The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-07-17
PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S
MESS AGE.
i'eilo,o. ciitsms Of the Senate,
and Hoas Of Representatives !,


At the beginning Of the present Presden
tial term, foar months ago, the functions Of
the Federal Government were found to be
generally suspended within the several States
of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mis-
sissppi, Louisiana and Florida, excepting
those only OF the Post Office Department.
Within these States all the forts, arsenals,
dock.yards, custom houses and the like, in
Guiding the movable and stationary proper
" in and about them, had been seized and
held in open hostility TO this Government;
excepting only Forts Pckens, Taylor and
Jefferson, on and near the Florida coast, and
Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor, South
Carolina.
The forts thus seized had been put in i'm
proved condition, new ones had been built,
and armed forces had been organized, and
we're organizing, all ayowedly with the same
hostile purpose. The forts remaining in the
possession Of the Federal Government in aud
near these States were either beseiged OF
fhenaced by warlike preparations, and espe-
clally Fort Sumter was nearly surrounded
BY well protected hostile batteries, with guns
equal in quality 10 the best Of its own, and
outnumbering the latter as, perhaps, ten TO
one.
A dsproportionate share of the Federal
muskets and rifles had somehow found their
way into these States, and had been seized
to be used against the Government. Accu-
mutations Of the public revenue lying within
them had been seized for the same object.
The Navy was scattered in distant seas,
leaving but avery small part Of il within the
immediate reach Of The Government. Off
GERS Of the Federal army and navy had resign
ed N great numbers; and OF those resignlng
large proportion had taken up arms against
the Government
simultaneously, and in connection with all
this, the purpose TO sever the Federal Union
was openly ayowed. In accordance with
this purpose an ordinance had been adopted
in each Of these States, declaring these States
respectively TO be separated from the Ma
tlOnal Union. A formula for Insulating a
combined Government OF these States mad
been promulgated. and this illegal organiza-
ton, in the character of Confederate States,
was already invoking recognition, aid and
Intervention from foreign powers.
Finding this condition Of things, and be.
lieYing it 10 be an imperative duty upon the
incoming Executive 10 prevent, if possible,
the eonsummation Of such an attempt to de-
stroy the Federal Union, choice Of means
10 that end became indispensable.
This choice was made and declared in the
inaugural address. The policy chosen look.
ed to the exhaustion Of all peaceful measures
before resort to any stronger ones. Ii
sought only TO hold the public places and
property not already wrested from the Gov
eminent, and 10 collect the revenues, rely.
ing for the rest on time, discussion and the
baIlot.box.
Ii promised continuance Of the mails al
Government expenses 10 the very people
who we're resisting the Government, and il
gave repeated pledges against any disturb
anee 10 any Of the people or any Of their
rights. OF all that President might con.
stItniionally and justlhaby do in such case,
everything was ioreborne without which il
was deemed possible % keep the Government
on foot.
On the 9Th Of March, the present incum.
bent's first full dsY in Office, letter from
Major Anderson, commanding at Fort Sum
ter, written on the 18th Of February, and re-
ceiyed a. the War Department On the 4th Of
March, was BY that Department placed 10 hi:
hands. This letter expressed the profession
al opinion Of the writer that reiniorcements
could DOT be thrown into that fort within the
time for his relief, rendered necessary By the
limited supply Of provisions, and with a
view u holding possession Of the same, with
furee Of less than 10000 good and we'll.
disciplined men. This opinion was concur
red 10 By all the officers Of his command, and
their memoranda % the subject were made
enclosures " Msjnr Anderson letter.
The whole was Immediately laid before
Lieutenant General Scott, who al once con.
Cured with General Anderson IN opinion.
On reflection, however, be took fall time,
consulting with officers both Of the Army and
Navy, and al the end 81 four DAYS came re-.
lucianfly but decidedly 10 tie same cOnclu.
sion as before. lie also stated al the same
time that no such sufficient force was then al
the control Of the Government. or could be
raised and brought On the ground within the
time when the provisions 10 the fort would
be exhausted.
II purely military point Of view, this re-
dueed the duty Of The Administration IN the
case 10 the mere matter Of getting the garrl'
son safely out Of the fort. Ii was believed
however. that 10 abandon that position undei
the circumstances would be utterly ruInous
that tie Necessity under which il was done
could not be fgliy understood; tia, BY mans
il would BE- construed a. pr, Of voluntary
policy; that at home u would dlsgrganllg
tht friends 81 the Union, enbOiden - adyet.
saties, aud 70 far 10 ensure to tie latter q
recognition abroad. That, IN latt, it would
BE- our national destruction. e0asBmmIted.
Tins could not be SLOWED.
Starvation was not YET upon the garrison,
and ere il would BE- reached Fort Piekens
might be reinforced.
This las, would Be a clear Indication 81
policy, and would better cnsbe The country
70 accept the eyacusti5n Of Fort sumter az i
military necessity. An order VS. al once
directed TO be seBt ior the landing 81 Ire
troops from the steamship BROOKLYN into For,
Piekens. This order could not 20 BY land,
but must take the longer and singer fpute