The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-27
NORTH CAROLINA.

THE CUSTODY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA FORTS
INTERESTING CORRESPONDENTS BETWEEN COVER.
NOR ELLIS AND THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
II will be remembered that short time ago the United
States forts North Carolina seized and occupied
by State troops acting without orders from the Execu
tive Of State The forts have recently been evacuated
by their illegal posscssors and that the fol-
lowing interesting correspondence has passed between
Governor Ellis and the Secretary Of War
STATE NORTH CARorIyA
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, RALEIGH, Jan. H. 1861.
SR-Rciabe information has reached this department,
taken possession Of by State troops and persons resident
in that vicinity in an irregular manner.
Upon receipt Of this information Immediately issued
military order requiring the forts TO be rested TO the
authorities Of the United States, which order win be
executed this day.
My nforfatcc. satisfies that this popular outbreak
wa: caused by report, very generally credited-put
II the purpose Of the administration 10 the
Southern States, and that troops their way to
garrison the Southern ports and begin the work Of sub
jugaton This impression Is not yet erased from tho
public mind, which Is deeply agtated ut the bare
temptation OF great indignty and wrong; and I
would most earnestly appeal to your Excelency to
strengthen my hands IN my efforts 10 preserve the public
order here, by placing IN my to give public
surances that no measures Of force are contemplated
wards US
Your Exoellency will pardon me, therefore, for asking
whether the United states forts will be garrsoned with
United States troops during your administration
This question ask in perfect respect, and with an
earnest desire 70 prevent consequences which know
would be regretted by your Lxceency as much as my
Shouts receive assurances that troops will be sent
TO this Slate prior TO the 4h Of March next then an will
be peace and quiet here and the property Of the United
states VA 6e iuy protected heretofore. IT, however,
am unable 70 get such assurances will not undertake
70 answer for the const quences.
The forts In this have long been unsccuped and
,ber being garrsoned at this time will unquestonably
be looked upon as hostile demonstration, and will in
my opinion, certainly be resisted.
Believing your Acelency be sincerely DESTROYS Of
preserving peace and preventing the eiiusion of the
blood Of your countrymen, have deemed my duty to
make the foregoing inquiry and 10 acquant you with nc
state Of the public mind bere Very respectfully your
jams BUCHANAN, Preessidee, Of the United states.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Jan, is, 1891.
SrR-Your letter OF the 18th inst addressed TO the
President of the United States has by him been referred
qualification at the promptitude with which you have
dered the expulsion of the lawle4s who recently
cuped forts johnson and Casw lie regards this action
the part OF your Excelency in complete harmony
with the honor and patriotic character Of the people Of
North Carolina, whom you 80 worthiy represent.
In repy to ycar INQUIRY whethe, Is the purpose Of
during his administration am directed TO say that they
IN with the other FORTS arscnas aud public pro
pery Of the United states In the chageof the Pres
dent and that II assailed, matter from what quar-
under what protext his duty 90 protect thom
by all the which the law has placed at hs dspo
sal II not his purpoe 10 garrison the forts 10 which
you refer at present because he considers them entirely
safe heretofore, under the shelter Of the law
sentiment for which the people OF North Carolina have
been distinguished. Should they, however be at
tackled menaced with danger Of being seized aud taken
from the possession Of tho United staes he could not
escape from his constitutional obligation 20 defend
and preserve them The very satisfactory and patriotic
assurances evenly your excellency, Justify him how
ever In entertaining tie confident expectation that
such contingency viii arise.
have the honor t. be very respectfully your obedi.
Ills ExccIency, Jous faiH Governs Of North Caro-.
Ina, Raleigh.