February 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
MOBILE, February 10. – The New Orleans Delta, of January 28th, has been received here. It contains, under the head of general orders, a Proclamation of the President of the United States, dated January 1st, 1861, for the information and government of the officers and soldiers of the officers and soldiers of the command, and all persons acting under their authority. The proclamation is intended to carry into effect the emancipation scheme, and provides that [illegible] who leave their employers will be compelled to support themselves and families by labor upon the public works. To secure the objects both of capital and labor, the Sequestration Commissioner is authorized and directed, upon conference with planters and other parties, to propose and establish a yearly system of negro labor, and when accepted by the planter or other parties, faithful service and subordination shall be enforced on the part of the negro by the officers of the Government. The Quartermaster’s Department is charged with the duty of harvesting the corn on deserted fields, and cultivating abandoned estates. Unemployed negros will be engaged in this service. By order of Major-General BANKS.