Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-01-11
GEN. wooLs LETTER TO A FRIEND IN WASH
INGTON.

INGToN.
Troy, DEC. 81, 1850
DEAR SIR South Carolina, after 27 years, Mr..
Rhet says 80 years Of constant aud increasing sorsb
her leaders induce her secede has declared herself
out OF the Union and this too without tAe wrong
injustice done her people the part OF the Govern
of the United States Although she may nave seiz
ed the cutter raised her reasonable Palmetto
Flag the United States Arsenal the Custom House,
Post Office Castle Pickney and Fort Moulirie she Is not
ofthe Union beyond the pale Of THE United STATES
Before she get Of their jurisdiction or CONTROL
reconstruction Of the Constitution must be had civil
In the latter case would require no proph-
ct to foretel the result.
mally the Commissioners appointed by the rebels OF
South Carolina to negotiate for the public property in the
h.rbor Of Charleston and for other purposes 1t also
reported the President dsappved OF the conduct Of
Major Anderson who being satisfied that he wonld not
be able to defend Fort Moultre with the few men under
his command wisely took possession of Fort Sumter,
where he could protect himself and the country from the
disgrace which might have occurred fhe had remained in
Fort Moultrie Being the commander in the harDor ne
had the right occupy Fort Sumter, act which the
safety OF the Union well As his own honor demanded
II likewise stated that apprehensions entertained
that Major Anderson will be required abandon Fort
Sumter and re-occupy Fort Moulre. There can be no
foundation for such apprehension for surely the Presi
dent would surrender the citadel Of the haIbor Of
Charleston rebels Fort Sumter commands the en-
trance. and in few hours could demosh Fort Moultfe
So long the United States keeps possession Of this
Fort the independence Of South Carolina will only be in
and not in fact IT, however. It should be surren-
dered to South Carolina. which do not apprehend, ne
saothered Indignation Of the free States could De reused
beyond control II would not be in the power OF any one
10 restrain it, IN ficenfy days fioo hundred thousand
men tcod be IN feiineSs 10 take vengeance al Uho
,ood bcfray TIC Union into the hands Of its enemies.
BE assured that do not exagerate the feelings Of the
people They already sufficiently excited at the at
tempt desove the Union for other than that
they consutionally exercise the most precious right
conferred them, Of voting for the person whom they
considered the worthy and best qualified to fill the
office Of President Fort Sumter therefore ought not,
aud presume will not be delivered over TO South Caro-
lima.
am not however, pleading for the Free States for
they in danger, but for the Union and the pres
ervaton Of the Cotton States Those who the wind
must expect to reap the whirlwind. The leaders OF
South Carolina could have noticed that VIC live in
age Of progress and that all Christendom is making
rapid strides In the Of civilization and freedom IL
they had they would discovered that the
Of every victory obtained by the Hero Of the 10th
century, Gabad in favor OF the oppressed Of Italy did
fail eectrisy every American heart with joy and
gladness Where liberty dwel3, there my country,
principle strongly implanted in the heart and mind
VI every in the Free State, be surrendered be-
cause South Carolina desires in order extend the
area of slavery. With all ehristanzed Europe, and
nearly all the civilized world opposed to slavery, the
Southern States prepared aside the barriers which
shield and protect their institutions under the United
States Government Would the separation Of the South
from the North give greater security to slavery than It
has now under the Constitution Of the Union. What
security would they have for the return Of runaway
slaves apprehend none, whilst the number Of rupa-
WAYS woud be greatly augmented and the difficulties OF
which Shareholders complain would be increased ten-fod
However much individuals might cendemn slavery the
Free States prepared 10 sustain ana defend II as
guaranteed by the Constitution.
In conclusion would avoid the bloody and desolatng
example OF the Mexican States am, now and forever,
in favor Of the Union, its preservation and the rigid
manainance Of the rights and interests OF the States,
individually well as collectively.
JOHN E. WOOL.