Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1861-05-04

those States, n cooperation with their brethren in
the other States and such extraordinary Conven
tons IL there shall be need thereof, the Federal
Constitution contemplates and authorizes TO be as
sembled. Itis, however. the purpose Of the Sec
reiary Of State on this occasion not to invite or
engage in any discussion Of these subjects, hut
simply to sci forth lis reasons for declining 20
comply with the request Of Messrs. Forsyth and
Crawford.
On the 4th Of March instant tho then newly
elected President of the United States, in view Of
all the facts bearing on the present question, as
sumed the Executive administration Of the Gov
ernment, first delivering, in accordance with an
early and honored custom, an inaugural address to
tho people Of the United States. The Secretary
Of State respectfully submits a copy Of this ad-
drssa to Metsrs. Forsyth and Crawford. A sim
pie reference to it will be sufficient satisfy those
gentlemen that the Secretary of State, guided by
the principles therein announced, is prevented al
together from admitting or assuming that the
States reforred to by them have, In law in fact,
Withdrawn from tho Federal Union, or that they
could do so in the manner described by Msssrs.
Forsyth and Crawford, or in any other man
per than with the consent and concert OF the
people Of the United States, to bo given through
National Convention, TO be assembled in conform-
~ with the provisions Of she Constitution of the
United States OF course the Secretary of State
cannot act upon the assumption, in any way
admittha the so-called Confederate States const-
tote foreign Power with whom Diplomatic rela-
tions ought to be established.
Under these circumstances tho Secretary Of
State, whose official dnties are confined, eubiect
to tho direction of the President, 10 the conduct
ing Of the foreign relations Of ihs country, and do
no. at all embrace domestic questions or questions
arising between the several States and the Fe eral
Government, is unable to comply with the request
of Messrs. Forsyth and Crawford, to appoint
day on which they may present the evidences Of
their authority and toe object Of their visit to the
President Of the United States. Oo the contrary,
he is obliged to state to Messrs Forsyth and Craw-
ford that he has authority, nor is he at liberty
to recognise them as diplomatic agents, or hold
or other communication with
them.
Finally, the Secretary Of State would observe
that, although he has supposed that be might safe
ly and with propriety have adopted these cOnclu-
sions without making any reference Of the rub
JeCb W tue lIAeCuiHet Jct 81 ptEOu6 uho uecu
desire to practice entire drectness and to act in
spirit of perfect respect and candor towards Mes
srs. Forsyth and Crawford and tha! portion of the
people Of the Union in whose name they presen:
themselves before him, that he'has cheerfully sub
mtted this paper to the President, who comedies
generally in the views it expresses, and sanctions
tho SecFOtary's decision declining official inter-
course with Messrs. Forsyth and Crawford.
APRIL s. 1861.
The foregoing memorandum was fled in this
Department on the 18Th Of March last. A dev-
cry Of the same, however, to MessrS Forsyth and
Crawford was delayed as understood, with
their consent. They have now, through their Sec
retary, communicated their desire for a definite
disposition of the subject The Secretary of State
therefore directs that duly verified cory of the
paper be now delivered.
A true copy of the original. delivered to me by |
Mr.. f. w. Seward, Assistant Secretary of State
of the United States, on April Stb, 1861, at
2, Is p. NJ, in blank envelope.
Attest: j. T. PICKETT,
a. n