New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-05-20
CLAIM FOR CHARLESTON ARSENAL
EMINENT TRANSACTION WITH
SOUTH CAROLINA


Columbia, S. c.. May 10 (SpeciaD.-The National
Government has sprung brand new proposition
on the State Of South Carolina, and it is one that
Is worrying the officials 1t is CAIN for $40 47s So
with probably accrued interest, for the value Of
ordnance ordnance stores. clothing and camp and
garrison equipage taken by force from Frederick
c. HUMPHREYS, military storekeeper, ct Charleston
Arsenal by Colonel Cunningham, 18th Infantry.
South Carolina Militia December go 1860 acting
under the order OF Governor Pickens OF South Caro-
lima
The National Government made a demand on the
State last fall for the payment Of about s25O.0OO
due for bonds. The State made a counter claim
for about 100000 for Indian and Mexican War
claims Through the influence of Senator Tillman
the Treasury Department recently admitted claims
in favor of the State for s7S0O0 1t after this
that matter referred to brought to
light.
Controller Tracewel in a long letter TO Governor
MCSweeny, states the circumstances of this charge
being made against the State and the Governor is
invited submit any counter evidence at his COM
mand before action required by the statutes is
taken TO collect the claim from the State. 1t ap-
pears that until December II. 1873 the charge Of
s34O 479 SO was carried against Captain HUMPHREYS.
AT that time it became necessary to settle his ac-
counts and on the evidence of copies Of certain
orders and reports bearing the seizure furnished
the Treasury by the Adjutant-General Z. S A,
the charge was transferred to the State OF South
Carolina Copies Of all these orders Controller
Traceweu submits to Governor McSweeny, as show
ing that the action taken was an act of the State
in its sovereign capacity. First is telegram from
Captain HUMPHREYS, dated Charleston, December
30 1860 TO the Ordnance Bureau. saying. This ar
senal has been taken by force of arms. What dis
position am I to make of my commando The
order for the surrender Of tho arsenal follows:
Charleston Dec %, 1850
Sir: I herewith demand Immediate surrender
Of the United States Arsenal at this place and
under your charge. and delivery TO me or the
KEYS and contents of the arsenals magazines, etc.
am already proceeding TO occupy IL with a strong
in me name of the State OF South Carolina ind
nv virtue of an order from the Governor a copy
- JOHN CUNNINGHAM.
Col. nth Reg. Infantry, 5 c V.
The most interesting order in this affair is from
Governor Pickens It is as follows:
Headouarters Charleston s c. Dec. % 1860.
Col John Cunningham, Charleston. >. &.
Sir: In the morning. after reporting yourseIt 70
General Schnelle and informing him OF this
ment OF select men. and in the most discreet ana
forbearing manner you will proceed TO the United
in my name, its entire possession. and state dis
tiDctlv that you do this with a view TO prevent
any destruction OF public property that may occur
in the present excited state or the Pubc MIND and
also as due to the pune safety.
do not apprehend any dlnculty IN giving up
the arsenal but II refused, then you are 10 take it,
sary and with the greatest discretion and Hber-
aUty TO Captain Humphries, who is at perfect
as it may be agreeable for himself. and he IS re-
quested do Report as soon as possible 70
me F. w. PICkENS.
Captain HUMPHREYS reply 10 the demand for
surrender brief:
Sir: / am constrained 10 comply with your
quest for the surrender OF this arsenal from the
r-et thaf have no force tor 10 o-Iehce- do So