The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-01-04

FRoA WASHINGTON. We take the follow.
ing from the Washington correspondence Of
New York Times
1t appears that Secretary Floyd, with
tho full knowledge and consent Of the Presi-
dent, pledged his honor that no change
should be made in tho position of affairs in
Charleston Harbor-South Carolina giving
a pledge to respect all public property in the
meantimc--until the Commissioners could be
received here, and the whole matter DO refer
ed to Congress. Under these circumstances
tn Commissioners called on Secretary Floyd
and charged the act of Major Anderson, in
spiking the cannon, &C., as not only yio-
lation Of solemn pledges, but TN act of hos
tility-as much so as il he had fired his guns.
Floyd disayowed Anderson's act, but the
commissioners claimed some tangible EVIL
dence aud demanded the withdrawal of the
troops from Fort Sumpter. Floyd consider.
cd the demand reasonable and proper, and
on the cabinet being summoned he asked
permission of the President to comply with
the demand, not only as matter OF policy,
but Ms called for by the pledge given South
Carolina. His honor and the honor OF tho
administration being sacredly pledged, no in
sisted on recalling the troops, leaving the
Government property to DO protected rs sim
liar property is protected at Boston, New
York, Mobile.
Secretaries Thompson and Thomas backed
Floyd in this demand, and Toucey, Holt,
and Stanton sided with the President In re-
fusing.
The President persisted In his refusal to
comply with the demand, and Secretary
Floyd withdrew and penned his letter OF res
ignation.
The Cabinet meeting was very acrimonious
II is intimated that the Presidents dis
position was decidedly in favor Of withdraw
ing Anderson from Sumter, but that Holt,
Black and Stanton declared they would re-
sign IL this was done. Toucey was less pos
tive but came to the same conclusion, and
this settled the question.
Senator Wilson returned to day from his
Eastern tour. He says that wonderful
tirmness prevails throughout the North. with
growing feeling for the preservation Of the
Union and the enforcement of the laws
Many Bell.Evcrstt men join in this feeling.
The general sentiment, he says, is against
any compromise involving sacrifice of prn-
cip,e,, and constant demands are made upon
Representatives to stand firm.
A letter was received from Springfield, Ill.
to-day, by prominent Senator, from one OF
Mr.. Lincolns most intimate friends, assuring
him that nothing will DO done by Mr.. Lin
coin involving his own dignity or that of the
party. No fear need be entertained of his
future course, which will be strictly guided
by constitutional justice, with the principles
of the Republican Platform to guide him !;
that no section need fear injustice at his
hands.
Gen. Scott has written to Major Anderson,
saving he has behaved like brave man and
natriot. and he would stand by him to the
last. He also addressed letter to Mr..
Floyd, on Friday, informing him that as he
had, during his presence here, assumed to is.
sue orders in disregard of his authority, and
without his knowledge, he should hold no
further communication with him.
Breckenridge has expressed the decided
opinion that as military man, having the
rirht to exercise his own discretion, Ander-
SON was fully justified in transferring his
command to Fort Sumpter with view Of
the danger which encompassed his former
position, and the refusal Of tho government
10 reinforce him.
The correspondent Of tho Courier and En-.
quircr says:
ut is stated on what is said to DO good
authority that the people of Charleston arc
in possession of u manuscript letter from Mr.
Buchanan, written several weeks ago, in
which he promised the secessionists all the
aid and comfort in his power. This letter
they threaten to publish il the President
should dare to increase the force in Charles
ton harbor. understand also that the Pres
ident has been threatened that ii he should
keep Colonel Anderson in command, the
White House would be fred over his head.
I have no doubt that the Wigfall and Ivcr-
son party hold the poor old occupant Of the
White House in the utmost terror"