Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1861-01-04
Important from WASHINGTON.

MANY persons found 1T impossible to obtain
admittance to the Senate galleries on Wednes-
DAY last, they being crowded as early as lC
O'Clock in the morning. In addition to the
oratorical attraction, il was thought the Pre-
sldent would transmit the anticipated message
relative to the state of affairs in South Caro-
ma This, however, has necessarily been
delayed, owing to certain pending questions.
Instead of the message however, the Presi-
| dent sent an important nomination for col
| rector OF the revenue in the neighborhood of
Charleston harbor The name of the indi-
vidual is believed to be VIM. McIntire, of
pennsylvania, although others say he is OF
New York. The former is probably the more
correct
The republican Senators desired to go into
executive session on the subject, but this was
resisted by the other side, and an adjourn
ment was carried by the democrats present,
with the exception of Messrs. Bigler, Latham
and Powell. 1t is not certain, according to
present appearances, that Mclntire will be
confirmed. This nomination is considered in
the highest degree important, and as foresha-
lowing the future operations of the admin
stration.
Private accounts from Charleston state that
a thousand negroes are engaged in the cree
ton of Notifications in the harbor. The chan
nels leading to Fort Sumpter have been OBJ
structed by sunken vessels and the buoys have
been removed. Governor Pickens has receiv-
ed offers of ten thousand volunteers, without
the State, and who are ready TO march at a
moments warning .-Despdtch 10 The San.
GovgRxoR Flows RESIGNATION. -The fol-
lowing is Gov. Floyd's letter to the Presi-
dent rendering his resignation as Secretary OF
War, with the Presidents reply;
WAR DEPARTMENT, Dec. 20, 1860
Sir: On the evening of the 9th instant
read the following paper TO you in the pre-
sence of the cabinet:
COUNCIL CHAMBER, Executive Mansion.
Sir: 1t is evident now from the action of
the commander at Fort Moultrie that the So
Tenn pledges oc this government have been
violated by Major Anderson. In my judg-
ment but one remedy is now left US by which
to vindicate our honor, and prevent civil war
1t is in yain now to hope for confidence on
the part of the people OF South Carolina in
any further pledges as to the action of the
military. One remedy only is left, and that
is, TO withdraw the garrison from the harbor
of Charleston altogether. | hope the Presi-
dent will allow me to make that order at once.
This order, in my judgment, can alone pre-
vent bloodshed end civil war.
I" JOHN b. F1oYD, Secretary of War.
To the President, Dec. 81, 1860"
then considered the honor of the admins
tration pledged to maintain the troops in the
position they occupied fer such had been
the assurance given to the gentlemen of South
Carolina who had a right 10 speak for her
South Carolina, on the other hand, gave re-
ciprocal pledges that no force should be
brought by them against the troops, or
against the property of the United States -
The sole object of both parties to these reci-
procal pledges was to prevent collision and
the efiusion Of blood in the hope that some
means might be found for peaceful accom-
mediation of the existing troubles, the two
houses Of Congress having both raised COM
mittees looking to this object.
Thus affairs stood until the action of Major
| Anderson taken, unfortunately, while COM
missioners were on their way to this capital
on a peaceful mission looking to the avoid
ance of bloodshed, has complicated matters
| in the existing manner Our refusal or even
delay, to place affairs back az they stcod M
der our agreement invites collision, and must
inevitably inauguratc civil war in our land
! | cannot consent to be the agent of such a
calamity.
deeply regret to feel myself under the ne
oessity Of rendering to you my resignation as
Secretary Of War because / can no longer
hold IA panr-ras-ecsl sht5l9as ~ f..sss.+ts lrl
nor WITH honor, subjected as I am TO the vio-
lalon Of solemn pledges and plghtcd faith.
with the Highest personal regard, | am
most truly yours, JOHN B. FLOYD.
To his Excellcncy the President of the United
Statps