EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 CORRESPOlSrDElSrCE 
 
 AND OTHER 
 
 PAPERS, 
 
 RKL.\TIXG TO 
 
 FORT SUMTER. 
 
 C n AK L HSTON: 
 
 S T K A H - I' O W K. R P l{ i; S S B S OF EVANS A i' <> ri S W K I. I., 
 No. :j Broad and 103 Ea-st Bay Street. 
 
EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 C O REE S P O ISTD EIST C E 
 
 AND OTHER 
 
 PAPERS, 
 
 RELATIXG TO 
 
 FORT SUMTER. 
 
 CHARLESTON: 
 
 STKAU-POWBR PRESSES OP EVANS i. COGSWHLt,, 
 No. 3 Broad and 103 East Bay Street. 
 
 1861 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2010 with funding from 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/correspondenceotOOsout 
 

 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 No. 1. 
 [major ani>p:rson to toe governor.] 
 
 To His Excellency, the Governor of South Carolina : 
 
 Sir : Two of your batteries fired this morning upon an 
 unarmed vessel bearing the flag of my Government. As I have 
 not been notified that war has been decLared by South Carolina 
 against the Government of the United States, I cannot but 
 think that this hostile act Avas committed without 3'our sanc- 
 tion or authority. Under that hope, and that alone, did 1 
 ref^-ain from opening fire upon your batteries. 
 
 I have the honor, therefore, respectfully to ask whether the 
 above-mentioned act — one I believe without a parallel in the 
 history of our country, or of anj" other civilized Government — 
 was committed in obedience to your instructions, and to notify 
 you if it be not disclaimed, that I must regard it as an act of 
 war, and that I shall not, after a reasonable time for the return 
 of my messenger, permit any vessels to pass within range of 
 the guns of my Fort. 
 
 In order to save as far as in ray power the shedding of blood, 
 I beg that you will liave due notification of this ray decision, 
 given to all concerned. 
 
 Hoping, however, that your answer may be such as will jus- 
 tify a further continuance of forbearance on my i)art, I have 
 the honor to be. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed) EOBEET ANDERSON, 
 
 Major 1st Artillerj^ U. S. A., Commanding. 
 
 Fort Sumter, *S. C, January 9, 1861. 
 
4 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 [the governor to major ANDERSON.] 
 
 State of South Carolina. 
 Executive Office, Head Quarters, 
 Charleston^ 9 Jcniuary, 18G1. 
 
 Sir : Your letter has been reeeivqd. In it you make certain 
 statements which very plainly show that you have not been 
 fully informed by your Government, of the j^recise relations 
 which now exist between it and the State of South Carolina. 
 Official information has been communicated to the Government 
 of the United States that the political connection, heretofore 
 existing between the State of South Carolina and the States 
 which were known as the United States, had ceased ; and that 
 the State of South Carolina had resumed all the power it had 
 delegated to the United States under the compact known as 
 the Constitution of the United States. The right which the 
 State of South Carolina possessed to change the political rela- 
 tions it held with other States, under the Constitution of the 
 United States, has been solemnly asserted by the people of this 
 State, in Convention, and now does not admit of discussion. 
 
 In anticijDation of the Ordinance of Secession, of which the 
 President of the United States had received official notiiication, 
 it was understood by him, that sending any reinforcements of 
 the trooj)s of the United States in the harbor of Charleston, 
 would bo regarded by the constituted authorities of the State 
 of South Carolina as an act of hostility ; and at the same time 
 it was understood by him, that an}' change in the occupation of 
 the forts in the harbor of Cluu'leston would, in like manner, be 
 regarded as an act of hostilit}'. Either or both of these events 
 occurring during the period in which the State of South Caro- 
 lina constituted a part of the United States, was then distinctly 
 notified to the President of the United States as an act or acts 
 of hostility; because either or both would be regarded and could 
 only be intended to dispute the right of the State of South 
 Carolina to that political Independence which she has always 
 asserted and will always maintain. 
 
 Whatever would have been during the continuance of this 
 State, while a member of the United States, an act of hostility; 
 
became much more so, -vvhcn the State of South Carolina had 
 dissolved its connection with tlie Government of the United 
 States. 
 
 After the secession of the State of South Carolina, Fort 
 Sumter continued in the possession of troops of the United 
 States. How that foi't is at this time in the possession of the 
 troops of the United States, is not now necessar}- to discuss. 
 It will suffice to say that the occupanc}^ of that fort has been 
 regarded by the State of South Carolina as the first act of 
 positive hostility committed by the troops of the United States 
 witliin the limits of this State; and was in this light regarded 
 as so unequivocal, that it occasioned the termiiuition of the ne- 
 gotiations, then pontling at Washington; between the Commis- 
 sioners of the State of South Carolina and the President of the 
 United States. 
 
 The attempt to reinforce the troops now at Fort Sumter, or 
 to retake and resume possession of the forts within the Avaters 
 of this State, which you have abandoned, after sj)iking the 
 guns placed there, and doing otherwise much damage, cannot 
 be regai'dcd by the authorities of this State as indicative of any 
 other purpose than the coercion of the State by the armed force 
 of the Government. To repel such an attempt is too plainly 
 its duty, to allow it to be discussed. But, while defending its 
 waters, the authorities of the State have been careful so to con- 
 duct the affairs of the State that no act, however necessary for 
 its defence, should lead to an useless waste of life. Special 
 agents, therefore, have been off the bar, to warn all appi-oach- 
 ing vessels, if armed; or unarmed and having ti'oops to reinforce 
 the forts on board ; not to enter the harbor of Charleston ; and 
 special orders have been given to the commanders of all the 
 forts and batteries, not to fire at such vessels, until a shot fired 
 across their bows would warn them of the prohibition of the 
 State. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the Star of the West, it is under- 
 stood, this morning attempted to enter this harbor, with troops 
 on board ; and having been notified that she could not enter, 
 was fired into. The act is perfectl}' justified by me. 
 
 In regard to your threat in regard to vessels in the harbor, it 
 is only necessary to say, that 3'ou must judge of your responsi- 
 bilities. Your position in this harbor has been tolerated by the 
 authorities of the State. And while the act of which 3'ou com- 
 
6 
 
 plain is in perfect consistency with the ri^rhts and duties of the 
 State, it is not perceived how far the conduct which you pro- 
 pose to adopt, can find a parallel in the historj' of any country; 
 or be reconciled with any other purpose of your Government, 
 than that of imposing upon this State the condition of a con- 
 quei-ed province. 
 
