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V. ? C < / fej- J' . I 'JI . . " ' **?>< i r i ? !J*-^|.'.._-;.^. / |7 ? frfl Ml i? [? ?" ife,.'... (P* Fi 11 I"5'') II [r1 !0 A Is U DJ u L5 IbiSJllUliuJiliil.a " 10 TI,IJ?B 0WN SELF BE TRUE, AND IT MUST FOLLOW, AS T1IK * > - ~-v.*s'sJ' NIGHT THE DAY, TIIOU CAN'ST NOT THEN BE FALSE TO ANY M \N." BY ROB'T. A. THOMPSON & CO. PICKETS COURT HOUSE, S. C. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, icui. ' VOL. XII. NO. 28\ roKYG&Y, Prom Hie Mricoii (On.) Telegraph. Ba Free! Be Free ! The folloxting extinct from Hon T. H. H. Coiih't epeech Hifxgostcil these tines, which are respectfully dedicated to Mr. ()., IIY 8. Q. J.APH'8. M. 1>. >.M.. 11.. " v? <?> ... J'it wi mi- <n|i 01 [Noyemnrr. 1 culled my wife and little Ofiestogether oround my family altar, and together we prayed God to May tho wrath of our opprodforH. and pro3"rve (lie Union of our fiithorn. The rising nun of the 7th of November found.mo on my kneea. foegprinp: the snmc kind fathcr to make wrath to praise Mini, and the remainder of writhto restrain. When it was nnnouneed 10 me that the voico of the North proehuiuod at (lie flint T oIiai.1.1 1 1 1 ? . i? miiTc. i iM-.'iru in mo fciino sound the voice of my (Jod yponkinjc through His I*i'oyiiU)UOe, ami saying to his ohild, " He free ! lie free ?' " On winter ovo. nroimd my henrth, My wife niul children' there; I told them of our Northern foes, And knelt mo down in prayer. I Mid, invoking ftiil from God, Thy will mt mini bo <lone. Avf>rt I ho ulrivery of my race: Instruct lliy erring son. O'er all arnun<ln quiet reign'd, That aci!iin?<l lo fill the air : The wintry l>laf>l hiul ceased its monn, Anil borne ixlv?!"t my prayer. The Tjiorninjc ennte. November morn. Height beautiful nn-l fair : Oneo more I nulled my loved ones 'round, * Acr.iin wn n? o I-"J ? In thunder tonen from fur ^bore, A voiee caiiio untuuio: An'l s ii I iii answer to my prayer. Chili of the South, III- free! Ho free!" EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS. [Our readers will recollect, tliat, xvliou the "'Stiir of I lie Went" nttemptcil to reinforce M-ij, .\M>r.R*<>?, corvespnmlenco wns opened by him with Gov. I'lRKKXfl. Several notes wero tlieri published.? *TIi?j following notes, witli tlie mission af Colonel Haynk. explain ihamselvcs. nnd arc most important. They luive juKt been made jiiibllc, nml wc tit ruin h point lo give tliom room'.!?Kt?. Cor RH'.u. STATK OF South OAIUIMNA, ) lOxeeutive Office.I'binlcRtoii,Jan. 11,'61 ) To ur Jiijftrrt Am/i'muii, CvnilHUtufiiit/ For! Snintfiv: Sir: I have thought pr?>pi?r, under all tlie circutnst'inocM of the peculiar state of i<* nft'tiifR in the country ?t present, to appoint i lie Hun. A. O. M??r?th mid (Jen. I). 1<\ Jamison, both members of the Executive Council, and of the highest position in the State, to present to you considerations of the gravest public chancier; and of the deepest interest t ? all who d>'prceate t!ie improper waste of life ; to induce the delivery of Fort Sumter to t h<> c?KisiiiUted. uthoritics of the State of South /?. i:~~ ' ? X imim i, Willi II piCNIgO, (.11 IIS p.'llt, tO HCCOUIlt for KUrli public property as is under your charge* Your oh t serv't, (Signed) F. W. Pxckkns. IIKAIiQUi\B.X?USr Four SUMTKR, S. C., | j "v .January 1 1, 18(51. j | To His J-J.cCcff) F I!'. I\< /crux, Govern- j or of Snu(li (!n rut inn : Slit : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt. of your demand for the Hurreiwler of t lis tort to tho iiutlioriti"8 of South Carolina, and t?? sty, in repJy, that the demand is one wit!i whidi I e iunot cO nply. Your Excellency knows that L Imvo recently sent u messenger to Washington,-and that it will be impossible for me t?i txooivc an answer to n?y disp itches, forwarded by him, at ;:n o ulicr d te than next Mond >y. What the character of my instructions may he, I cannot foresee. .-mould your Kxcolioucy deem lit. prior to a ru.; ?**t to arm*, to r^for thin matter to Washing 111, ! , would afford mn t!io sincercst ploos ure to deputeono of my ofRocrs to nccompmy iiny messenger you may dee.n proper to bo the bearer of .your demand. Hoping to ( ''I t'ut in this mil all other in liters in which tin* honor, \v -1 mo and lives of our follow soutitrytnou nro enuccrncd, wo shall so act as to moot His approval; and. deeply rnnr.ittin-.; th.it you hav.s undo u domaud of ui'.