Negro enlistments in Kentucky.
The subjoined orders, relative to the enlistment of negroes in Kentucky, develop the policy pursued by the Yankee Government towards the people of that State. The main point is that an owner of slaves is deprived of all control over them; in other words, if a negro goes to the Federal authorities and says "I am willing to enlist, but my master objects," the master may be arrested, thrown into prison, and subjected to such other punishment as the "powers that be" may direct. The wonder is that the people of a sovereign State can tamely submit to such an usurpation of their rights; but, perhaps, like the ancient eels, they have "got used to skinning," and now scarcely wince under the operation:"Provost-Marshal's Office,
"Ninth District of Kentucky,
"Greensburg, Kentucky, May 17, 1864
"The following is a copy of a letter received to-day at this office, from headquarters Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal-General, Louisville, Kentucky, dated May 13th, 1864, which is published for the information of all concerned:
"Captain: The orders this day received by telegraph from Brigadier-general Burbridge, herein quoted, will be complied with by provost-marshals and other officers engaged in making enlistments.
The order is as follows:
" 'Please direct all your provost-marshals to receive all negroes who may offer themselves, regardless of the wishes of the owners. * * * Any person who interferes with the enlistments will be promptly arrested.
"General Burbridge telegraphs further as follows, and his advice will be confirmed and accepted: " 'Advise that the provost-marshals of the different districts be instructed to arrest any person interfering in any way with the drafting or enlistment of negroes.
"Report each case of arrest for this cause without delay to General Burbridge, and ask what disposition to make of the arrested person.
By order
"George M. Lane,
"Captain V. R. C. and Adjutant.
"Captain W. C. Grier, Provost-Marshal Ninth District."
"George M. Lane,
"Captain V. R. C. and Adjutant.
"Captain W. C. Grier, Provost-Marshal Ninth District."
Captain Grier issues his orders accordingly to all deputies and agents under him to enforce these orders "promptly," and to be "industrious in procuring recruits. "
