The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-04-11
n DepARrMENr op STATE. Dec. IL. ls6o.

% DEPARTMENT oP STATE, Dec. IL, 1860.
"Sir-The alarming crisis ia our national affairs
has engaged your serious consideration, and 10
your recent message you have expressed to Con-
gress and through Congress to the country, the
views frsught with the most momentous conse.
quences which are now presented 70 the American
people for solution. With the general principles
laid down in that message ] fully concur, and
appreciate with warm sympathy its patriotic ap-
pc ais and suggestions. What measures II Is COM
petcnt and proper for the executive TO adopt I'M
der existing circumstances Is O subject which has
received your most careful attention, and with the
anxious hope, IS well know from having psrtici-
pated In the deliberations, that tranquility and
good feeling may be speedily restored 20 this agi
tsted and divided confederscy. 10 some points,
which deem OF vital importance, 1t has been my
misfortune to differ from you. 1t has been my
decided opinion, which for some time past
have urged at various meetings OF the cabinet,
that additional troops should be sent 10 reinforce
the forts in the harbor Of Charleston, with view
TO their better defense should they be attacked,
and that an armed vessel should likewise be orr
dered there TO aid, il necessary, in the defense,
and slso should II be required, in the collection Of
s sSoud BE- adopted Thca delay
have likewise urged the expediency OF immediate
ly removing the customhouse Of Charleston TO one
OF the forts In the port, and also OF making ar
rangements for the collection OF duties, thereby
having collector and other officers 10 act when
ever necessary, 80 that when the office may be-
come vacant the proper authority may be there
to collect the duties on the part OF the
United States. / continue 10 think that these
arrangements should be Immediately made.
While the right and responsibility OF de-
Gliding belong to you, Il Is very desirable, at
this present juncture. that there should be, at
far as possible, unanimity In your councils, with O
view TO safe and efficient action. have, there
fore, felt it my duty TO tender my resignation Of
the Office of secretary of state, and to ask your
permission 10 retire from that official association
with yourself and the members OF your cabinet
which have enjoyed during almost four years.
vithoat the occurrence of a single incident to 10
terrups the personal intercourse which has so hap
PLY existed. cannot close this letter without
bearing my testimony TO the jealous and earnest
devotion TO the best interest OF the country with
which, during term OF unexampled trials and
troubles, You have sought TO discharge the duties
of your high station. Thanking you for the kind.
ness and confidence you have not ceased to mani-
fest toward me, and with the expression Of my
warmesf regards, both for yourself and the gentle
%sn Of SIR with Tsaa Tccspsq
!. 10 the President Of the United States"
PRESIDENT BUCHANAN TO Mr.. cAss.
"wAsHNGroN, d. O.. December Is, 1880.
"Sir-I have received your resignation of the
Office Of secretary Of state with surprise and re-
greet. After we had passed through nearly the
whole term of the administration with mutual and
cordial friendship and regard, 1 cherished the
earnest hope that nothing might occur 10 disturb
our official relations until its end. You have de.
cded differently, and have no right 70 complain.
must express my qualification at your concur.
renee with the general principles laid down In said
message and your expressions OF warm eymp sthy
with its patriotic appeal and suggestions. This
value very highly, and rejoice that We concur IN
the opinion that Congress does not possess the
power under the constitution to coerce State by
force Of arms to remain in the oonfederscY. The
question on which unfortunately differ is that
ofordering detachment of the navy 70 Charles
ton and IL correctly stated N your letter Of resig
nation. do not intend 70 argue this ques
ton. Sufficient to say that your remarks
| and the cabinet with all the respect du'
TO your high position, your long experience
| and your unbemished character; but they failet
70 convince Us of the necessity and propriety, m
| der existing circumstances, OF adopting such |
measure. The secretaries OF war and of the navy
through whom the orders must have been ISSUE
| to reinforce the forz, did not concur in you
views and, while the whole responsibility for th'
refusal rested upon myself. they were the mem
bers OF the cabinet more directly interested
| You may have judged correctly In this importan
question, and your opinion Ii entitled 70 grave CON
| sideration but under my convictions OF duty, en-
believing, as do, that present necessity exist
for q resort to force for the protection of th
public property, it was impossible for me to hav
rsked collision OF arms in the harbor Of Charlie.
ton, and thereby have defeated the REASONABLE
hopes, which cherish, Of the final triumph Of th
Constitution and the Union. have only to Cd
that you viii take with you into retirement m
heartfelt wishes that the evening OF your days ms
be prosperous and happy. Very respectful
"T To the Hon. Lewis Cash. =