> with which 1 cii.u.t <onply, 1 h ive the honor to bn, with t!io iiighcdt regard, Your oh't Horvmt, llouKitp Anivkrsov, Major U. S. Army, Couimanding. Stwtrof South Oahomna, kxkcutivk offick, iik.ai>quaittf.it8, ~ Charleston, January 11, 1801. V Si!. . A ? !? ? --< ' ' ... . ,?u WI'I IIMII: \i i MIC MCJIH 1.11 II III (II IOC Statu of Soni!i Carolina from tho United States, Fort Sii ntur w.h, a ml still is; in the pofwe.s fcion of troopn of tho Unitod States, under tho cCuii'iiind of M tjor Ar?dor#on. \ rejrnrd tho po?sttwdon nfl not consist a it with tho dignify or safety (?f tho State of South Carolina ; and I Iihvo this d iy nd'Jreused to Major Anderson a Conituuoioition to obtain from him the pops?Hsi()o of that Port by tho authorities of this State. The pply of Major Andvrsn^ informs me that lie tins no authority to do what I required; but, In- dfr?jros a rpfereoeo of the^daiujirid to tho Wosidont of tho United States. Under the eivcumstmioits now existing ?nd wliitth' need no comment by mo, I ha,vo determiuedtosend to you the lion. T.W. Ilayno, till) AttornPV CriMHiml nf l?r? i?.> <?f .... v.,- V. W?VU fjutrtthna, mi.I liavo instructed him to n?I < the delivery of Port Sumter, in the harbor of ** (JlnrhMon, trt tlio constituted authorities of the HtiiIt; of Hirnlli Cnrotinh. Tlio demand I tjfiVO mado of Major Anderson. nrid which I now ninko of yon, ih nuggest; ed b d<MuAo of my o.ini<*?t dtoirc to avoid the I * -bloodshed which a pers'iatcnee in your attempt to rftnin tlio possession of that l'ort will cnuno; jind which will bo unavailing to *coute you that possession, but i^duoc a calamity most deeply to bo deplored? - * * " ii umisffjuonortH ?p ur?lK?pny nTiall cn?uo, i V Muouro for thin Stnto, in tlic doin tml vrliioh 1 now make, the ??tiaft?:tion of having oxhuuflt'.V. 4?ju eve.y nttompt to Rvoitl it. Tn relation to tho puhlio property of tho Unitoi Fort Suuitar, t!w Hon. j I. W. Ilayr.o, who will hand you tliis coin, tnunieation, is authorized to i:ive you tlio J pledge of tlio State that the valuation of such property will be accounted for, by this State, ; upon the adjustment of its relations with the ( UliHed Status, of which it was n part. I ^JMgllGd; 1'. W. PlCKKNS. To the President of the United Suites. Statk ok South Cauolina, ^ Kxkcutivk Offick, Stnte Department, ^ Charleston, .January 12, 1801. ) Sir : Tho (jovcttior has considered it proper, in view of theprnvo f|UcstioDH which now affect the State of South Carolina nnd the United States, to make n demand upon the J President of the United Slates, for the delivery to the State of South Carolina of Port .Sumter, now within the territorial limits of this State, and occupied by troops of the United States. The Convention of the People of South j n is * > - vsiiruiiiiii auinorizcu nnu empowered its Coinmisaioncrs to enter into nejpUt.ut-ions with (ho I < lovernmcnt of tlic I'nited States, for tlie do- I livery of forts, niii<z:iy.ines, lij^ht houses, and other real estate within tlic limits of Smith i Carolina. TI?o circumstances which caused the interruption of that lieiMtintion are known to yon; with the formal not ificotion - of its cessation, was the urjre.nt expression of the necessity for the withdrawn! of the troops of the United States from tlic harhor of ('harlepton. The iutcrrnption of these negotiations left I all matters connected with Fort Sumter and troops of jhe United States within the limits ! of this Stato, affocted hy the fact; that the continued possession of ihe Fort wan not consistent wi111 t!ie dignity or safety of the State; j and that an attempt to reinforce the troops at that fort would not he allowed. This, there- I fore, heoaine jiBtito of hostility; in couse* "U'Mjec of which the Stute of South Carolina i w ;>s placed in a condition of defence, harm;; the preparation for this purpoao, an attempt was made to reinforce Fort Sumter, and Repelled. Von are now inslrueted to prooeed tc? Washington, anil thorn, in flir> n*n>? (.f Government of tlic Stt.te of South Carolina, enquiro of the President <if the Uni.ed St .tv-s, whether it was by 1)is order that troops or 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 I of the United States within the limits of this | State, to occupy lort Sumter: and