Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-04-26
Important Reply of the Presi-
dent to the Virginia Commits

~ S~~S - . @<AA% OOAAA~~~AS
sioners.
The following is the reply of Mr.. Lincoln to the
Commissioners from the Virginia State Conven-
ton:
To Hon. Mesus. Preston Ssuart and Randolph:
GENTLEMEN As Committee of the Virginia
Convention, now in session, you present me pre-
ambe and resolution in Theses words:
WHEREAS, In the opinion of this Convention, the
uncertainty which prevails in the public mind as TO
the policy which the Federal Executive intends to
pursue towards the seeded States is extremely in
furious to the industrial and commercial interests Of
the country, tends to keep up an excitement which
is unfavorable to the adjustment Of the pending
difficulties and threatens disturbance Of the pub
lie peace; therefore,
Resolped, That Committee of three delegates
be appointed to wait on the President of the United
States present to him this preamble and respect
fully ask him to communicate to this Convention
the policy which the Federal Executive intends TO
pursue in regard to the Confederate States
In answer have to say that, having at the be-
ginning OF my official term, expressed my intended
policy plainly as able, it is with deep regret
and modification thai now learn there is crea,
and injurious unsertainty in the public mind TO
what that policy is, and what course | intend to
pursue Not havingas yet seen occasion to change,
n is my purpose to pursue the course marked
out in the inaugural address. ! commend careful
consideration of the whole document as the best
expression can give % my purposes. As | then
and therein said, i now repeat, "The power conf
ded in will be used TO hold, occupy and possess
property and places belonging to the Government
aud TO collect the duties and imports; but beyond
what is necessary fer these objects there will be no
invasion, no using of force against or among the
people anywhere By the words ''property aud
places belonging to the Government chiefly allude
to the military posts and property which were in
possession Of the Government when it came into my
hands. But il, as now appears TO be true in pur-
suit Of purpose to drive the United States author
ity from these places, an unprovoked assault has
been made upon Fort Sumpter, shall hold myself
at liberty to repossess it it can and like places
which had been seized Lefore the Government was
devolved on mel and in any ovent shall, TO the
best of nay ability, repel force by force.
In case il proves true that Fort Sampter has been
assaulted, as is reported, SHALL perhaps cause the
United States mails to be Withdrawal from all the
States which claim to have seeded, believing that
the commencement Of actual war against the Gov
ernment justifes and possibly demands H. con-
slider the military posts and property situated within
the States which claim to have seeded as vet be-
longing to the Government Of the United States ~
much as they did before the supposed secession.--
Whatever else may do for the purpose, shall not
attempt 10 collect the daues and lmposiS Dy armed
Invasion Of any part of the country not meaning
by this, however, that mas not land force deem
ed necessary to relieve fort upon the border OF
the country. From the fact that have quoted a
part Of the Inaugural Address, it must not be in
ferred that repudiate any other part, the whole of
which rcaiirla except SO far as what now say Of
the mails may be regarded a modification.
This notice cannot be misinterpreted and the
fact that the Secessionists opened the fight at
tharla hnfa a.,
Government to reinforce or supply Fort Sumpter, Is
viewed here as an attempt on their part to coerce
the Government, and puts the responsibility on
them.