--The telegraphic report from
Jackson, Miss., in regard to the number of persons in New Orleans; who have ‘"taken the oath as enemies of the
United States,"’ may need a little explanation to make it intelligible.
It will be remembered that some time ago
Butler issued an order requiring all persons in the city above the age of eighteen years to report themselves to the
Yankee officers of his appointment, and to register their names in a book prepared for the purpose, together with a list of all real and personal property.
Those who acknowledged their allegiance to the
Yankee Government and took the oath to support it, were to be regarded as repentant rebels for whose pardon an effort was to be made.
Those who were still determined to adhere to the
Government of their choice, were to be regarded as altogether beyond the reach of mercy, and they are to have their names registered as the ‘"enemies of the
United States."’ Their property was to be confiscated, and they themselves, are to be declared liable to imprisonment.
It appears according to this report that something like ten thousand have had the moral courage to adhere to their convictions, and to take the risk of imprisonment and confiscation of property.