you will, I in ease of his avowal, inform him that neith| er will be permitted; and either will be regarded as a declaration of war against the State >f South Carolina. Tli? Uov.ernor, to save life, and determined I to omit no eonrso of proceeding usual nnion^ ! civilized nations, previous to that condition ftf general lio^ti 1 ilies which belongs to war; and not khowinsr under wh.it older, or by what authority, Fort Sumter is now held ; demnnde l from Major Robert Anderson, now in commnnd of that fort, its delivery to the State.? That officer, in his reply, has referred the I Governor to the Government of the Cnited [ 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 it.s .delivery to the State of South Carolina. You are instructed not to allow any question of properly claimed by the United States to embarrass tlio assertion of the political right of the Statu of South Carolina to tho possession of Kurt Sum tor. The possession of that fort by tho State is alone consistent with tho dignity and safety of tlio State of South Carolina : hut such possession is not inconsistent' with a right to compensation in money in another Government, if it has against the Slate of South Carolina nnjr just claim (iouncctcd with that fort. ]5ut the possesion of the fort cannot, in regard to the State of South Carolina, he compensated hy any consideration of any kind from the Gov i!nimeni or tno i unco states, when tiro pns session of it by tire Government is iiiviisivc <?f the d11 ily und affects the safety of the State. That possession onnnot hoconio now a matter of discussion or negotiation. Von will, theroforor require from the President of the United States a positive and distinct answer to your demand for the delivery of tho furt. j\"d you arc further authorized to give the pledge of the State to adjust all matters whioli may bo, and aro, in their nature, sua coptibio of valuation in money in the manner most usual, and'upon the principles of equity iind justice always recognized hy independent tortious, fi?r tlie ascertainment of tlieir relative rights and obligations in such matters. You ure further instructed to s;'y to the President of too United States, tlint the Gov qrnor regards tho.nttompt of the President of the United States, if avowed, to continue the possession ef Vort Sumter, kh inevitably leading to o bloodjr issue ; a quest ion which, in the judgment of the Governor, can Jiavo but one conclusion ; reconcilable with a duo ?*eirnrd to tli? State of South Carolina, the welfare of tlicother States wliich now constitute the United States, and that, humnnity which tenches iill incn, but particularly those who in authority control the lives of others, to regard a resort to arms as the last which Hiioukl bo conx'uhftvl. To shed their Mood in dofcnooTof t!u>ir right# if'ft duty, which tho citizens of tho State of South Carolina fully recognise. And in such a enutro, tho Governor, whilo deploring ihe utorn neowwity which mny cotnpcl hiiu tocnll for the sacrifice, , wilt foci that hi* obligation to preserve invioInto the wcr<jd rights of the' Stutc of South Carolina, justify the s?orifice necossnry to so- ' euro thnt cud. Tho Governor docs not de ! 1 .? ~ "^TP. - - > mrr u> ramina ine rrwaont ot the reaponsibili?i<>s whioli aro upon him. ( Reapcctfully, your obedient f??rv;>nt. A. (i. Maorath. ] To Hon. I. W. Ilayno, Spocial Knvoyfrom ' tho State of Houth Carolina to tho President of tho United Stato< Washington City, January 17th, 1331. i Hon. Isaac W. Ifayne?Sir : We are apprised tint yon visit Wash- , injiton as an Knvoy from the State of South ! Carolina, beariiur a eoimnunication frotn the , Governor of your State to the President of the United States, in relation to Fort Sumter. Without knowing its contents, we venture to | request you to defor its delivery to the I'resi dent for a low days, or until you and lie have considered the sufrgestioos whicli wo ln'? louve to .submit. AY.e know that the possession of FortSuinj tor by troops of tho United States, coupled | with tho circumstance# under which il was j taken, is the chief, if not only, source of difficulty between tho Government of South Carolina and that of the; United States. Wo I would add. that we. too think It n >o<t <> .!