State desires.
The service not proffered will be demanded.
Officers charged with the organization of this force will, as much as possible, reconcile the service with the employments in business or labor of those who are ready to perform it. They who promptly respond to the call of the State are entitled to, and will receive from it, a careful consideration of all that affects their welfare.
Vacancies in all organizations in the city of Charleston will be filled without delay by appointment.
The most active means adopted to complete all enrollments and perfect every organization.
Arrest and punishment, as provided by law, will be only resorted to when indispensably necessary.
It is hoped that in no case will it be necessary to resort to either.
The enrollment and organization of regiments, battalions or independent companies will be reported to the adjutant and inspector general.
Officers will exercise all the authority with which they are invested to maintain the respect due to the law of the State which requires for its defence the service of those who live within its limits and under its protection.
In this service there are no exemptions; none can be allowed except under special circumstances.
Certificates of disability, or other causes, in consequence of which exemptions have been hitherto granted, will not be regarded unless renewed.
Exemption from this service is what no one will ask who is true to the State.
If there are any not true to our State, they have no proper place among those who now prepare for its defence. A. G. Agrath. 