davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

JUDGE DOUGLAS FLAN.-During Satur-
days session Of the Senate Committee j Judge
Douglas submitted the following:
First. leave the people of the organized
Territories free to decide the question Of
slavery themselves, subject only to the linn
itstions of The Constitutional Courts to
decide upon the validity of the Territorial
laws. without any interference by Cou-
gress.
Second. An equitable partition of all
territory We now own or may acquire be-
tween the sections, as provided in the Mis-
souri, Compromise, and now proposed by
Senator Critteuden.
THIRD. The status of slavery and person.
al freedom IN the Territories shall remain
as it was when acquired: neither Congress
nor Territorial Legisl -;ares having ths pow
er to change it; tic Coarts to detsssasas alb
questions Inv living the title Of slave prop
erty aud PERSONAL freedom, as was provided
IN the Clayton Compromise bin, and sup
rorted by hlr Calhoun in 1913.
In addressing the COMMITTEES, Mr. Doug
las said he was unwilling to believe tha.
Senator'S from the North and South were
going to sacrifice the country in order to
preserve their political consistency OF party
organizations. He did not believe that the
! recent election by the people had decided
irrevooably that they preferred dlsanion to
yielding ope iosa Of the e1treme demands Of
their partigap platforms,
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

We issued an extra on Friday night last
to the effect that Fort Moultrie had been
burnt, and Fort Sumpter taken possession
by the troops. 1t was not certain then
whether Sumpter was in possession of the
Y. ). troops or the South Carolinians. 1t
appears row that Maj Anderson evacuated
Fort Moultrle. spiked the guns, and took
possession of Sumpter, with view, in the
hrst place, to put an end to the discussion
about the taking of Moutrie by Carolina
and the removal Of a temptations; and in the
second place, to secure himself against an
attack from superior force
On the 28th, large force left Charles
ton to take possession of Fort Moultrie and
Castle Pinkney, which they did, without
collision. and Immediately raised the Pal
metto Flag. The same emblem floats from
the custom house and the post Office.
Fort Sumpter is mpregnable. at least so
far as any force South Carolina can bring to
operate upon it. Notwithstanding this it
is believed that an attack will be made in
order to bring about collision, las it is deem
ed by South Carolina that the movements of
Maj. Anderson, are adverse to her interests,
especially in her character as separate
Sovereign power. Fort Sumpter commands
Charleston port, and from it Fort Moultrie
could be rased in few hours.
The South Carolina missioners at
Washington became very indignant on hear
ing of the movements Of Maj. AL derson,
and demanded to know whether be had ac-
ted under instructions from the President,
to which that functlonary answered in the
negative. They then demanded that Mnj
A., should be ordered to eyacuate Fort
Sumpter and resume his position at Moul-
trie, or their mission was at an end,
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
Gov. Fleyd,s Iesignation.

The following is Go. Floyd's letter to
the President rendering bis resignation as
Secretary of War, witltho Presidents re-
ply:
WAR DErARTMEf, Dec 20, 1860.
Sir: On the evenig Of the 9th iusta ut
read the following PIPER to you in the pres
ence of the cabinet:
"CotNcIL CnAmBEB Executive Mansion:
"Sir: 1t is evidnt now from tho action
of the commander It Fort Moultrie that the
solemn pledges @ This government have
been violated by lajor Anderson. In my
judgement but Ne remedy IS now left US
by which to yindpate or honor, and pre-
vent civil war 1t is % vain now to hope
for confidence oF the part of the people Of
South Carolina ~ any farther pledges as to
the action of fire military. One remedy
only is left, ard that is, to withdraw the
garrison from the harbor of Charleston ais
together. nope tile President will allow
me to make hatosder at once. This order,
in my Judgment can alone prevent blood
shed aud civil war.
''JoaS y FLOYD, Sec'y of War.
"To the President, Dec. q, 1850"
then co,sidered the honor of the admin
istration pledged to maintain the troops in
the position they occupied for such bad
been the assurances given to the gentlemen
of South Carolina who had right to speak
for her. South Carolina, on the other hand,
gave reciprocal pledges that no fo,ce should
be brought y them against the troops, or
against the property of the United States.
The sole Object of both parties to these re-
ciprocal Pledges was to prevent collision
and tue efhsion of blood in the hope that
some mems might be found for a peaceful
accommodation of the existing troubles, the
two houss of Congress having both raised
COMMITTEES looking to this object.
Thusahairs stood until the action of Ma
ior Anderson (taken. unfortunately. while
commissioners were on their way to this car
ital on a peaceful mission looking to the a.
voida)ce Of bloodshed,) has complicated
matters in the existing manner. Our refu-
SAL Dr. even delay. to place affairs back as
theystood under our agreement invites COZ
lisDn, and must inevitably inaugurate civil
wr in our land. | cannot consent to be
tie agent Of such calamity.
! I | deeply rgret to feel myself under the
lecessity of rendering to you my resignation
BIS Secretary Of War, because can no lon
ger hold it under my convictions of patriot
ism, nor with honor, subjected as | am to
the violation Of solemn pledges aud plight
ed faith
With the highest personal regard, am
most truly yours,
JoHN B. FLOYD.
To his Exeellency the President OF she Uni
ted States.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81, 1860.
Mu Dear SRI have received and ac-
copied your resignation of the Office of Sec
rotary of War; aud not wishing 10 impose
upon you the task of performing it's mere
routine duties which you have SO kindly Of
fered to do, have authorized the Postmas-
ter General to administer the affairs Of the
Department until your successor shall ts
appointed.
Yours, very respectfully,
J aNEs kUrUAN.Y
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