>?? of irritation and ?if" apprehension on the part of your State. l?nt wo liavealso assurances, ' notwithstanding t lie cireumstanccs under which Major Anderson left Fort Moultrieand entered Fort Sumter with the forces under lii.s Command ; that it was not taken, and ia not | held, with any hostile or unfriendly purpose towards your State; hut. merely as property of . the United Slates, which the President deems it liis duty to protect and preserve. We will n?.t discuss tho rjiiestiosi of right or duty on the pait of either Government loueiiing tliat property, or the late nets of either in relation thereto j but \vc think th: t, without any compromise of right or broach of ! duty on either side, an amicable adjustment of the matter of differences may and should ! be adopted. We desire to see such an ndjustI ment, msd to prevent war or the shedding of blood. We represent States which have already sect ded from the United States, or will , have done so before tlio first of February I i ih-.m, inui which win moot your f?tuto 111 t.'on- | I vcution oil or before the fifteenth of that i month. < ur i,'ojilo fed that they have a common destiny with your people, tmd expect | to form with tiieni, in that (invention, n new Confederation and Provisional Government. We must and will share your fortunes, suflcr* in<r with you tho evils of war, if it cm not he avoided j ami enjoying with you the bhssinpi of pftrtpp, if it c:iii be preserved We, therefore. think it esner?i-iliv flnr> SC..ntl< < lina to our States?to say nothing of other slaveholding States?that she should, as fur as she can consistently with her honor, avoid initiating hostilities hi tween her and the l iiiteil States or any other Power. We have the public (leelaration of the President, that he has not the Constitutions] power or the will to make war on South Carolina, and that the public peace shall not he disturbed by any act of hostility towards your ^tatc. We, therefore, sec no reason why there may not he a settlement of existing difficulties, it time be given for calm and deliberate counsel with those States which are equally involved with South Carolina. We, therefore, trust Hint nil arrangement will lie agreed on between you a lid the President, at least till tbe fifteenth February next ; by which time your nnd our States may, in Convention, devise a wise, iust and n.i:l(;(?jihl(! Snlnfinii (ivijlin.. difficulties. In the meantime, wn think your Pt.te should su?Ter Major Anderson to obtuin necessary supplies of food, fuol or water, and enjoy free conmiunicatkrv by post or speciid messenger, with the President; upon the undernJandinpf that the President will not send liini reinforcements dui. \<? the same period. \\"e propose to submit this. proposition and your answer to tho President. If not clothed with power to tii?1'e such arrangement, then we trust that you will submit our suggestions to the Governor of you' | mate ior ins instructions. I 11111 you have re ceivcd and communicated his response to tlic President, of course your State will not attach l'ort Sumter, and the President will not offer to reinforce it. \Vt most respectfully submit these propositions, in the earnest hope that you, or the proper authority of your State, may accede to them. Wo have, the honor to be, with profound esteem, your obedient servants, Louis T. WiofaMj, | ('. 0, Cr.AY, Jit., ii K.M I'll II.I,, 15. I< ITZI'ATIUCK, I). \j. Yut.kk, ' A. TvLneoN, S. H. ai.i.ony, John Jkkfekjon Davis, j. 1'. Hknjamin, Washington, Janunry, 1 SGI. Gentlemen : I have just received your communication, dated the 15th instant. You represent, you say, States which have already Receded from the United States, or will have , done slo before the 1st. of February next, nnd which will meet Smith Carolina in Convention, on or before the 15th of that month; tliut your people feel they have n donnnon destiny with our people, and expeet to form with US ill that Onnvonfiriri n nnui | Provisional Government; thnt you must nml will rihnre our fortunes,'suffering with us the evils of war, if it ennnot bo avoided, and enjoying with us tho blessings of peace, if it can he preserved. T feel, gentlemen, the force of this appeal, and, so far as my authority extends, 1 most cheerfully comply with your requcat. I am not elothed with power to make the drranpeinents you suggest, hut provided you can pet assuranceh, with which