Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-02-08
The Governor TO the President Of the United States.
STATE OF SOCTH CAROLINA
EXECUTIVE OFFICE HEADQCARrgRS,
Major L. s. Army, Commanding.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, HEADQCARrgRs,
CHARLESTON Jan. H. 1861.
SR:-At the time of the separation of the State of
South Carolina from the United States Fort Sumter was
and still is in the possession Of troops Of the United
States under the command of Major Anderson. / re-
gard that possession as consistent with the dignity
safety of the State of South Carolina; and have this
d,y addressed 10 Msjor Anderson communication to
Oh ain of him the possession Of that Fort by the autho
ties Of this State. The reply OF Major Anderson informs
that he has no authority to DO what required, but
he desires reference OF the demand TO the President Of
the United States
Under the crcumstauc now existing and which need
no comment by me- have determined to send TO you
the Hon. l. w. Hayne, the Auorney-General of the
State of South Carolina and have instructed him de-
m md the delivery of Fort Sumter, i'll the harbor Of
Charleston the constituted authorities of the Safe OF
South Carolina.
The demand have made Of Major Anderson, aud
which now make Of yoU is suggested because of my
earnest desire avoid the bOOdshed which apersstence
in your attempt TO retain the possession OF that fort will
cause and which will unayalng 10 secure you that
possession, but must induce calamity most deeply to
be deplOred.
If consequences so unhappy shall ensue, will ensure
for this State in the demand which now make, the sat
isfac.ion OF having exhausted every attempt TO avoid
them.
In relation 10 pGoc property ct the United States
within Fort Sumter, the Hon !. ". hlyne, who will
hand you this communication, is authorized to give you
the pledge of the State upon the adjustment of its ea
tons with the United States Of which it was part.
Signed +. W. PIcKENs.
To the President of the United States.
Instructions from the State Department of the EreeH-
t,se office to the Hon. ". Hayns
STATE or SoUrH CAROLINA,
Executive OFFICE, STATE DEPARTMENT,
CHARLESTON jan II. 1861. }
SIR: The Governor has considered it proper in view
of the grave questions which now affect the State Of
South Csroua and the United States TO make demand
unon the President Ol the United States fer the delivery
10 the State of South Carolina of fort Sumter With
in the territorial limits Of this State and occupied by
troops Of the nited States.
The Convention OF the people OF South Carolina au.
thorized aud empowered its Commissioners to enter into
negotiations with the Governmsa Of the Uuited States
for the delivery Of forts magazines, lighthouses, aud
other real estate within the limits of South Carolina
The circumstances which caused the interruption of
that negotiation are known to YOU with the formal mott
cation of its cessation the urgent expression of the
necessity for the withdrawal OF the troops of the United
States from the barbor OF Charleston.
The interruption Of these negotiations LETT all matters
connected with Fort Sumter and troops OF the United
States within the limits OF this State att cted by the fact
that the eonn ID possession of III fort was no con5s
tent with the dignity safety a the a+e, qad that au
attempt to reinforce the troops at that fort would not be
allowed This therefore, became state of hostility, in
consequence of which the State OF South Carolina was
placed in a condition of defence During the prepare
lions for this purpose attempt made to reinforce
Fort Sumter, and repeled
You are now instructed to proceed to Washington,
aud there in the of the Government Of the State Of
South Carolina INQUIRE OF the President of the United
States whether it was BY his order thet troops of the
United States were sent into the harbor of Charles Oh to
reinforce Fort Sumter If he avows that order you will
then inquire whether he asserts right to Introduce
troops OF the United States within the limits OF this State
10 occupy Fort Sumter; and you will in case OF bis
e 81 rxKll Ia tad and
either will be regarded his declaration of wal against
the State OF South Carolina.
The Governor TO save life, and determined to omit no
course Of proceeding usual among civilized nations pre-
yous to that condition Of general hostiltes which be-
longs to war and knO wing under what order or by
what authority Fort Sumter is now held demanded from
R4or Rob srt Anderson, in command OF that fort It's
delivery 20 the State Tdat officer in reply has referred
the Governor to tue Government at Washington. You
will therefore, demand from the President OF the nIted
States the Withdrawal of the troops OF the United Sta
from that fcrt and its delivery the State Of South Car
ona.
You are instructed not to allow any question OF pro-
perry claimed by the United States enbarrass the as
seron of the political right Of the State of South Caro-
lima TO the possession of Fort Sumter The possession o
that fort by the State is alone consistent with The dignity
ana safety Of the State OF South Carolina but such pos
session is not inconsistent with right compensation
IN money in another government if II has against the
State of South Carolina any just claim connected with
that fort But the possession Of the fort cannot in re-
gard 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 il by the Coy
eminent is invasive OF the dignity aud affects the safety
of the State. That possession cannot become now mat
ter of discussion negotiation. You will, therefore, re-
dure from the President OF the United States positive
aud d;s;nc; e your demand for the delivery Of
the fort And you further authorized to give the
pledge of the State to adjust all matters which may be-
and are in their nature, susceptible Of valuation in mon
ey in the amer usual and upon the principles oil
equity and Justice always recognized by Independent.
tons for the asceranment of their relative rights and
obligations in such matters.
You are further instructed TO say the President o
the United States that the Governor regards the attempt
of the President of the United States il avowed TO con-
tinue the possession OF Fort Sumter inevitably leading
to bloody issue question which, in the judgment Of
the Governor have but conclusion reconciiable
With due regard the State OF South Carolina the vel
fare Of the other States which constitute the United
States, ard that humanity which teaches all men, but
PARTICULARLY th9;e who in authority control the lives Of
Others regard reSlrt @ the las. which should
be considered. To shad ier diced in defence Of their
rights is duty which the c.tiz Of the sata OF South
Carolina folly reco3nzs. An in such cause the Gov
ernor Will. depori7y the stern necessity which may
co 2el him ell for the sacrifice will feel that his OBJ
hyaIOu 10 prssrrye nyolate tn, sacred rights Of the