The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-25
THE NATIONAL CRISIS.
ARKANSAS.

vuE spRRENDKR OF THE UNITED STATES AhsENAL
AT LITTLE ROCK.
The Arkansas State Gazette of the 16sh inst publishes
m M the correspondence that passed between Governor
petor Of that State and Captain Totten Of the United
se ARMY prior 10 the surrender by the latter Of the
Ius Rock Arsenal The correspondence for the surren
sr Of the arsenal was opened by Governor Rector who
,sa8 capta,p Totten that he had received reliable
information that large force Of citizens then
az march IN Little Rock with the avowed purpose Of
,.rno nassessop of the United States Arsenal there.
Tne Governor declares TO be his duty, under the cir
eurstances although the movement was not authorized
nv him 10 prevent collision between the people of the
State and the federal troops and therefore demanded the
delivery Of the arsenal in the of the State OF Ar
kansas TO be held subject to the action OF the Conyen
lion to be held the 4th day Of March next This Is
blood and the destruction OF property OF the citizens ana
the government. .
Capt Totien in reply to this demand confesses that
he feels himself in trying circumstance but before
agreeing 10 the surrender Of the arsenal al Little Rock
he requests 10 know from the Governor
win the Governor Of the State Of Arkansas officially
taxi charge Of said arsenal aud mun ions OF war N the
name the United States government and hold them In
that light until future circumstances shall legally a6solve
win The Governor of the State of Arkansas officially
said force an unmolested passage through
The state in any dire cton the officer commanding said
Sroope may select and guarantee, moreover, to said
force the right Of carrying with them all the public and
all which has been purchased for them, and all which
has sent to them stationed at said arsenal
consisting OF ordnance and ordnance Stores clothing
camp and garrison equipage and barrack and urn
sure also provisions and all their individual and pr
yate property
g. win the Governor OF Arkansas in his official capa
city guarantee to the United States forces in charge
thereof the right Of marching away from said place with
ali the due them federal officers and soldiers
who surrender their trust but simply evacuate
post want of instructions from their superiors
office and in doubt to the propriety of bringing
N1ar fall nunYrv nan
To these inerrogatores Governor Rector answered
folows--After mature reflection, propose to accept
your FIRST second and third propositions with the fol-
lowing understanding That, being informed your com
You shall have safe passage out Of the State in any
direction you may please, with your command, provided
you do not station yourself within the limits OF
the State Of, Arkansas the borders thereof.
memorandum was subsequently drawn up in which
the Captain agreed surrender the arsenal part OF
which reads thusAnd the said Captain Totten protests
that he has thus acted because in the presence OF
greatly superior armed force and which he became salts
fed would become overwhelming by renforcements
Of resist nce involving the sacrifice OF his com
part Of the assaants because defence OF the
the city Little Rock whether successful or unsuccessful
would necessarily involve TO greater or less extent the
destruction Of property in the city, and the loss of lives OF
the peaceful citizens and families dweng therein because
being without instructions from his government he took
the Of doing what he thought proper and best
under all the circumstances desiring 10 avoid cause Of
civil this government, by the first instance Of a
hostile and bloody collision, yet protesting for himself
and in the name Of his government against events be-
yond his CONTROL which have actuated him TO this course
The ladies OF Little Rock as an expression OF their feel
ngs Of kindness and consideration for Captain Totem
presented that gallant and meritorious officer with
handsome and coRtly sword.