The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-02-20

ment OF the President the safety OF the gar
rison requires them, rests on the same un-
questionable foundation as the right to occu-
py the fortress itself.
In the letter of Senator Davis and others
to yourself, under date Of the 18th ultimo.
they say: " We, therefore, think it especial
ly due from South Carolina TO our States
to say nothing Of other slayeholding States
that she should, as far as she can consistent
ly with her honor, avoid initiating hostllitles
between her and the United States or any
other Powers" and you now yourself give TO
the President the gratifying assurance that
" South Carolina has every disposition to
preserve the public peace;" and, since be Is
himself sincerely animated by the same de-
sire, il would seem that this common and
patriotic object must be OF certain attain-
ment. II is difficult, however, TO reconcile
with this assurance the declaration on your
part that 'it is consideration Of her (South
Carolina's) own dignity as a sovereign, and
the safety of her people, which prompts her
to demand that this property should not Ion
yer be used as military post By Govern
ment she no longer Acknowledges" and the
thought you SO constantly present that this
occupation must lead TO a collision oil arms
and the prevalence oil civil war.
Fort Sumter is in itself military post,
and nothing else and il would seem that not
SO much the fact as the purpose Of IFS use
| should give to il hostile Or friendly charac.
ter. This fortress is nov held BY the Gov.
ernment OF the United States, for the same
object for which il has been held from the
completion Of its construction. These are
; | L ruiRiip
enemy now to attempt the capture Of Charles.
ton or the destruction of the commerce OF its
harbor the whole force Of the batteries Of
this fortress would be at once exerted for
their protection. How the presence Of a
small garrison, actua.ed BY such a spirit as
this, can compromise tie dignity or honor Of
| South Carolina, or become a source OF lrrita-
ton to her people. the President IS at loss
TO understand. The attitude Of that garri-
son. as has been often declared. is neither
menacing nor defiant, nor unlrendly. II y
acting under orders to stand strictly on the
| defensive. and the Government and people
Of South Carolina must we'll know that they
can never receive aught but shelter from lis
guns, unless, IN the absence OF all proyoca,
ton, they should assault il, and seek is de.
struction. The intent with which this for
tress is held by the President is truthfnlly
stated BY Senator Davis and others. in their
letter 10 yourself Of the 18th January, in
which they say: II is not held with any
hostile or unlrieudly purpose towards your
State, but merely as property Of the United
States, which the President deems il his du-
i ty to protect and preserve"
j Ii the announcement 50 repeatedly made
Of the Presidents pacific purposes IN con.
tinuing the occupation Of Fort Sumter until
/ the question shall have been settled bS com.
petent authority has failed 10 impress the
Government Of South Carolina, the forbear.
ing conduct Of his Administration for the
last few months should be received as con-
elusive evidence Of bis sincerity. And il
this forbearance, in view al the circumstance.
which have SO severely tried il. be not &c.
cepted 81 satisfactory pledge o. the peace
ful policy OF this Administration towards
i South Carolina, then Il mag be safely affirm.
ed that neither language nor conduct can
possibly furnish one. II, with all the multi.
pied proofs which exist Of the Presidents
anxiety for peace. and Of the earnesiness
with which lie has pursued il, the authorities
81 that State shall assault Fort Samtcr, and
pfril the lives Of the handful Of brave and
/ LOYAL men shut up within It's walls, aud thus
/ plunge our common country into the horrors
Of civil war, then upon them and those they
represent must rest the responsibility.
Very respectfully, your O5edient servant.
J HOLT. Secretary Of Wa.
Hon. ]. w. HAYSg.
Attorney General u tie Site of South caroIns.