It is possible that you have not been aware of this Union general and his close connections to Abraham Lincoln and his infamous untrue proclamation makes him one of Savannah’s most famous people. In 1861 General David Hunter’s relationship with Abraham Lincoln began by sharing his strong anti-slavery beliefs. Then, he went on to travel on Lincoln’s initial train that ran from Illinois through D.C. in 1861, and in the year 1862, Hunter is in Hilton Head ready to take back Fort Pulaski.
A dedicated advocate for black soldiers in the Union cause, Hunter issued Order No. 11 as the Commander for the Department of the South. This led to the emancipation of slaves in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. In a bid to avoid the political consequences, Lincoln rescinded the order, and Hunter was arrested by authorities of the Confederate armies. Naturally, Lincoln would announce his famous Emancipation Proclamation in September of the same year. Later on, in his life, they came together again. However, this time it was due to tragedy. Hunter was commander of the commission which was attempting to find the people who were involved in Lincoln’s assassination
