saint—if there be any of the latter here—have received visits from the Parrott projectiles, and keenly felt the justice of the visitation.” February 19th, Charleston was placed under martial law. Some of the regulations had a peculiar interest in the reference made to _colored_ officers; a condition of things in that most _southern_ of the cities of the South, in its love of the “peculiar institution,” the wildest reformer did not dream of four years ago. General Sherman disdained the display of success on entry into South Carolina, and remained on the hostile territory surrounded with mystery, caring only, in his own language, to do “a man’s share” in suppressing the frightful revolt. On February 19th, he was at Winsboro, thirty miles north of Columbia, on the railroad leading to Charlotte. The first telegram from him was dated at Laurel Hill, North Carolina, March 8th, saying: “We are all well, and have done finely.” [Illustration: MAP OF CAROLINAS] CHAPTER XXV. Wilmington—Peace Commissioners—General Sherman’s Statesmanship— His Characteristics—Interesting Recollections of General Sherman—His pure Character. THE able General Schofield has been successful in the Department of North Carolina. Wilmington was compelled to strike the Confederate flag, and “Cavalry Sheridan” sent Early’s troops “whirling” from his path whenever they measured swords on the battle-field. With light spreading toward the zenith from every part of the horizon of our land, the first spring month is passing away. The rebellion grows weak and furious, hastening to the overthrow for which all true freemen have prayed, and which despots great and small have only feared. While General Sherman was on his way to Richmond, piercing the Carolinas with his lines of march and driving the rebel armies from his path, two important events transpired outside of martial movements. One was the sending of “peace commissioners” from Richmond, early in February, who were met near General Grant’s headquarters by the President and Secretary Seward, and whose conference left the question of peace where it was before, in the hands of Generals Grant and Sherman. The other memorable event was the passage of the Constitutional Amendment by Congress, forbidding, after its approval by three-fourths of the States, involuntary servitude, excepting for crime, throughout the land. It was an occasion of intense interest in the national Capitol, followed by similar scenes in the loyal North, giving to the celebration of Washington’s Birth Day an importance in connection with the recent victories which was never known before, nor is it likely to have again.