 (Signed) F. W. PICKENS. 
 
 To Major Eobert Anderson, 
 
 Commanding Fort Sumter. 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 [major ANDERSON TO THE GOVERNOR.] 
 
 Head Quarters, Fort Sumter, S. C, 
 
 January 9, 1861. 
 To his Excellency, F. W. Pickens, 
 
 Governor of the State of South Carolina : 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 communication of to-day, and to say that, under the circum- 
 stances, I have deemed it proper to refer the whole matter to 
 my Government ; and that I intend deferring the course indi- 
 cated in my note of this morning until the arrival from Wash, 
 ington of the instructions I may receive. I have the honor 
 also to express a hope that no obstructions will be placed in 
 the way of, and that you will do me the favor to afford every 
 facility to, the departure and return of the bearer, Lieut. T. 
 Talbot, U. S. Army, who has been directed to make the journey. 
 I have the honor to be. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 (Signed) EOBEET ANDERSON, 
 
 Major U. S. Army, Commanding. 
 
7 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 [the governor to major ANDERSON.] 
 
 State of South Carolina, 
 Executive Office, Charleston, 
 ll^A January, 1861. 
 To Major Eobert Anderson, 
 
 Commanding Fort Sumter : 
 Sir : I have tlionght proper, under all the circumstances of 
 the peculiar state of public affairs in the countrj- at present, to 
 appoint the Hon. A. Gr. Magrath and Gen. D. F. Jamieson, both 
 members of the Executive Council, and of the highest position 
 in the State, to present to you considerations of the gravest 
 public character; and of the deepest interest to all who depre- 
 cate the improper waste of life ; to induce the delivery of Fort 
 Sumter to the constituted authorities of the State of South 
 Carolina, with a pledge, on its part, to account for such public 
 property as is under your charge. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) F. W. PICKENS. 
 
 No. 5. 
 
 [major ANDERSON TO THE GOVERNOR.] 
 
 Head Quarters, Fort Sumter, S. C, 
 January 11, 1861. 
 To His Excellency, F. W. Pickens, 
 
 Governor of /South Carolina : 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 demand for the surrender of this fort to the authorities of South 
 Carolina, and to say, iu reply, that the demand is one with 
 which I cannot comply. Your Excellency knows that I have 
 recently sent a messenger to Washington, and that it will be 
 impossible for me to receive an answer to my dispatches, for- 
 warded by him, at an earlier date than next Monday. What 
 the character of my instructions may be, I cannot foresee. 
 
8 
 
 Should jour Excellency deem fit, prior to a resort to arois, 
 to refer this matter to Washington, it would afford me the 
 sincerest pleasure to depute one of my officers to accompany 
 any messenger you may deem proper to be the bearer of j^our 
 demand. 
 
 Hoj)ing to God that in this, and all other matters in which 
 the honor, welfare and lives of our fellow countrymen are con- 
 cerned, we shall so act as to meet His approval ; and, deeply 
 regretting that you have made a demand of me with which I 
 cannot comply, 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 With the highest regard, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 EGBERT ANDERSON, 
 Major U. S. Army, Commanding. 
 
 No. 6. 
 
 [the governor to the president of the united states.] 
 
 State of South Carolina, 
 Executive Office, Head-Quarters, 
 Charleston, January 11, 1861. 
 
 Sir : At the time of the separation of the State of South 
 Carolina from the United States, Fort Sumter was, and still is, 
 in the possession' of troops of the United States, under the 
 command of Major Anderson. I regard that possession as 
 not consistent with the dignity or safety of the State of South 
 Carolina; and I have this day addressed to Major Anderson a 
 communication to obtain from him the possession of that Fort, 
 by the authorities of this State. The reply of Major Anderson 
 informs me that he has no authority to do what I required ; 
 but he desires a reference of the demand to the President of 
 the United States. 
 
 Under the circumstances now existing, and which need no 
 comment by me, I have determined to send to you the Hon. 
 I. W. Ilayne, the Attorney G-eneral of the State of South Car- 
 olina, .and have instructed him to demand the delivery of Fort 
 Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, to the constituted authori- 
 .ties of the State of South Carolina. 
 
The demand I have made of Major Anderson, and which I 
 now make of you, is suggested because of my earnest desire to 
 avoid the bloodshed which a persistence in your attempt to 
 retain the possession of that Fort will cause; and which will be 
 unavailing to secure you that possession, but induce a calamity 
 most deeply to be deplored. 
 
 If consequences so unhapp}' shall ensue, I will secure for this 
 State, in the demand which I now make, the satisfaction of 
 having exhausted every attempt to avoid it. 
 
 In relation to the public property of the United States 
 within Fort Sumter, the Hon. I. W. llayne, who will hand j'ou 
 this communication, is authorized to give you the pledge of the 
 State that the valuation of such property will be accounted 
 for, by this State, upon the adjustment of its relations with the 
 United States, of which it was a part. 
 
 (Signed) F. W. PICKENS. 
 
 To the President 
 
 of the United States. 
 
 No. 7 
 
 [instructions from the state department of the executive 
 
 office to non. i. w. hayne.] 
 
 State of South Carolina, 
 Executive Office, State Department. 
 Charleston, January 12, 1861. 
 
 Sir: The Governor has considered it proper, in view of the 
 grave questions which now affect the State of South Carolina 
 and the United States, to make a demand upon the President of 
 the United States, for the delivery to the State of South Caro- 
 lina of Fort Sumter, now within the territorial limits of this 
 State, and occupied by troops of the United States. 
 
 The Convention of the People of South Carolina authorized 
 and empowered its Commissioners to enter into negotiations 
 with the Government of the United States, for the delivery of 
 forts, magazines, light houses, and other real estate within the 
 limits of South Carolina. 
 
 The circumstances which caused the interruption of that 
 negotiation are known to you : with the formal notification of 
 
10 
 
 its cessation, was the urgent expression of the necessity for the 
 -withdrawal of the troops of the United States from the harbor 
 of Charleston. 
 