Hon S. Fl. Woodson, member Of Con.
gress from the Lexington (Mo) District
has submitted proposition, substantial,
that which we have suggested through the
columns of the Vindicator, as the basis Of {
reconstruction Of the Federal Union. HI
recommends that the slave-holding States
shall withdraw ,adhering to the present Con.
stitution, with such amendments or explain.
atory clauses in accordance with the Drec
Scott opinion, as will insure no misappre
hension hereafter. Upon such al basis, then
let all the States be invited to unite. II is
believed New York. Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Indiana. Illinois, Iowa, and proba-
bly, Ohio, would seek union with the South,
and thus reconstruct the Government. leay
ing out the New England States, which
have been the cause of all the present dis
turbance.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
To his Excellency the President OF she Uni
ted States.
WASHINGTON, Doc, 81, 1860.
Vase Conspiracy.

AS has been often remarked, the seocs-
sit nists Of South Carolina have how furnish-
ed abundant evidences that they have been
long conspriug the diss citation Of the Union.
The following are extracts from speeches
made in the South Carolina Convention,
VIZ:
Mr.. Packer, speaking Of secession, said :
at is no spasmoiie effort that has come sud-
denly upon us, but 1t has been gradually
cu!mEaslng FOR p long series of years"
MIR tnges said; ''Most of us had this
subject under consideration for the lass
twenty years,'
Nlp. Ke't said: II have been engaged 10
| this movement ever siuce entt red political
life"
:, M. Rhett said at is nothing produ-
ced by MIR Lincoln's election. Or the noa-
execution IF the fugitive slave law. 1t is
a matter which has been gathering head for
thirty years" And be further said: Nv
are about to sunder cur relations with that
section, (the North, and l trust forever"
On another occasion Mr.. Rtett said -
The Federal laws laying taxes on tho peo-
pie Of Soath Carolina have fallen this day;
and so far as We arr concerned, fallen, /
trust, forever"
Hence it appears that there has been a
long eoneoeted conspiracy to overturn tie
Government of the United States. and that
the eauSes heretofore alleged are mere pre-
texts.
Does any friend of the Union believe that
these men intend ever to return to their al
legiance, no matter what concessions are
made by the North. il they can help it? If
50, be is under dangerous dc..u.on. Rich
mond Whig.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

On Cbrislmas day Major Anderson diuea
formally With tla secession authorities
chic fs-in Charlcs'o,. and was duly car
ried back = Fort Moaltre by early moou-
light ar a'ently very much overcome by
the g ,od things driukahle set before him.
Those in charge Of the steamer posted in the
channel to watch his movements in the ftrt.
therefore. thought it would bs safe for Tho ra
TO relax Their vigilance aud themselves take
a Christmas night frolie, aud in the midst
of which Anderson and his force spiked
Moultrie's guns and landed safely at Font
Sumpter. The apparent in'oxication Il
Anderson WIS but u fvins to have the very
effect it did have. v
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

The President refused to acknowledge
the South Carolina Commissioners in their
official capacity. He will agree to look up
on South Carolina in no other attitude
than as State Of the Union, subject to all
its laws. He says he cannot and will not
withdraw the federal troops from Fort
Sumpter, and declares that all the public
property in the possession Of South Caro-
lima must be given up. He approves, in
all parts, the action Of Major Anderson in
taking possession Of Fort Sumpter and evac-
uatipg Fort Moultrie. Gov. Adams. one
of the Commissioners, has telegraphed to
.guard the port of Charleston and hasten
preparations for war.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
Meeting of the LEGISLATURE.

