April 13, 1862
On April 13, 1862, Major General David Hunter issued General Orders, No. 7 (Department of the South) freeing the people formerly held in slavery at Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Georgia.
General Orders, No. 7
Hdqrs. Dept. of the South
Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island, Ga.,
April 13, 1862
All persons of color lately held to involuntary service by enemies of the United States in Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Georgia are hereby confiscated and declared free, in conformity with law, and shall hereafter receive the fruits of their own labor. Such of said persons of color as are able-bodied and may be required shall be employed in the quartermaster's department at the rates heretofore established by Brig. T. W. Sherman.
By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter:
CHAS. G. HALPINE
Assistant Adjutant-General
