New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-02-07
UastractiOns from ne Slate Dep!rtaent Of ne Etee'
tire Office to Hon. 4. w. HayHt.l
e, ATr Op SOuTH ClROLINA, }
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE DEPARTMENT, 7
Gum L srnN ,IannarY 10 1851.


SIR: The Governor has considered it proper, in view
of the grave questions which effect the State OF
South Carolina and the United States to make demand
10 the President of the United the denver 10
tbe state of South Carolina Of Fort Sumter, now with
In the territorial limits Of this State, and occupied by
troops of the United States. >.
, The Convention of the People of South Carolina
alhorized and empowered its Commissioners TO enter
into negotiations with the Government OF the UIl
States for the delivery of forts, magazines, hSnL-
houses ana her real estate within the limits Of South
- "SH u -, ..,,.. the interruption Of
that negotiation are known TO yon: WIN thN :
ot6ra;on of it's cessation was the urgent expression
of the necessity for the withdrawal OF ine troops VI
he United States from the harbor OF Charlesi0n'
The interruption of these negotiations let ~ matters
connected with Fort Sumter ad tr00ps OF the United
States within the limits of this State, affected by the
fact that the continued possession OF the Fort was MOI
Sonsistent with the dignity OF saIeiy OF lhe 0e
ut an attept 10 reinforce the troops at that Fort
zond moi be allowed This, therefore, became state
fbottv in consequence of which the State OF South
Csrolina was placed in condition Of defense during
the preparation for this purpose an attempt was n"ue
20 reinforce Fort Sumter, and repelled.
You are now instructed 10 proceed 10 washington,
and there in the name Of the Government OF the Sale
of South Carolina, inquire OF the Prelaent OF one
~ tbe limited States were sent into the harbor OF
barleston TO reinforce Fort Sumter If be avoWs mat
order Won will then inquire whether he asseTtsa night
20 introduce troops Of the United States Wllh lhe
;its of this State TO occupy Fort Sumter; and You
will Ia case of his avowal inform him that neither
will be permitted; and either will be regarded as Ills
declaration Of war against the State OF South carolina
The Governor to save life, and determined to omit
nm course of proceeding usual among civilized nations
nreyious TO that condition Of general hosihIes which
belonps to war; and not knowing under what ORDER or
by what authority, Fort Sumter ls now held, demanded
from Major Robert Anderson, DOW IN command OF tha
fart its delivery to the State That oieer, In his re-
,iv has referred the Governor 10 the Government OF
The United States at Washington. You WILL lheIc-
fore demand from the President OF the United States
the withdrawal of the troops of the United States
from that fort and its delivery to the State OF South
Yon are instructed not to allow any question Of
nronerty claimed bv the United States TO embaTrass
the assertion of the political night of the State OF South
Carolina 10 the possession of Fort Sumter. The pos
session of that fort by the State Is alone consistent
with the dignity and safety OF the State OF South Gar
nina: but such possession lie not inconsistent with
RIGHT TO COMPENSATION in money in another Govern
sut If il has against the State of South Carolina any
lust claim connected with that fort But the posses
zion of the fort cannot in regard to the state OF South
carolina be compensated by any consideration OF any
Kind from the Government of the United States when
the possession of it by the Government Is invasive oil
the dignity and affects the safety Of the State That
posseseion cannot become now matter OF discussion
or negotiation. Yon WILL therefore, require from the
President Of the United States positive and distinct
answer 70 your demand for the delivery Of the fort.
And you further authorized to give tie pledge OF
the state TO ad Just all matters which may be, and are,
in their nature susceptible Of valuation in money; in
the manner most usual, and upon the principles of
equity and justice always recognized by independent
nations for the asceralnment q their relative rights
and obligations in such matters.
You are further instructed 10 cay to thsIresdent OF
the United States that the Governor regards the
Attemrt of the President of the United States, IL
ayowsd TO continue the possession Of Fort sumter as
Inevitably leading TO bloody issue question which,
In the Judgment of the Governor, can have but one
conclusjOp reconcable with due regard TO the State
of South Carolina, the welfare OF tie other States
which now constitute the United States, and that
humanity which teaches all men, but particularly
those who in authority control the lives OF Others tore
gard resor TO arms as the last which should be con-
sidered.
To shed their blood in defense Of their rights is
duty which the citizens Of the State OF South CaIo&
fully recognize And in such a cause the Governor,
while deploring the stern necessity which may compel
bin 10 call for the sacrifice will feel that bis obligation
70 preserve nvioate the sacred rights Of the State OF
South Carolina justify the sacrice necessary 10
that end. The Governor docs not desire to remind tic
President Of the responsibilities which are upon him.
Respectfully, your obedent servant
20 the Hon w HAYS9 Special Envoy from lie Sat Of
South Carolina 10 the President Of the United States
The remainder Of the correspondence comprises let
sns from Senators Wigall, Hemphil, Davis, slideI,
Benjamin and other seeding Senators to the Hon. j.
w. Hayne, requesting him to exert his influence TO
postpone an attack upon Fort Sumter They also adj
dressed similar letter 10 tie President TO which the
td -e'ly ~ refe through Secretary HOIt