 The interruption of these negotiations left all matters con- 
 nected with Fort Sumter and troops of the United States 
 within the limits of this State, affected by the fact; that the 
 continued possession of the Fort was not consistent with the 
 dignity or safety of the State ; and that an attempt to rein- 
 force the troops at that fort would not be allowed. This, 
 therefore, became a state of hostilitj-j in consequence of which 
 the State of South Carolina was placed in a condition of de- 
 fence. During the preparation for this purpose, an attempt 
 was made to reinforce Fort Sumter, and repelled. 
 
 You are now instructed to proceed to Washington, and there, 
 in the name of the Government of the State of South Carolina, 
 enquire of the President of th- United States, whether it was 
 by his order that troops of the United States were sent into 
 the harbor of Charleston to reinforce Fort Sumter; if he avows 
 that order, you will then enquire, whether he asserts a right to 
 introduce troops of the United States within the limits of this 
 State, to occupy Fort Sumter : and you will, in ease of his 
 avowal, inform him that neither will be permitted; and either 
 will be regarded as his declaration of war against the State of 
 South Carolina. 
 
 The Governor, to save life, and determined to omit no course 
 of proceeding usual among civilized nations, previous to that 
 condition of general hostilities which belongs to war; and not 
 knowing under what order, or by Avhat authority. Fort Sumter 
 is now held ; demanded fi-om Major Eobert Anderson, now in 
 command of that fort, its delivery to the State. That officer, 
 in his reply, has referred the Governor to the Government of 
 the United States at Washington. You will, therefore, demand 
 from the President of the United States the withdrawal of the 
 troops of the United States from that fort, and its delivery to 
 the State of South Carolina. 
 
 You are instructed not to alloAV any question of property 
 claimed by the United States to embarrass the assertion of the 
 political right of the State of South Carolina to the possession of 
 Fort Sumter. The possession of that fort by the State is alone 
 consistent with the dignity and safety of the State of South 
 Carolina : but such possession is not inconsistent with a right 
 
11 
 
 to compensation in money in another Government, if it has 
 against the State of South Carolina any just chiim connected 
 with that fort. But the possession of the fort cannot, in regard 
 to the State of South Carolina, be compensated by any consid- 
 eration of any kind from the Government of the United States, 
 when the possession of it by the Government is invasive of the 
 dignity and affects the safety of the State. That possession 
 cannot become now a matter of discussion or negotiation. You 
 will, therefore, require from the President of the United States 
 a positive and distinct answer to your demand for the delivery 
 of the fort. And you are further authorized, to give the pledge 
 of the State to adjust all matters which may be, and are in 
 their nature, susceptible of valuation in mone}'; in the manner 
 most usual, and upon the principles of equity and justjce 
 always recognized by independent nations, for the ascertain- 
 ment of their relative rights and obligations in such matters. 
 You are further instructed to say to the President of the 
 United States, that the Governor regards the attempt of the 
 President of the United States, if avowed, to continue the pos- 
 session of Fort Sumter; as inevitably leading to a bloody issue, 
 a question which, in the judgment of the Governor, can have 
 but one conclusion; reconcilable with a due regard to the State 
 of South Carolina, the welfai'c of the other States which now 
 constitute the United States, and that humanity which teaches 
 all men, but particularly those, who in authority control the 
 lives of others; to regai'd a resort to arms, as the last which 
 should be considered. To shed their blood in defence of their 
 rights is a dutj", which the citizens of the State of South Caro- 
 lina fully recognize. And in such a cause, the Governor, while 
 deploring the stern necessity which may compel him to call for 
 the sacrifice; will feel that his obligation to preserve inviolate 
 the sacred rights of the State of South Carolina, justify the 
 sacrifice necessary to secure that end. The Governor does not 
 desire to remind the President of the responsibilities which are 
 upon him. 
 
 Respectfully, 3-our obedient servant, 
 
 A. G. MAGRATH. 
 To Hon. I. W. IIayne, 
 
 Special Envoy from the State of South Carolina 
 
 to the President of the United States. 
 
12 
 
 No. 8. 
 
 [letter of senators of seceding states to HON. I. W. HAYNE.] 
 
 "Washington City, January 15th, 18G1. 
 Ilon. Isaac W. Hayne : 
 
 Sir : Wc are apprised that you visit Washington, as an 
 Envoy from the State of South Carolina, bearing a communi- 
 cation from the Governor of j^our State to the President of the 
 United States, in rehxtion to Fort Sumter. Without knowing 
 its contents, we ventui*e to request you to defer its delivery to 
 the President for a few days, or until you and he have consid- 
 ered the suggestions which we beg leave to submit. 
 
 We know that the possession of Fort Sumter by troops of 
 the United States, coupled with the circumstances under which 
 it was taken, is the chief, if not only, source of difficulty be- 
 tween the Government of South Carolina and that of the 
 United States. We would add, that we, too, think it a just 
 cause of irritation and of apprehension on the part of your 
 State. But we have also assurances, notwithstanding the cir- 
 cumstances under which Major Anderson left Fort Moultrie 
 and entered Fort Sumter with the forces under his command; 
 that it was not taken, and is not held, with any hostile or un- 
 friendly purpose towards your State; but merely as property of 
 the United States, which the President deems it his duty to 
 protect and preserve. 
 
 We will not discuss the question of right or duty on the part 
 of either Government touching that property, or the late acts 
 of either in relation thereto ; but we think that, without any 
 compromise of right or breach of duty on either side, an ami- 
 cable adjustment of the matter of difterences may and should 
 be adopted. We desire to see such an adjustment, and to pre- 
 vent war or the shedding of blood. We represent States which 
 have already seceded from the United States, or will have done 
 so before the first of February next, and which will meet your 
 State in Convention on or before the fifteenth of that month. 
 Our people feel that they have a common destiny with your 
 people, and expect to form with them, in that Convention, a 
 new Confederation and Provisional Government. We must 
 and will share your fortunes, suffering wdth you the evils of 
 
13 
 
 war, if it cannot be avoided ; and enjoying with you the bless- 
 ings of peace, if it can be preserved. We, therefore, think it 
 esjDecially due from South Carolina to our States — to say noth- 
 ing of other slaveholding States — that she should, as far as she 
 can consistently with her honor, avoid initiating hostilities 
 between her and the United States or any other Power. We 
 have the public declaration of the President, that he has not 
 the constitutional power or the will to make war on South 
 Carolina, and that the public peace shall not be disturbed by 
 any act of hostility towards j'our State. 
 