you are entirely satisfied, thnt no reinforcements will he Rent to Fort Sumter in the. interval, and that j the public peace shall not be disturbed by any ! net 01 nontiiity townrda South Carolina, I wiil refer your communication to the Authorities of South Carolina, aud withhold',! cr their communication, with which I am nt present ohnrpred, will await their instructions. Major Anderson nnd hia cotmuand, lot me ftssuro yrtu, do now obtain (ill nocessnry supplios of food (inoludintr fresh meat, and vegetables) and, I bclieyo, fuel and water ; and Jo now enjoy free coinnm.itoation f?v post, and ' special messengers with tlio President, and i will continue to doao, portainly, until the door i >f negotiation shall ho dosed. . \ If your proposition is acceded-to, you may mure tho President that no attack will bo 1 made ou lM.it Sumter, until a response from the Governor of South Carolina has boon received by toe. ivlid communicated to him. Willi great consideration and profound esteem, Your obedient servant, Signed Isaao W. ITaynk, Knvoy from the Governor and Council of ( South Carolina. i Sbnatk Ciiamhi:i?, January 10, 1801. Sir : Wh have, been requested to present to you copies of a correspondence between eertain Senators of the Tinted Stat>"> and (Jul. Isaac W. llnyno, now in this ei y, in behalf of the (Jiivermnent of South Carolina; and to ask that ynu will take into consideration the subject of said correspondence. Very respectfully, Your obedient servants, j Signed Hun Fitzi'atkick. j S. 11. .Mau.ouv. .John sudki.r.. To Hi* Excellency .James Buchanan, President L'nitcd States. War Dk.iwrtmknt, January 22, 1801. rti . i i? ?' i<) (Id: //ill. /icliJiiD) ill I-'if-fiaf )'!</ , >S. A'. \ MitHon/ <iiii) John Sfulell. Gentlemen : The President has received your communication of the 10th instant, with the copy of a correspondence between your- j selves and others, "representing States whicl have already Receded from tho United i Stat s, or will have done, so before tho 1st of February next," and Col. Isaac W. llayne, of South Carolina, in behalf of the Government of that State, in relation to Fort Sum- | ter; and you ask the President to " take into i consideration the subject of that correspondence." With this request he has complied, and has directed inc to communicate his onswer. In your letter to Col. llayne, of tho 15th J inst., yon propose to liiin to defer the deliverv ot m message from the (lovemorof South Cnro1 in:i to the President, with whiih In; has been ot.trusted, for a few days, or until the President ; ami Col. I (yiif; shall have considered the suggestions which you submit. It is unnecessary to refer specially {otiose suggestions, because tin; letter addressed to you by Col. llavne, of the 17th instant, presents a clear andspeeifie answer to them. In this he says : " I am not clothed with power to make the jirrijijipinoni you suggest; but provided you (< 111 get sissunuiCt'S, with which you !<rc cntirely satisfied, that no reinforcements will ho sent to Fort Sumter, in the interval, and that iho public peace will not bo disturbed by any act of hostility toward--' South Carolina, I will re fur your communication to the authorities of South Carolina, end, withholding the communicition with which L 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 i purpose. You, therefore, do him no more than justice in stilting that you have assuran- j ees (from his public messages. I nrasiinmY ' that. " notwithstanding the circumstances under which Major Anderson 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 property of the United States, which the President deems it his duty to protect and preserve," you have correctly stated what the President deems to be his duty. ] [ is sole object now is, and has hc'Mi, to act strictly on the defensive, and to sun'.ori/.e no movement against the people of S.mth 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 effusion 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 her ring the flag of the United States. I am happy to observe that, in your letter to (Jol. llayne, you express the opinion, that it is "especially due from South Carolina in 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 Uniti-il ktiio* or any other power." To initiate such hostilities against Fort Sumter, would, beyond qucs