Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-02-19
DEpARrMEEr on WAR, Jan. rs, ls3s.

DEPARTMENT WAR, Jan. &C. 1888.
SIR: have receved-your letter of the 23d inst and
directed by the President communicate TO YOU his
wish that you repair Charleston with the least posi-
bic delay and assume the command of the troops in that
quarter under the views and Instructions heretofore
nunicated to you This inmaon would have been Civ
BEFORE but supposed il your intention TO return;
and therefore, felt unwilling, by any expression of my
pecaton TO hasten it, at the expence perhaps of ncon.
venence TO yourself.
An express has been established between here and
Charleston, and will be continued long the oil
things there may permit and require it, Should however
any circumstance delay prevent you at full ber-
iy, whenever you think the public interest requires it,
make other arrangements for the conveyance Of your dis
patches You can employ pilot boats as yoa suggest,
when these be necessary.
did not know ill yesterday, that - - order
ed to Savannah Your course, respecting that officer
equally firm and discreet, and met my entire appro-
baton. have directed he should be Immediately reey-
ed, and withdrawn from that quarter
All your dispatches have been communicated TO the
President and your general views and proceedings have
been approved by him. The three orders 10 which you
REFER shall briefly advert to-
1t is the wish OF the President that the
present unhappy difficulties In South Carolina should be
terminated without any forcbc collisions and il is his de-
termination, that If such collision does occur it shall
be justly imputable to the United States lie is there
fore DESTROYS, that in all your proceedings while you
ecute your duty firmly, you act with much discretion
and moderation possible And this he has ne
doubted you will adopt
Seltdefence is righ, belonging as much to military
bodies 10 individuals; aud officers commanding sepe-
rate forts, rssPonsble at all times Tor their defence
body of armed approach sulliysns Island with ap.
paenty hostile views, II will be proper pursue the
course indicated by you 10 Col Bankhead That Is 10
warn their commanding officer retire. and inform him
Of the which you will be compelled 10 adopt
in the event Of his continued approach. Should this
warming be useless, and the armed body attempt TO
land, you will be justified in resisting such attempt
But before this uniortunatc alternative Il resored TO-
rely upon your patriotism and discretion, endsaS
by all REASONABLE ard peaceshle mesus, 10 induce
any such armed body TO abandon their enterprise
The subject is committed 10 you, in The flll conviction
that while you discharge your duty officer you
Will be mindful Of the great decacy Of the subject and
Of the anxiety OF the President avoid II possible re-
TO force But whatever the first rights Of self-de
fence require, must be done should case occur nvoy
ing such question.
Your order TO Col Twiges was right in the event Of bis
being compelled 10 abandon his post But before the re-
cept Of your letter, while were here In much anxiety
about The Arsenal az Augusta mud bad not learned te
prudent measures taken by You for IFS defence Col
Twiggs was directed 10 defend himself IL attacked 10 the
last extremity IN such a case your officer must reiec