The Legislature of Virginia meets in ex.
ira session On Monday next, the 7th inst.
In no period of the history Of the country
has deliberative body been called upon to
consider graver, or more important and
stirring events than those that will be pre-.
scented to the General Assembly Of Virginia
during its present session. Among its first
duties Will be to call a State Convention
and take efficient steps towards thoroughly
arming tn State While there are objec-
tons that might be urged to the Conven-
ton at this time, we think the considera,
tons which call for it are paramount, and
that it should be instantly authorized ,and the
day Of the election of delegates fixed as ear.
y as possible, to the end that the Conven
ton may meet before the fourth of March
We are utterly opposed to the suggestion
of our esteemed contemporary of the Wing
that several months should transpire before
the assembling Of the Convention, and that
its action be submitted to the people. II
ordinary times, we should favor the policy
of making haste slowly" but now, i
seems to US urgently important that Vir'
ginia should act at once, decidedly and
promptly. Her position should be clearly
and distinctly taken before the LIST of March
Events Of great import are pressing upon
us. We should meet them, and be prepar
ed for any emergency. The rule Of Black
Republican treason and fanaticism should
never be permitted to be inaugurated al
Washington city. Virginia should be pre-.
pared to play her part in resisting the act
which would place the purse and the sword
of the government in the hands of a power
that will use them for her destruction and
that Of the South. We do not wish to act
rashly. But it would be madness-inex-
cusable suicide-for us to sit quietly down
with arms folded in supine Indifference to
our own identity, while our avowed enemy
is forging the chains that are to manacle US,
and whet.ing the sword that is to prove our
executioner. Let the Legislature consider
these matters, and act as becomes brave
men and patriots who nave the nerve to
stare death in the face when honor and right
are at stake.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

CHARLESTON, January 1.-Stropg forti-
fcatons are being erected in and aroand
Charleston harbor, to resist the reinforce
ment of Fort Sumpter.
The Governor is daily receiving dispatch
es FROM Southern States rendering men tc
defend South Caroline.
1t is ccnslderei. certain here that before
the ehd OF January the Legislative, execu
eve ana judicial functions of the proposed
Southern confederacy will be permanently
organized and in full operation,
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

With South Carolina it is the policy of
Virginia and the other slaveholding States
to have nothing to do. Let them act as
though she were blotted out from the map
OF the country, and after their course has
Doen determined upon, let her either come
70 them and partake Of such benefits as
they may bestow, or go her own road to
destruction and humiliation. We have no
use TO. the advice of such men as control
ner councils. The times present grave
practical question, and we desire practical
men to take it into consideration. We have
no use for Quixotic knight-errants, whose
callbre aspires no higher than a charge up
on wind-mill.
II Tor no other reasons, and there are many
others, South Carolina has forfeited the con-
fldence and respect Of the South by her
reckless disregard of the wishes and inter-
ests OF every slaveholding State, and her
vulgar and malicious abuse of the border
States.
With this protest against the action and
policy OF South Carolina, we trust that ev-
very Southern State, and especially Vir-
ginla and Maryland, will lose no time in
preparing for any emergency that may a.
rise. The signs are portentous, and we are
not at liberty to disregard them. The NUT
terlngs OF conflict come in muffled notes
from every quarter. Calls for volunteers
and the organization of mysterious bands in
the Northern States, warn us to be on our
guard. John Brown took possession Of the
Armory at Harper's Ferry in few hours
time. Let!that bloody remembrance not
be forgotten. The race of John Browns
is not yet extinct. Then let us be true to
ourselves and our State, and see that We
slumber not while treason is plotting.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
Four Free Negroes Drowned.

We learn from gentleman jast from
Rockingham, that four free negroes were
drowned on the 26th ult while attempting
to cross the Shenandoah river near Port
Republic. 1t seems that all of them got
into the san1e end of skiff, and thus capsi-
'zed it. They made but little effort to save
themselves, all, it is supposed being more
or less under the influence of liquor. A
bottle of whiskey. pack of cards and some
counterfeit money were found on their per-
son. Two Of them were men of very bad
character.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

The holydays have passed off without an y
serious accident or startling occurrence in
our midst. a few DRINKS and several knock
downs, are all the incidents furnished by the
police records.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

There seems to be reasona fer the belief
that Lieut. General Scott, several days a.
go. submitted to the President plan, in
writing, for the blockade Of Charleston and
reinforcing strongly all the Southern garri-
sons, and suggesting other military prepa-
ratlons. This, however, vas not. it is said,
received with favor.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
It seems that Senator Mason Of Virgini;

It seems that Senator Mason OF Virginia,
now employs his time, while the govern
ment is crumbling to pieces, III the intellec-
tual occupation Of moving to clear the gal
leries of the Senate whenever Senator, mo-
we'd By patriotic impulse and burning with
zeal for his country's good, says anything
that finds response in the hearts OF the
people. Verify, Senator Mason must be
marvellous proper man" to represent the
Commonwealth of Virginia in the august
assemblage Of the U. s. Senate, when his
sensibilities a,e so delicate and his idea OF
dignity so refined as to be shocked. when an
intelligent audience manifest their apprsci-
alton of the expression Of eloquent and pa,
triotio sentiments by those who have souls
to move them in these times Of peril to our
country.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
OATH OF ADMIRATION,

The q. S. Army is about 10, 600 strong,
and is scattered all over our vast country.
Some in California. Oregon, Washington,
Utah, New Mexico, Decotah, Minnesota,
Texas, Arizonia, SC protecting our citi-
zens from the savages, and all SO dispersed
as to make it impossible for formidable
force of regular troops to be concentrated at
any one point
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
Resignation Of Secretary Floyd.