tion, bean :ict of w..r uguittst (bo United States. In regard to the proposition of Col. II lyne, " that no reinforcements will be sent to Fort Sumter, in the interval, ami tbat the public peace will not bo disturbed by any act of bostilitv towards South Carolina." it is impossi* bio for mo to jrivo you any .such assurances.? The 1'rcsideiit b"s no authority to enter into such an agreement ov understanding. As an executive officer, ho is simply bound to protect the public property, so far a3 this may bo prnttici ble j and it would boa manifest violation of his duty to place himself under en gagemcnts that lie would not perform this doty either for an inde'nite or a limited period. At the present moment, it is not doomed necessary to reinforce Major Anderson, because he makes no such request, ami feels quite secure in his position. Should l is safety, however, require reinforcements, every effort will he mode to supply them. In regard to an assurance from the President ' that the public poaoo will not bo disturbed bv any act of hostility towaids South Carolina," the answer will readily occur to yourselves. To Congress, and to Congress alone, belongs the power to make war, and it Kr> ..r, .,..i ,.C ?!.? f _ .1 l.v . *11ntivi I'U mi lil t VII uou i ('ill Kill nil UIU I'jXCClltivo to give nny assurance thut Congress would not oxcroine this power, howcvtft strongly lie nioy bo convinced that no such intention exists. I nni fjad to bo assured, from tbo letter of Col. Il?iyne, that " Major Anderson and hia onmmand do now obtain all necessary supplies, including frosli nicnt and vegetables, lind, I believe, fuel and water, from the City of (Charleston, and do now enjoy coniniunioalion, by post and special messenger, with the President, and will continue to do so, ccitainly u?i*il the door to negotiation has been clos Cil." 1 trust khat these facilities may still be afforded to Major Anderson. This is as it , should be. Major Anderson is not menaciug Charleston ; and 1 am convinced that the Jimppiest result which can be attained is, that both he and the authorities of South Carolina shall remain on their present amicable footing, j neither party being bound by any obligations I whatever, except the high Christian and nior- | ai uuty lo Keep tho peace, and to avoid all causes of iiiuiu'jI Irritation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. J lot/i', Secretary of War, ml in(rrim. "Washington, January t''3, 1S01. //->?. IT. fltfi/nc? Sir : In answer to your letter of tlie 17t!i inst., we have now to inform you that, after communicating with the President, we have received a letter signed by the Secretary of War, and addressed to Messrs. Fitzpatnck, Mallory and Siidell on the iiubjcct of oil'" proposition, which 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 Kxeeutive, we have no hesitation in expressing our entire confidence that no reinforcements will he 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 applying for further instructions before delivering to the President any message with which you may have been nhfirvcH Wo take this occasion to renew the e\pr\ssion of nn earnest hope tlmt South Carolina will not deem it incompatible with her safety, dignity or honor, to refrain from initiating any hostilities against any power whatsoever, or i from taking any steps tending to produce collision, until our States, which ore to share her fortunes, shall have un opportunity of joining their counsels with hers. We arc with great respect, Your obedient servants. Lou is T. WmFAi.r., ]>. I/. Vui.kk, J. P. Uknjami.v. A. I v Kit son, John Hkmpimtx, John Si.ikki.i,, C. Cr.ay, Jr., P. S. Sonic of (lie signatures to the former letter addressed to you arc not utVivd to the foivgoing communication, in consequence ot tlio departure of several Senators, now on 1 their way to tlmir respective States. Washington, January 2-1, 1861. To thr Hon. Louis T. 11 iyfaU, I). Ij. Ynlcct J. /'. Jtc.vjiiniin, A. Ivrrtton, John Jlemjihi/l, John SI it It'll, and C. C. Cloy, jr.? fScntlcmcn : I have received your letter of the'Jod i11t., enolosing a communication lated the 2lM inst , addressed to Messrs. Fitxpatrick, Mallory and Slidell. from the Secretary of War tirf inOrim. This communication from the Secretary is fur from being satisfactory to me. Hut inasmuch as you state that " we (you) have no hesitation in expressing an entire confidence that no reinforcement will be sent to Fort Sumter, nor will the pub- I lie peace he disturbed within the period requi ] site for full eniniimnioiOinn ....... .VIVIWII V/V-VII v.