over-run by rebels and guerillas during the past year. Even Roanoke Island was seriously threatened for a few days, when the Ram Albermarle seemed about to take possession of the Sounds.
I went North in June, 1863, under orders from Gen. Foster, to procure materials and implements with which to furnish the projected colony with an outfit, and in a few weeks raised in New England and New York between eight and nine thousand dollars. It was most cheerfully given, and the donations were accompanied with many expressions of good-will towards the work, and of hearty interest in the colored people. Especially did the Freedmen's Associations at Boston and New York render efficient aid.
While this work of soliciting funds was in progress at the North, Gen. E. A. Wild received orders from Gen. Foster, to take possession of, and assign to the negroes, the unoccupied and unimproved lands of the island, laying them out in suitable lots for families. He sent thither Serj't George O. Sanderson (late of the 43d Mass. Reg't) as Assistant Superintendent, who made the preliminary surveys, and opened the first broad avenue of the new African town. Mr. Sanderson remained at this post until October, 1864, when he received a Lieutenant's commission in a regiment of colored troops, and went to the front.
I returned from the North in July, 1863, accompanied by female teachers, and furnished with large supplies, to find that Gen. Wild had been ordered, with his negro troops, to Charleston, S. C. He left New Berne on the 30th of July, with his brigade of 2,154 men—and among them, the flower of Roanoke Island—bearing the beautiful banner of the Republic which had been presented by the colored ladies of New Berne to the First North Carolina Regiment, Col. James C. Beecher.
Gen. Wild being no longer able to act in North Corolina, Maj. Gen. J.J. Peck, at the suggestion of Gen. Foster, issued the following order, devolving upon me the duty of superintending the organization of Roanoke Island, and conferring more ample powers.
