unless military officers and soldiers detailed for
duty, will be permitted to reside; and the sole and
exclusive management of affairs will be left to the
freed people themselves, subject only to the
United States military authority and the acts
of Congress. By the laws of war and orders of the President of the United States the
Negro is free, and must be dealt with as such.
He cannot be subjected to conscription
or forced military service, save by the written
orders of the highest military authority of the
department, under such regulations as the President
or Congress may prescribe. Domestic
servants, blacksmiths, carpenters, and other
mechanics, will be free to select their own work
and residence, but the young and able-bodied
Negroes must be encouraged to enlist as soldiers
in the service of the United States, to contribute their share towards maintaining their own freedom, and securing their rights as citizens of the United States.
“Whenever three respectable Negroes, heads of families shall desire to settle on lands, and shall have selected for that purpose an island or a locality clearly defined, within the limits above designated, the Inspector of Settlements and Plantations will himself, or by such subordinate officer as he may appoint, give them a license to