^11 jyj UIOVJII I (myself) and your (my) Government," in j compliance with our previous understanding | 1 withhold the communication with which I j am at present charged, and refer the whole j matter to the authorities of South Carolina, \ and will await their reply. Mr. Gourdin, of South Carolina, now in ! this city, will leave here hy 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 tlie Government of the United States; with a communication from me, asking further instructions. I cannot, in closinc. but oxnross mv regret that tlio President should doom it litre- | ossary to keep a garrison of troops at. l'ort Sumter for the protection of the "properly " of the United States. South Carolina scorns the idea of appropriating to herself the property of another, whether of a (jovorninontor an individual, without 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 necessary to take into her own possession. As proprr/y, Fort Sumter is in fa*- greater jeopardy occupied by a gar.ison of United States troops, than it would b if delivered over to the State authorities, wit!) the pledge V.I..., ill ir;giu HI Vllilt <11111 1111 OliKT plHipi Tty claimcd by tlio United States within the jurisdiction of South Carolina, they would fully account, upon u fair adjustment. Upon the other point of tho preservation of tho peace, and the avoidance of bloodshod : Is it supposed that the occupation of a fort in the midst of a harbor, with guns boa rinse upon every portion of it, by n Government no longer acknowledged, can be other than the occasion of constant irritation, excitement and indignation '( It ereatosa condition of things wJiinh I fonr is but little calculated to advance the ob*crvau"e of the " high Christian and mora I'd uty to keon the pence, and to avoid all causes of mutual irrit'ltion," recommended by tho. Secretary of. Win in his coniinunication. In my judgment, to continue to hold Fort. | Sumter bv United States tmmw !??.!?? wnvrt i * ^ W..X. .. W...V possiblo means of protecting it fts property; nnd tlio worst possiblo means for effecting a peaceful solution of present difficulties. I Log lenvc, in conclusion, to Say that it is in dcferoncc to the unahimotis opinion repressed by the Senators present in Washington, ' representing States which have already seceded from tho United States, or will have dono so h'eforo tho 1st. of February next," thrt 1 comply with your suggestions. And 1 feel assured that Suggestions from such a. quarter will be considered with profound respect by lliQ Authorities of Soirih CftVoKnn, and will linve great weight in dctcrmhiiug t'.ftir notion. * . > . * V ith cmumlcration, I have tTio bojior to bo, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Isaac W. 11-aynk, Knvuy froui the Governor anil Couucil of South Carolina. Statu of South Carolina, ^ + Kxceutive Officc, State Uepartinenf, , Charleston, January 2<?, 1801. ) Sir : Your despatch has been received, coverinir. with other nnners. 11 renlv rir th.? President, through Mr. llolt, Secretary of War, ml futm'm, dated the 2'Jd of .January, ISOl, to the letter of Mr. Pit/.piitnelc, Mr. | Mallorv, and Mr. Slidell, enclosing to liini a | errrrospondenco betuven certain Senators of the United States and Col. Isaac W. llayne; the letter of certain Senators to you, dated tlic 22d January, 1801, and your reply to those Senatois, dated the 21th .January, 1801. In the letter of the Senators addressed to you, and dated the loth January, 1801, after stating that the posscssession of Port Sumter by troops of the United Stages, coupled with the eireumst:.*>ccs under which it was taken, is the chief, if not the only source of lliftil'llllV lll>(\Vl>l>l> t 111* ( 1 ill'rtlMl i.ini.f -J ? ?..% V. w . V MillV IIV V/l OUIIIU Carolina ami Mint of the United States; they add tlmt tlioy, "too, think it u 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 seem vl inconsistent therewith : that Fort Sumter "was not taken, and is not held with any hostile or unfriendly purpose towards your(this) State, but merely as property of the United States, which the President deems it his duty to protect and preserve."