 We, therefore, see no reason why there may not be a settle- 
 ment of existing difficulties, if time be given for calm and 
 deliberate counsel with those States Avhich are equally involved 
 with South Carolina. We, therefore, trust that an arrange- 
 ment will be agreed on between you and the President, at least 
 till the rifteenth February uextj b}^ which time your and our 
 States may, in Convention, devise a wise, just and peaceable 
 solution of existing difficulties. 
 
 In the meantime, we think your State should suffer Major 
 Anderson to obtain neccssaiy supplies of food, fuel or water, 
 and enjoy free communication, by post or special messenger, 
 with the President; upon the understanding that the President 
 will not send him reinforcements during the same period. We 
 propose to submit this proposition and your answer to the 
 President. 
 
 If not clothed with power to make such arrangement, then 
 we trust that. you will submit our suggestions to the Governor 
 of 3^our State for his instructions. Until you have received 
 and communicated his response to the President, of course 
 your State will not attack Fort Sumter, and the President will 
 not offer to reinforce it. _. 
 
 We most respectfully submit therfc propositions, in the earnest 
 hope that you, or the proper authority of your State, may accede 
 
 to them. 
 
 We have the honor to be. 
 
 With profound esteem, 
 
 Your obedient servants, 
 Louis T. Wigfall, C. C. Clay, Jr. 
 
 John Hkmphill, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, 
 
 d. l. yulee, a. iverson, 
 
 S. R. Mallory, John Slidell, 
 
 Jefferson Davis, J. P. Benjamin. 
 
14 
 
 No. 9. 
 
 [letter OF UON. I. M-. UAYNE IN RErLY TO SENATORS FROM SECED- 
 ING STATES.] 
 
 Washington, January, 1861. 
 
 Gentlemen : I have just received j'Oiir communication, dated 
 the 15th instant. You represent, you say, States which have 
 already seceded from the United States, or icill have done so 
 before the 1st of February next, and which will meet South 
 Carolina in Convention, on or before the loth of that month : 
 that your people feel they have a common destiny with 
 our people, and expect to form with them in that Conven- 
 tion a new Confederacy and Provisional Government: that you 
 must, and will share our fortunes, suflFering with us the evils of 
 war, if it cannot be avoided, and enjoying with us the blessings 
 of peace, if it can be preserved. 
 
 I feel, gentlemen, the force of this appeal, and, so far as my 
 authority extends, most cheerfully comply with your request. 
 
 I am not clothed with power to make the arrangements you 
 suggest, but provided j^ou can get assurances, with which j^ou 
 are entirely satisfied, that no reinforcements will be sent to 
 Fort Sumter in the interval, and that public peace shall not be 
 disturbed by any act of hostility towards South Carolina, I 
 will i*efer your communication to the authorities of South Car- 
 olina, and withholding their communication, with which I am 
 at present charged, will await for their instructions. 
 
 Major Anderson, and his command, let me assure j'ou, do 
 now obtain all necessary supplies of food, (including fresh meat 
 and vegetables,) and, I believe, fuel and water; and do now 
 enjoy free communication by post, and special messengers with 
 the President, and will continue to do so, certainly, until the 
 door of negotiation shall be closed. 
 
 If your projoosition is acceded to, you may assure the Presi- 
 dent that no attack will be made on Fort Snmter, until a 
 response from the Governor of South Carolina has been received 
 by me, and communicated to him. 
 
 With great consideration and profound esteem, 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed) ISAAC W. HAYNE, 
 
 Envoy from the Governor and Council of South Carolina. 
 
15 
 
 No. 10. 
 [letter of senators of seceding states to the president.] 
 
 Senate Chamber, 
 
 January 11, 1861. 
 Sir : "We have been requested to present to you copies of a 
 correspondence between certain Senators of the United States 
 and Col Isaac W. llayne, now in this city, in behalf of the 
 Government of South Carolina; and to ask that you will take 
 into consideration the subject of said correspondence. 
 Yerj respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servants, 
 (Signed) BEN. FITZPATKICK. 
 
 S. R. MALLOEY. 
 JOHN SLIDELL. 
 To His Excellency James Buchanan, 
 
 President United States. • 
 
 No. 11. 
 
 [letter of the president, through the HON. J. HOLT, SECRETARY 
 
 of avar, ad interim, to the senators of the seceding states.] 
 
 War Department, 
 January 22, 1861. 
 To the Hon. Benjamin Fitzpatrick, S. R. Mallory, and John 
 Slidell : 
 
 GrENTLEMEN : The President has received your communica- 
 tion of the 19th instant, with the copy of a correspondence be- 
 tween j^ourselves and others, " representing States which have 
 already seceded from the United States, or will have done so 
 before the 1st of February next," and Col. Isaac "W". Hayne, of 
 South Carolina, in behalf of the Government of that State, in 
 relation to Fort Sumter; and you ask the President to "take 
 into consideration the subject of that correspondence." "With 
 this request he has comjjlied, and has directed me to communi- 
 cate his answer. 
 
 In your letter to Col. Hayne, of the 15th inst., j-ou propose 
 
16 
 
 to him to defer the delivery of a mossaa;e from the Governor of 
 South Carolina to the President, with whieh he has been en- 
 trusteil, for a few days, or until the President and Col. Hayne 
 shall have eonsidcred the sn<ji;<jjestions which you submit. It is 
 unucjessary to refer specially to these suggestions, because the 
 letter addressed to you by Col. Hayne, of the 17th instant, 
 presents a clear and specific answer to them. In this he says : 
 '' I am not clothed with power to make the arrangement you 
 suggest ; but provided you can get assurances, with which you 
 are entirely satisfied, that no reinforcements will be sent to 
 Fort Sumter, in the interval, and that the public peace will not 
 be disturbed by any act of hostility towards South Carolina, I 
 will refer jonr communication to the authorities of South Caro- 
 lina, and, withholding the communication with which I am 
 at present charged, will await further instructions." 
 
 From the beginning of the present unhappy troubles, the 
 President has endeavored to perform his executive duties in 
 such a manner as to preserve the peace of the country, and to 
 prevent bloodshed. This is still his fixed purpose. You, 
 therefore, do him no more than justice in stating that you 
 have assurances, (from his public messages, I presume,) that, 
 "notwithstanding the circumstances under which Major Ander- 
 son left Fort Moultrie, and entered Fort Sumter with the forces 
 under his command, it was not taken, and is not held with any 
 hostile or unfriendly purpose towards your State, but merely 
 as pi'operty of the United States, which the President deems it 
 his duty to protect and preserve," you have cori-ectly stated 
 ■what the President deems to be his duty. His sole object now 
 is, and has been, to act strictly on the defensive, and to author- 
 ize no movement against the people of South Carolina, unless 
 clearly justified by a hostile movement on their part. He could 
 not have given a better proof of his desire to prevent the effu- 
 sion of blood, than by forbearing to resort to the use of force, 
 under the strong provocation of an attack, (happily without a 
 fatal result,) on an unarmed vessel bearing the flag of the 
 United States. 
 
