The Sun.
London, England, 1861-01-17 00:00:00

THE UNITED STATES.

(From the New York Correspondent of the Times.)
NEW YORK, JAN. 1, 1861.

The opportunities for a peaceful solution of the
difficulties between the North and the South are
rapidly passing away. The attitude of South Caro-
lina, unfortunately sustained by other planting
States, leaves no ground that Northern statesmen
can, with any respect for themselves, or any regard
for sound principles of government, stand upon.
Not only have they left the Union without waiting
for a discussion of the terms upon which the separa-
tion may take place, which to say the least would
have been civil to the other States, but they have
by an armed force taken possession of all the Fede-
ral forts in Charleston harbour, except the one in
actual possession of Federal troops, of the Post-
office and Custom-house, and of an arsenal contain-
ing 70,000 stand of arms. The channel of this har-
bour is defended bythree forts—Fort Moultrie at the
north ; another fort, the name of which I do not now
remember, at the south ; and Fort Sumter, midway
between the two in the water. To the south of this
latter fort are fiats—to the north of it and between
it and Fort Moultrie is the channel. Until Wed-
nesday last the whole of the little force in charge
of Major Anderson was in Fort Moultrie. During
the night he transported his whole force, ammuni-
tion and provisions to Fort Sumter, spiked the guns
of Fort Moultrie, and burnt their carriages. The
move as a strategy was masterly, for the new posi-
tion is accessible only by water, is mounted with
the heaviest and most approved modern guns, com-
mands both of the other forts, so as to make them
untenable, can be held by the little force under
Major Anderson's command, and, what may become
important if war breaks out, commands the city of
Charleston.

About the time that these things were taking
place the Commissioners from South Carolina ap-
pointed to negotiate with the general Government,
among other things for the surrender of these forts
to the new nation, arrived at Washington. They
sought an interview with the President, they laid
before him their credentials, they opened their ne-
gotiations, and in the midst of it all they received a
despatch from home stating what Major Anderson
had done. They immediately cried out, "Bad faith.
You have pledged us," they said, "that no change
should be made in the troops pending the negotia-
tions. We will not goon unless you withdraw all the
troops." The President, instead of saying to them,
" Gentlemen,—Your state is in armed rebellion and
I can hold no official intercourse with you," laid
their representations before the Cabinet, and after a
long discussion,the country was saved from the recall
of Major Anderson and his little force only by a
tie vote. Mr. Floyd, the Secretary of War, then
resigned, and has since made public the following
correspondence :
" SECRETARY FLOYD TO THE PRESIDENT.
" War Department, Dec. 29, 1860.
" Sir,—On the morning of the 27th inst. I read
the following paper to you in the presence of the
Cabinet :
" Council-chamber, Executive Mansion.
"' Sir,—lt is evident new from the action of the
Commander of Fort Moultrie, that the solemn
pledges of the Government have been violated by
Major Anderson. In my judgment but one remedy
is now left us by which to vindicate our honour
and prevent civil war. It is in vain now to hope
for confidence on the part of the people of South
Carolina in any further pledges as to the action of
the military. One remedy is left, and that is to
withdraw the garrison from the harbour of Charles-
ton altogether. I hope the President will allow
me to make that order at once. This order, in my
judgment, can alone prevent bloodshed and civil
war.

" JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War.'