? Under the influence of that feeling of a common destiny which now animates the seceding States: and impressed with the earnest desire which seems to have boon chcrished 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 Senators proposed that time should be given for calm cud deliberate counsel with the States, which are equally involved with South C.aoiina, in the future issue of present conduct. To secure the time neni'ssarv fur fltn n-lii-.l. ..I.I bo. bud, they proposed that this state "should suffer Major Anderson to obtain necessary supplies of food, fuel or water, and enjoy free eoimnunicution by post or special messenger with the President, upon tho understanding that the President will not send him reinforcements during the same period." No such .communication was anticipated by the Governor, in the instructions with which you were furnished. Put the discretion which you exercised in delaying the delivery Of the letter to the President of the I nit'd States with which you wore charged, under the circumstances which then existed, commends its iippvoval to the Governor. Such a coursc on your part was duo from this .^tiito to tho representatives of those States, the ptolllf* ilf wliioli in ?li.> li.iw..in-A ' 4> c' r? v. ...... <! uav tmijiu'ip'; t#i kiiuir i:nu? tors, " foci a common destiny with your (our) people, anil expect to form with them n new Confederacy and Provisional Government;" and who " 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 he'd, as derived from his " public messages," concedes that his purpose as stated : that is, to hold Port Sumter " merely as property of the I'nited States" which he ''deems it his duty to protect and preserve," is correct. 1W* declares it to In; his sole object, to act strictly on the defensive, and to "authorize no mon moot against tlio p^.plc of South Carolina, unless clearly justified hy a hostile movement on their part." Tlic President thou, for proof of his desire to prevent the effusion of blood, alludes to Ins forhearneo to resort to ' the use of force under the strong provocition of an attack on an unarmed vessel bearing the (Tag of tin? Inked States." Referring next to Jhe anxious de.iire of the Senators of the seceding States, tliat thi.+ State " should,so fur as sho can, consistently with her honor, avoid initiating hostilitieshetwecn her and the I nited Stat"!, or any other Power;" the President declares " that to . initiate such hostilities against Port Sunder, would, beyond (piestion, be au act of war against the United States." And, in reply t* the proposition that " no reinforcements willbe sent to l'ort Sumter," which is state.d in Ins letter to he your proposition, lie declares, "it iS impossible for me (him) <> privo you (the Senators) any such assurance." He states that " he has no authority to enter into such an nrr:'n<*omcijt or understanding," and that it would bo "a manifest violation of his duty to place himself under engagements. t)i;it. he would not perforin this duty fcitlWr for ai? indefinite or a limited peri k'." It is nT^o added by him that ''at the, present moment" it is not deemed nocossafy to reinforce. Major Anderson, because he makes no sueh request, and feels quite sec .ire in his po.ition." J^it should liis safi-tv pemiiro !? nflV.i* .'.Ml J 1 - ?"J bo Hindis to supply riMuforcorneritfl. Tlio letter from (lie Senntrrs to you. nn<l your roply to that l'4tev\ preset.t a nuirkt il nml ogrcenble con I r:\fit to t lie letter r.f tho PrOnident of the; (,'nitfd Stft'teft. The Governor npprijeinli# the feeling^^ftijeh the letter of tho Wetoaont nnwt have .cxcited irt tho Souutob? to whom 1t was addressed ; ihfir ft>rhenraiice hi tho oxnros'siim of their fully ns to fts character ; nn'd t)ioir pcBorosity instill continuing to entertain tho hope, that collision ninybe avoided, until the States they represent may shni'e tbc dangers which menace this- Stafe. 'The. Oyrerr.or concurs also In the justice find i'orco of yor.r reply to those Senators. #?l'he roaspos which you haro sot forth in j-our/rf-ply to the. letter of tho Senators to you. conclusively establish tho propriety of that detnand whioh*the letter from the Governor i* ifcfchdod to make upon tho President; wluthcr tTu* popsrssiou of Fork f .-Ik,.