It will also be taken into account that the colored soldiers have none of the machinery of “State aid†for the support of their families while fighting our battles, so liberally provided for the white soldiers, nor the generous bounties given by the State and National Governments in the loyal States – although this last is far more than compensates to the black man by the great boon awarded to him, the result of the war – Freedom for himself and his race forever! To do this effectually, the former condition of the blacks, their change of relation the new rights acquired by them the new obligations imposed upon them the great stake they have in the war and the claims their ignorance and the helplessness of their women and children, make upon each of us, who hold a higher grade in social and political life must all be carefully considered. It is therefore the duty of every officer and soldier to aid in carrying out that purpose, by every proper means, irrespective of personal predilections. The recruitment of colored troops has become the settled purpose of the Government. This order laid out that “the recruitment of colored troops become the settled purpose of the Government.†The order went on to explain different aspects of the policy and how the colored troops would be handled. Due to the influx of freedpeople into the coastal area, the Union army had to set a policy regarding these people, specifically on whether or not they could fight in the Union army. As of result of the Proclamation and the close vicinity of the Union army, many freed people sought freedom by coming into the Union lines. Furthermore, on January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation making all the slaves in North Carolina free. This occupation made the dream of freedom very much a reality for many North Carolina slaves that saw protection right over the Union lines. After taking several major forts and cities, the Union army began occupation of eastern North Carolina. 46 by General Butler of the Union army in December of 1863.
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