 I am happy to observe that, in your letter to Col. Hayne, you 
 express the opinion, that it is " especially due from South Caro- 
 lina to our States, to say nothing of other slaveholding States, 
 that she should, as far as she can consistently with her honor, 
 avoid initiating hostilities between her and the United States, 
 
or any other power." To initiate such hostilities against Fort 
 Sumter, would, heyond question, be an act of war against the 
 United States. 
 
 In regard to the proposition of Col. Ilayne, " that no re- 
 inforcements Avill be sent to Fort Sumter, in the interval, and 
 that the public peace will not be disturbed by an,y act of hos- 
 tility towards South Carolina," it is impossible for me to five 
 3'ou any such assurances. The President has no authority to 
 enter into such an agreement or understanding. As an executive 
 officer, he is sinipl}- bound to protect the public propertj^, so far 
 as this may be practicable; and it would be a manifest viola- 
 tion of his duty to place himself under engagements that he 
 Avould not perform this duty either for an indefinite or a lim- 
 ited period. At the present moment, it is not deemed necessary 
 to reinforce Major Anderson, because he makes no such request, 
 and feels quite secure in his position. Should his safety, how- 
 ever, require reinforcements, every effort will be made to 
 supply them. 
 
 In regard to an assurance from the President " that the pub- 
 lic peace Avili not be disturbed by any act of hostility towards 
 South Carolina." the answer will i-eadily occur to ^-ourselves. 
 To Congress, and to Congress alone, belongs the power to 
 make war. and it would be an act of usurpation for the Execu- 
 tive to give any assurance that Congress would not exercise 
 this power, however strongly he may be convinced that no 
 such intention exists. 
 
 I am glad to be assured, from the letter of Col. Hayne, that 
 ''Major Anderson and his command do 7}ow obtain all necessary 
 supplies, including fresh meat and vegetables, and, I believe, 
 fuel and water, from the City of Charleston, and do 7iow enjoy 
 communication, by post and special messenger, with the Presi- 
 dent, and Avill continue to do so, certainly until the door to 
 negotiation has been closed." I trust that these facilities may 
 still be afforded to Major Anderson. This is as it should be. 
 Major Anderson is not menacing Charleston ; and I am con- 
 vinced that the happiest result which can be attained is, that 
 both he and the authorities of South Carolina shall remain on 
 their present amicable footing, neither party being bound by 
 any obligations whatever, except the high Christian and moral 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 dut}' to keep the peace, and to avoid all causes of mutual irri- 
 tation. 
 
 Very respcctfullj-, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. HOLT, 
 Secretary of War, ad interim. 
 
 No. 12. ^ 
 
 [letter of senators of SKCEDIXG states to HON. I. W. HAYNE.] 
 
 Washington, 23 January, 1861. 
 Hon. Isaac W. Hayne. 
 
 Sir : in answer to your letter of the 17th inst., wo have 
 now to inlbrm you that, after communicating with the Presi- 
 dent, we have received a letter signed by the Secretary of War, 
 and addressed to Messrs. Fitzpatrick, Mallory and Slidell on 
 the subject of our proposition, Avhich letter we now enclose to 
 you. Although its terms are not as satisfactory as we could 
 have desired, in relation to the ulterior purposes of the Execu- 
 tive, we have no hesitation in expressing our entire confidence 
 that no reinforcements will be sent to Fort Sumter, nor will the 
 public peace be disturbed within the period requisite for full 
 communication between yourself and your Government; and 
 we trust therefore, that you will feel justified in api^lying for 
 further instructions before delivering to the President any mes- 
 sage wuth which you may have been charged. 
 
 We take this occasion to renew the expression of an earnest 
 hope that South Carolina will not deem it incompatible with 
 her safety, dignity or honor, to refrain from initiating any 
 hostilities against any Power whatsoever; or from taking any 
 steps tending to produce collision, until our States, which are 
 to share her fortunes, shall have an opportunity of joining their 
 counsels with hers. 
 
 We are with great respect 
 
 Your obedient servants, 
 
 LOUIS T. AVIGFALL, 
 D. L. YULEB. 
 S. P. BENJAMIN, 
 A. lYEESON, 
 JOHN HEMPHILL, 
 JOHN SLIDELL, 
 C. C. CLAY, Jr., 
 
19 
 
 P. S. Some of the signatures to the former letter addressed 
 to you are not affixed to the foregoing communication, in con- 
 sequence of the departure of several Senators, now on their 
 wa}' to their respective States. 
 
 No. 13. 
 
 [letter of EI0.\. I. W. IIAYNE TO SENATORS OF SECEDING STATES.] 
 
 Washington, January 24, 18G1. • 
 To THE Honorable Louis T. Wigfall, D. L. Yulee, I. P. Ben- 
 jamin, A. IvERSON. John Hemphill, John Slidell, and 
 C. C. Clay, Jr. 
 
 Gentlemen : I have received your letter of the 23d inst., 
 enclosing a communication dated the 22d inst., addressed to 
 3Iessrs. Fitzpatrick, Mallory and Slidell, from the Secretary 
 of War ad interim. This communication from the Secretary is 
 far from being satisfactory to me. But, inasmuch as you state 
 that "we (3'ou) have no hesitation in expressing an entire con- 
 fidence that no reinforcement will bo sent to Fort Sumter, nor 
 will the public peace be disturbed within the period requisite for 
 full communication between 3'ourself (myself) and your (my) 
 Government/' in compliance with our previous understanding, 
 I withhold the communication with Avhich I am at present 
 charged, and refer the whole matter to the authorities of South 
 Carolina, and will await their reply. 
 
 Mr. Gourdin of South Carolina, now in this city, will leave 
 here by the evening's train, and will lay before the Governor of 
 South Carolina and his Council, the whole correspondence 
 between yourselves and myself, and between you and the Gov- 
 ernment of the United States; with a communication from me, 
 asking further instructions. 
 
