The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-04-23
sI,INCOLN,S INTERVIEW WITH TILE
: - VIRGINIA COMMISSIONERS
POLICY Of the Aosnstnisfrof'on.

AI1olicv of the ADMIN isfratton
We<learp from Washington that the Commits
! sioners appointed by the Virginia Convention nad
an interview with President Lincoln SATURDAY
morning the 18th inst The Presldents Tepy
was given in writing as follows:
Hon. Messrs. Preston, Stuart and Rdndotp":
Gentlemen-As committee of the Virginia Con-
vention, now in session, you present me Pream
Bile and resolution in these words:
/" Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention,
the uncertainty which prevails in the public mind
as to the policy which the Federal Executive In
tends to pursue towards the seeded States, Is ex-
| tremey injurious to the industrial and CONNER
cia interests of the country, tends to keep up an
excitement which is unfavorable to the adjustment
of pending difficulties, and threatens disturbance
| of the peace: Therefore, .t-s8. 80 9gTfE
"Resolred, That committee of three delegates
be appointed to wait the President OF the Unit
ed States, present to him this preamble and resolu-
ton, and respectfully ask him to communicate to
this Convention the policy which the Federal tx
ecutive intends to pursue in regard to the Con-
federare States" s
In answer, l have to say that having at the be-
ginning of my official term, expressed my intend
ed policy as plainly as l was able, it is with deep
regret and some modification ! now learn that
there is great and injurious uncertainty In the
public mind, as to what policy that is, and what
course intend TO pursue
Not having as yet seen occasion to change, it is
now my purpose to pursue that course marked out
in the Inaugural Address. 1 commend a careful
consideration of the whole document, and as the
best expression l can give Of my purposes. AS
then and therein said, now repeat
The power con6ded in me will be to hold,
cupy, and possess the property and places belong
ing to the Government and to collect the duties
aud imposts, but beyond what is necessary for
these objects there will be no invasion, no using
of force against or among the people anywhere"
BY the words property and places belonging to
the Government" chiefly allude to the military
posts aud property which were in the possession
Of the-Government when it came to my hands
But if, as now appears to be true, in pursuit of
purpose to drive the United States authority
from these places, unprovoked assault has been
made upon Fort Sumter, | shall hold myself at
liberty to repossess, if can, like places which
have been seized before the Government was de-
volved upon me.
And, in any event, shall, to the best of my
ability, repel force by force:
La case it proves true that Fort Sumter has
been assaulted, as it is reported, l shall perhaps,
cause the United States malls to be withdrawn
from all the States that have seeded, believing
that actual war against the Government justifes
and possibly demands it.
| scarcely need to say that [ consider the mill
tary posts and property situated within the States
which have seeded, as yet belonging to the Gov
eminent Of the United States, as much as they did
before the supposed secession.
Whatever else may do for the purpose, 1 shall
not attempt to collect the duties and imposts by
any armed invasion of any part of the country
not meaning by this, however, that may not land
force necessary to relieve fort upon the border
of the country
From the fact that I have quoted part of the
Inaugural Address, it must not be inferred that l
repudiate any other part the whole of which l
reafirm, except SO far as what [ say of the
mails may be regarded ao modification.