The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1878-10-04
uNWRIrrEN WAR HISTORY.

UNWRITTEN WAR HISTORY.
TIE Daeumsst that Mr. bincoip Prspared Ac-
kao,ukedging the Independence Of the Souh-
Wny As0ther uds Substituted.
WAsnIHGToY, September 22.--fa the dark
and uncertain days preceding the outbreak of
tho rcpellion, there was much doubt 10 the mind
of Mr.. Lincoln regarding the disposition OF the
people north of the recognized dividing line be-
tween freedom and slavery to sustain aggressive
measures for the preservation Of the union.-
State after State had seeded, aud no demonstra-
ton had been made at the North TO counteract
the force of such movements ut the South On
the contrary, there were public men who open
ly advocated division Of the Union into such
parts as would suit geographical lines anu their
own interests and ambition. Notably, MIR.
Hendricks favored a Northwestern Confederacy;
some Ncw Workers saw in the confusion OF the
time7 opportunity to make their city the
Venice of America, and some Californians
thought q republic the Pacific, with San
Francisco for its commercial and political cap
ital, would develop into mighty proportions be-
fore he end of the century. Horace Greeley
had alvocated in the Tribune reaceabe separa-
ton, and boldly proclaimed, "Let the errlng
sisters 60 i'll peace" The Indianapolis journal
in the West, inspired by an ambition to "take
positisn," occupied the Same ground. The
Northern States sent peace commissioners to
Washington to plead with the South for peacea-
BILE solution of the difficulties and maintenance
of the Union. The government under MIR. Bu-
para,.ons in the South, and when Mr.. Lincoln
agGqyHtss Sd .hsgs Ysys niae St@assss @ say MsfHAag
tratio., had most formidable opposition in the
two remaining States that seeded, and in those
also that attempted to do So His support ut
the North, in the event of war, he regarded as
uncertain and anarchy appeared inevitable.
In this condition of affairs commissioners ap-
pointed by Governor Pickcns, OF South Carolina,
appeared on the scene, and through Judge
Campbell, then late Of the Supreme Court, who
had resigned the secession of Louisiana,
commepcei negotiation for the surrender to
that sSedte of the government forts and property
within it's limits. The commissioners were al
so aided by Doctor Todd, of Kentucky, broth
CIR OF Mrs. Lincoln, who was in harmony with
the viows aud actions of South Caroinians.-
lie was temporary habitant at the White
House, and acquired information in private
way that no ono could have obtained in an Off
cial capacity, aud which ,was made use of as
time and circumstances required.
The negotiations of South Carolina with the
government failed. not because of an indisposi-
tion TO entertain tho ppoposjtia subHitts4s bat
on account Of, the precipft SetfOtt Of sSSptAe
Carolina troops in bonbarding Fort Sumter
This made peaceable dissolution of the Union
q matter of mpossibilty and war an inevitable
necessity.
While these negotiations were pending, how
ever, proclamation had beon prepared recogni
zpg the fact the secession of certain States and
TTtunlly ackSoWleugInR tnelr lnuepeuuence,
surrendering To them stated powers Of the gen
sral government ever property and places with
in their limits, and guaranteeing them pcaceable
possession Of the same on conditions specified.
This proclamation had the sanction Of Mr.. Wade,
of Ohio, and was in accordance with Mr.. Gree
ley's frequently expressed views. With the ap-
pearlnce of the proclamation to be an edi
torial in the Washington and New York papers
sustaining the action of the administration.-
This was also prepared and held ready for use
when the occasion demanded it. But the eaction at
Fort Sumter changed oil this, and n proclama-
tion was issued instead for 75, 600 men for three
seeetted aHrsss rshs end NAT Haa ibets peus
pie.
The proclamation calling for troops is a mat
ter of history that previously prepared looking
to peace is not, and its existence must be proved
from other sources than official records. The
evidence On which it rests is the following state
ment:
Mr. A. T. Cavis, proof-reader at the govern
ment printing office, is n gentleman Of intcli-
gencc and culture and of undouLted vcracity.
He is n native of Pennsylvania, but went to
South Carolina in lS47, and remained until af-
ter the war. Previous to, and daring the war,
he was editor of the South Carolina Guardian
published at Columbia. His position gave him
acquaintance and ass ociation with tho State au-
thorites, and he speaks from personal knowl-
unnQnn1inuDus1nauansktayS -hsreip stated.
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