 I cannot, in closing, but express my deep regret that the 
 President should deem it necessaiy to keep a garrison of tro6ps 
 at Fort Sumter for the protection of the ^^pi-operty" of the Uni- 
 ted States. South Carolina scorns the idea of approjiriating to 
 herself the property of another, whether of a Government or an 
 
•10 
 
 individual, witliout accounting, to the last dollar, for everything 
 which, for the protection of her citizens, and in vindication of 
 her own honor and dignity, she may deem it neccssar}' to take 
 into lier own possession. As property, Fort Sumter is in far 
 greater jeopardy occupied by a garrison of United States 
 troops, than it Avould be if delivered over to the State authori- 
 ties, with the pledge that, in regard to that and all other 
 property claimed by the United States within the jurisdiction 
 of South Carolina, the}^ would full}' account, upon a fair adjust- 
 ment. 
 
 " Upon the other point of the preservation of the peace, and 
 the avoidance of bloodshed : Is it supposed that the occupa- 
 tion of a fort in the midst of a harbor, with guns bearing upon 
 ever}' position of it, by a Government no longer acknowledged, 
 can be other than the occasion of constant irritation, excitement 
 and indignation? It creates a condition of things which I fear 
 is but little calculated to advance the observance of the " high 
 Christian and moral dut}' to keep the peace, and to avoid all 
 causes of mutual irritation," recommended b}' the Secretary of 
 War in his communication. 
 
 In my judgment, to continue to hold Fort Sumter by United 
 States troops, is the worst possible means of protecting it as 
 property; and the worst possible means for effecting a peaceful 
 solution of present difficulties. 
 
 I beg leave, in conclusion, to say that it is in deference to the 
 unanimous opinion expressed by the Senators present in Wash- 
 ington, ''representing States which have already seceded from 
 the United States, or will have done so before the 1st of Febru- 
 ary next," that I comply with your suggestions. And I feel 
 assured that suggestions from such a quarter will be considered 
 with profound respect b}' the authorities of South Carolina, and 
 will have great weight in determining their action. 
 
 With high consideration, I have the honor to be. 
 Very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 ISAAC W. HAYNE, 
 Envoy from the Governor and Council of South Carolina. 
 
21 
 
 No. 14. 
 
 [despatch from the HON. A. G. MAGRATH TO HON. J. W. HAYNE.] 
 
 State of South Carolina, 
 Executive Office, State Department, 
 Charleston, January 26, 18G1. 
 
 Sir : Your despatch has been received, covering, with other 
 papers, the repl}- of tl\e President througli ]\[r. Holt, Secretary 
 of War, ad interim, dated the 22d of January, 1801, to tlie 
 letter of Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Mallory, and Mr. Slidell, enclos- 
 ing to him a correspondence between certain Senators of the 
 United States and Col. Isaac W. Hayne ; the letter of certain 
 Senators to you, dated the 23d January, 18(51 ; and your reply to 
 those Senators, dated the 24th January, 1861. 
 
 h\ the letter of the Senators addressed to you, and dated 
 the loth January, 18G1, after stating that the possession of 
 Fort Suinter b}- troops of the Ignited States, coupled with the 
 circumstances under which it was taken, is the chief, if not the 
 only source of dithculty, between the Government of South 
 Carolina and that of the United States; the}' add that they, 
 "too. think it a just cause of irritation and apprehension on 
 the part of your (this) State." They then further state that 
 they had assurances, notwithstanding other circumstances 
 which seemed inconsistent therewith ; that Fort Sumter '' was 
 not taken, and is not held with any hostile or unfriendly pur- 
 pose towards your (this) State, but merely as property of the 
 United States; which the President deems it his duty to pro- 
 tect and preserve." Under the influences of that feeling of a 
 common destiny which now animates the seceding States ; and 
 impressed with the earnest desire which seems to have been 
 cherished in these States; to accomplish that separation from 
 the United States, which they regarded as essential to their 
 welfare, without the ills -which civil war produces ; these Sena- 
 tors proposed that time should be given for calm and deliberate 
 counsel with the States, which are equalk' involved with South 
 Carolina, in the future issue of their present conduct. To 
 secure the time necessary for the counsel which should be had, 
 they proposed that this State " should suffer Major Anderson 
 to obtain necessary supplies of food, fuel or water, and enjoy 
 free communication by post or special messenger with the 
 President, upon the understanding that the President will not 
 send him reinforcements during the same period." 
 
22 
 
 No such communication was anticipated by the Governor, in 
 the instructions with which you were furnished. But the dis- 
 cretion which 3-0U exercised in delaying the delivery of the 
 letter to the President of the United States, with which 3'ou 
 were charged j iinder the circumstances which then existed, 
 commends itself to the approval of the Governor. Such a 
 course on your part was due from this State to the representa- 
 tives of those States, the peojile of wliieh, in the language of 
 their Senators, " feel a common destiny with your (our) people, 
 and expect to form with them a new Confederacy and Pro- 
 visional Government;" and Avho "must and will share your 
 (our) fortunes ; suffering with you (us) the evils of war, if it 
 cannot be avoided, and enjoying the blessings of peace, if it can 
 be preserved." 
 
 The reply of the President to the proposition thus made, 
 referring to the statement of the intentions with which Fort 
 Sumter is held, as derived from his " public messages," concedes 
 that his purpose as stated; that is, to hold Fort Sumter " merely 
 as property of the United States" which he " deems it his duty 
 to protect and preserve ;" is correct. He declares it to be his 
 sole object, to act strictly on the defensive, and to " authorize 
 no movement against the people of South Carolina, unless 
 clearly justified by a hostile movement on their part." The 
 President then, for proof of his desire to prevent the effusion 
 of blood, alludes to his forbearance to resort to '' the use of 
 force under the strong provocation of an attack on an unarmed 
 vessel bearing the flag of the United States." 
 