On Saturday last, Hon. John B. Floyd.
Secretary of War under Mr.. Buchanan, re-
signed that position. The reasyns for
this important step were that the honor Of
the administration had been pledged that the
status of the military force at the Charles
ton Forts should not be changed, at the
same time South Carolina had agreed not
to attack them while negotiations were pend
ing between the Commissioners ofthat State
and the President. The evacuation of Fort
Moultrie by Maj. Anderson, the spiking of
its guns, and the occupation of Fort Sump-
ter, did very materially change the status,
inasmuch as it placed the military in a
much stronger position, and operated in the
same proportion to the disadvantage Of
South Carolina. Gov. Floyd rightly con-
sidered this grave offence on the part of
Maj Anderson, land required that the pledge
Of the Department should be redeemed by
his instant evacuation Of Fort Sumpter and
re-occupation Of Fort Moultrie. The Pres
ident differed with him and sustained the
action of Maj. Anderson, whereupon Gov
Floyd promptly rendered his resignation,
which was accepted by the President.
As much, in military point of view, as
we admire the professional strategy of Maj.
Anderson, by which he gained so decided
and important an advantage over South
Carolina, we cannot but condemn his action
as contributing to precipitate the very con-
dition of things which the statesmen and
patriots Of the land were striving to avert.
He seems to have regarded his reputation
as an officer (although not threatened) as
higher than the peace and salvation of his
country. and made his patriotism subservi-
ent to sense of personal fear. There was
a mutual pledge on the part Of the govern
ment and South Carolina, that there should
be no hostile advances encouraged until all
peaceable means had been exhausted. The
virtual violation Of this obligation on the
part of the President, left Gov. Floyd, as a
heightened gentleman and loyal patriot,
no other alternative than to cut loose, with-
out hesitation or parley, from power that
was seeking to damage or intimidate his
section by holding over South Carolina the
terror Of "bristling bayonets" and deadly
cannon, while the terms were endeayoripg
to be adjusted. He will be sustained not
only by Virginia, but the entire South, in
leaving position which he could not lon
ger have held without a sacrifice of his own
sense of justice and right, and the conf
dence of his fellow citizens of his native
State.
Every days developments are contribu-
ting to the union OF the South in the i'm
pending struggle between sectional tyran-
ny and injustice and Constitutional right,
and being united, we have nothing to fear.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

The following is the oath of allegiance
and the oath of abjuration adopted by the
South Carolina Convention:
do swear, or affirm. that will be faith
full and true allegiance bear to the State oil
South Carolina SO long as l may continue a
citizen thereof.
OATH OF ADMIRATION.
I do swear, or affirm, that do renounce
and forever abjure all allegiance to any
prince, potentate, State or sovereignty what
ever, except the State of South Carolina.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04

single act inflicted. should civil war en-
sue.
In assuming the position the lines above
indicate, we are far from justifyicg the err
ratio, senseless, ill-digested, childish, peev-
ish, and miserably foolish action of the State
of South Carolina. Of all the farces that
have been enacted either in comedy or trag-
edy, since the Christian era, South Carroll
ma has. in her recent movements, given us
the most indisputable. There never has
been witnessed such an entire absence of
craftsmanship, foresight and common sense
in the position of any people, as that she
occupies before the world. Without sim
gle provision for national independence, she
proclaims to the world separate national
ity, while she has to come pleading to the
federal government to allow her the meaAs
to carry her mails! Instead Of national
independence, she is national mendcant.
Separate from a few palmetto leaves repre-
scented on canvass, pitiful and forsaken as
| terix, and large number of brass buttons,
ornameuted with blue ribbon, there is moth
ing to indicate her nationality She re-
minds US very much Of school boy in the
| "dumps.
! Had her advisors the brains and purpose Of
men whose comprehension was equal to the
creation of revolution and its direction
after created, the forts Of her port would
have been in her possession before the en-
actment of secession The machinery for a
new government would have been carved
out, and as the old was thrown off, there
would have been bat single step into the
new. Instead, however, Of any digested
plan or system of government, all with her
is confusion, uproar and anarchy-bewil-
dered at her own folly-at the same time
she is laughing stalk for the nations Of the
earth.