 Referring next to the anxious desire of the Senators of the 
 seceding States, that this State " should as far as she can, con- 
 sistently with her honor, avoid initiating hostilities between her 
 and the United States, or any other Power; the President de- 
 clares " that to initiate such hostilities against Fort Sumter, 
 w^ould, beyond question, be an act of war against the United 
 States." And in re2:)Iy to the proposition that " no reinforce- 
 ments will be sent to li'ort Sumter," which is stated in his let- 
 ter to be 3'our proposition, he declares, "it is impossible for me 
 (him) to give you (the Senators) any such assurance." He 
 states that "he has no authority to enter into such an arrange- 
 ment or understanding," and that it would be " a manifest 
 violation of his duty to place himself under engagements, that 
 he would not pei-form this duty either for an indefinite or a 
 limited period." It is also added by him that " at the present 
 
23 
 
 moment" it is not deemed necessary to reinforce Major Ander- 
 son because he makes no such request, and feels quite secure in 
 his position." But should his safety require it, every effoi't will 
 be made to supply reinforcements. 
 
 The letter from the Senators to you, and your reply to that 
 letter, present a marked and agreeable contrast to the letter of 
 the President of the United States. The Governor appreciates 
 the feeling which the letter of the President must have excited 
 in the Senators to whom it was addressed; their forbearance in 
 the expression of their opinion fully as to its character ; and 
 their generosity in still continuing to entertain the hope, that 
 collision may be avoided; until the States they represent may 
 share the dangers which menace this State. The Governor con- 
 curs also in the justice and force of your reply to those Senators, 
 The reasons which you have sot forth in your reply to the let- 
 ter of the Senators to you, conclusively establish the propi-iety 
 of that demand which the letter from the Governor is intended 
 to make upon the President ; whether the possession of Fort 
 Sumter be considered merely in regard to its preservation as a 
 piece of propert}' claimed by the United States; or the continu- 
 ance of its retention be referred to a conclusion derived from 
 the '• obligations" which " high Christian and moral duty" 
 Avould make imperative ; if they were appealed to, as they 
 should be, in this case, as the sole and proper guides for those 
 whose conduct involves the gravest responsibilities. 
 
 The acquiescence of the President of the United States in 
 the '' an-angement or understanding," by which he would be 
 prevented from sending reinforcenient to Fort Sumter, was 
 intended ; and so declai-ed, by the Senators of the seceding 
 States, to be binding upon him ; in case of the acquiescence of 
 this State in certain measures which they proposed this State 
 should adopt. AVith the concession from the State of South Caro- 
 lina, they evidently expected a concession from the President 
 of the United States. And they proposed that in the interval 
 which was necessary to enable you to receive a reply from the 
 Governor, the President should not send reinforcements to Fort 
 Sumter ; and that certain facilities now enjoyed by Major 
 Anderson and his garrison at Fort Sumter, should be continued. 
 The reply of the President, therefore, contains his refusal, not 
 only of the general proposition, to abstain from doing until the 
 15th day of February, the day named by the Senators in their 
 
letter, that ■which, Avhcnever he attempts, he kno"u-s will be 
 regarded by the State of South Carolina as an act of war; but 
 he refuses also to abstain from attempting this act, even dur- 
 ing the period neccssarj^ to enable 3-ou to communicate to the 
 Governor the proposition of these Senators. 
 
 All that the State of South Carolina was desired, in the letter 
 of these Senators, to do in relation to Major Anderson and his 
 garrison, it had done ; not in its acknowledgment of any right 
 on the part of the United States, but in the discharge of the 
 suggestions of courtesy ; and with a desire not to visit upon 
 Major Anderson and his garrison the consequences of the irri- 
 tation which the conduct of his Ciovernment was so well 
 calculated to produce. Nor would the acquiescence of the 
 Government of the United States, in the forbeai*ance required 
 from it, have done more than to have secured the status, in 
 which all matters within the harbor of Chai-leston were at this 
 time ; by putting upon the State an obligation not to attack 
 Fort Sumter, and upon the Government of the United States 
 an obligation uot to reinforce it with fresh troops. With the 
 supplies which Major Anderson and his garrison were receiv- 
 ing; with the facilities which he and his garrison enjoyed in 
 regard to the mails; no pretext for interference with the harbor 
 of Charleston could be found, except in connection with the 
 right claimed to reinforce the troojis at Fort Sumter : a right, 
 which, claimed by the President, as involved in a duty, would 
 farther involve a necessity that he should determine, when his 
 duty was to be discharged, by his exercise of this right. 
 
 It is true that the President, in his letter, intimates that no 
 reinforcements will be sent, because Major Anderson has made 
 no such request, and feels quite secure in his position. It is 
 not, however, to be forgotten, that, upon a recent occasion, 
 when it is understood that Major Anderson did not call for 
 reinforcements, and may be presumed to have felt then as 
 secure in his position as he does now, reinforcements were sent 
 to him; nor was it the fault of the Government of the United 
 States that they did not reach him. 
 
 The proposition thus made to the President of the United 
 States, was the act of Southern Senators, unsolicited and unex- 
 pected. It was the evidence of a generous impulse, which, 
 havinsf animated them in the continuance of their connection 
 with the United States, as long as that connection could be 
 
25 
 
 maintained with regard to the rights of the States thej repre- 
 sented; was exhibited, even in the moment of their final separa- 
 tion, in an anxious desire to avoid collision and strife with 
 those, whom they could not recognize longer as their brethren 
 in that political Union which had been terminated. The mod- 
 eration of the terms in which they asked the acquiescence of 
 the President of the United States, will be long remembered. 
 Their request was simply that he would abstain from those 
 acts, which were unnecessary for the purposes he professed; and 
 were surely calculated to developc the ills he declared himself 
 anxious to avert. 
 
 At this period, and under such circumstances, it is not only 
 important, but indisi)en^^ably necessary, that the Governor 
 should correctly understand the position which the Govern- 
 ment of the United States intends to occu])y towards this 
 State. And the correspondence, which has ])roduced the letter 
 of the President, serves to dispel much of whatever doubt may 
 have hitherto existed. If the President of the United States 
 desired only to protect Fort Sumter as property, what higher 
 assurance of its safety could he have found than in the ])iodge 
 of the State of South Carolina, that it should not be attacked? 
 If it was not to be defended as property, but as a military post 
 of the United States, then, indeed, it would be '' a manifest vio^ 
 lation of his duty" to agree not to reinforce it. The assertion, 
 therefore, that it is only held as property, is inconsistent with 
 those requirements of duty, which the President alleges to be 
 obligatory upon him; but which are obligatory upon him only 
 in relation to a military post. The Governor is. therefore, 
 forced to conclude, that, strijjped of all disguise, the real pux'- 
 pose of the President of the United States is to keep and do- 
 fend Fort Sumter, Avithin the limits of South Carolina, as a, 
 military post of the United States. 
 
 This conclusion of the real purpose which controls the Gov- 
 ernment of the United States in relation to this State, is not 
 the less a result of the position which the President of the 
 United States has assumed in relation to the proposition which 
 the Senators of tlie seceding States have generously made ; 
 than of the action of the President of the United States in 
 regard to other States which have seceded. And it is consid- 
 ered by the Governor to be his duty — one which the State of 
 South Carolina will so acknowledge — to regard all hostile 
 3 
 
26 
 
 attempts made by the Government of the United States upon 
 any State which has seceded, as attempts made directly upon 
 this State. There is no doubt, that at this moment, hostile 
 purposes, by the Government of the United States, are in ope- 
 ration, which affect Florida or Georgia. It does not admit of 
 a doubt, that an armed vessel of the United States is now 
 transporting, with the purpose of landing, troops of the United 
 States upon the soil of one or more of the States which have 
 seceded, with hostile intentions tOAvards such State. Another 
 expedition, the existence of which is ascertained, but the pre- 
 cise nature of which is more concealed, has been iindertaken 
 for a like purpose. And that which gives to these hostile 
 attempts a complexion the least inviting is, that they are 
 secretly undertaken, and their execution covertly attempted, 
 amid professions of an earnest desire to avoid collision ; to save 
 the waste of life; and to fulfil the highest obligations of moral- 
 ity. While the Commissioner deputed by the State of Virginia 
 is honestly urging upon the authorities of this and other States 
 to avoid all occasions of collision with the Government of the 
 United States ; and, while from the same State another Com- 
 missioner is attempting to recommend the same counsels to the 
 President of the United States; a hostile expedition is on its 
 way to attempt the coercion of a State, when the Government 
 of the United States seems to listen to the suggestions of peace 
 from that ancient Commonwealth. 
 
 The Governor regards it as a happy circumstance that in 
 deferring to the wishes of the Senators who have interposed in 
 the mission wnth which you were charged, their good intent 
 has been rewarded, in leading to that declaration from the 
 President, which, in every seceding State, will be regarded as 
 equivalent to his declaration of war against them ; and thus 
 save them from the consequences of a genei-ous, but misplaced, 
 confidence. 
 
 Nor is it proper that it should be understood, that what the 
 President is pleased to consider a proof of his forbearance, 
 should seem to have the acquiescence of the Governor in the 
 correctness of that construction of his conduct, under the cir- 
 cumstances of a case, wholly unjustifiable, and more than 
 aggravating. It is not for the President of the United States 
 to seem to consider the repulse of a vessel sent here with re- 
 inforcements, as the attack of the State of South Carolina upon 
 
27 
 
 an unarmed vessel. If it had not the armament of a vessel 
 intended for war, the less excusable was the attempt to intro- 
 duce, under the shield of a peaceful trader, armed men for the 
 purpose of executing the orders of the President. It was not 
 only a hostile demonstration, but, while hostile, it was attempt- 
 ed to be made successful under a disguise, which, if it had 
 secured the result Avhich was desired, would have left nothing 
 but the mere success to compensate for the sacrifice of the pro- 
 prieties with which it had been purchased. 
 
 The opinion of the Governor, as to the propriety of the 
 demand which is contained in the letter, with the delivery of 
 which you are charged, lias not onl}^ been confirmed by the 
 cii'cumstances which your mission has developed ; but is now 
 increased into a conviction of its necessity. The safety of the 
 State requires that the position of the President should be dis- 
 tinctly understood. The safety of all the seceding States 
 requires it, as much as the safety of South Carolina. If it be 
 80, that Fort Sumter is held but as propert}^, then, as property, 
 the rights, whatever they may be, of the United States, can 
 be ascertained ; and for the satisfaction of those rights, the 
 pledge of the State of South Carolina you arc authorized to 
 give. If Fort Sumter is not held as propert}', it is held as a 
 military post; and such a post, within the limits of this State, 
 will not be tolerated. 
 
 The letter of the President may be received as the reply to 
 the question you were instructed to ask, as to his assertion of 
 the right to send reinforcements to Fort Sumter. You were 
 instructed to say to him, if he asserted that right, that the 
 State of South Carolina regai'ded such a right, when asserted; 
 or with an attempt at its exercise, as a declaration of war. If 
 the President intends it shall not be so understood, it is proper, 
 to avoid an}'" misconception hereafter, that he should be in- 
 formed of the manner in which the Governor will feel bound 
 to regard it. 
 
 If the President, Avhcn 3-ou have stated the reasons which 
 prompt the Governor in making the demand for the delivery of 
 Fort Sumter, shall refuse to deliver the tort, upon the pledge 
 you have been authorized to make, you will communicate that 
 refusal. Avithout delay, to the Governor. If the President shall 
 not be pi-epared to give 3'ou an immediate answer. 3'ou will 
 communicate to him (hat his answer mav be transmitted, with- 
 
28 
 
 in a reasonable time, to the Governor at this place. The Gov- 
 ernor does not consider it necessary that j'ou should remain in 
 Washington longer tlian is necessary to execute this, the clos- 
 ing duty of your mission, in the manner now indicated to you. 
 As soon as the Governor shall receive from you information 
 that you liave closed your mission, and the reply, whatever it 
 may be, of the President, he will consider the conduct which 
 will be necessary on his part. 
 
 To the Senators, wdio -have so generously interposed in this 
 matter, the Governor desires you to express the satisfaction he 
 has experienced with the interest they have exhibited, and the 
 concurrence they have manifested, in the earnest desire which 
 has governed him, in his attempt to secure for the State of 
 South Carolina its just rights, without the waste of life or loss 
 of blood. If other counsels shall prevail with the Government 
 at Washington, the Governor feels that, whatever unhappy 
 results may follow, his efforts and the efforts of those Senators 
 will have been earnestly made to avert them. A cojjy of this 
 note to you, the Governor desires you to address to those 
 Senators. 
 
 It will not be necessary for the Governor to make any fur- 
 ther communication to you than this note. To this, he desii-es 
 me to add the expression of his thanks for the manner in which 
 you have executed the duty with which you were charged. 
 Very respectfully, yours, &c., &c. 
 
 A. G. MAGEATH. 
 
 To the Hon. I. W. IIayne, 
 
 Special Envoy from the State of South Carolina. 
 
Date Due 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1