Year: 1861

THE PRESIDENTS REPLY TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE


VIRGINIA CONVENTION.


At Washington on Saturday morning the Vir-
ginia Commissioners had an interview with the
President on their mission. Mr.. Lincoln made
his reply in writing as follows:


Hon. Aessrs Preston, Stuart and Randolph Gentle
men-As Committee of the Virginia Convention, now
IN session you present me preamble and resolution in
these words:


Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention, the un-
certainty which prevails in the public mind 10 the
policy which the Federal Executive intends to pursue
towards the seeded States is extremely injurious o the
industrial and commercial interests of the country tends
to keep up excitement which is to the ad
ustment Of pending difficulties, and threatens disturb
ance of the public peace Therefore


"ReSOlred, That committee of three delegates be ap-
pointed to wait the President of the United States
present to him this preamble and resolution and respect
fully ask him to communicate to this Convention the
policy which the Federal Executive Intends pursue in
regard to the Confederate States.n


In answer have say that having at the beginning
of my official term expressed my intended policy plain
y as was able it is with deep regret and some morca
on now learn that there is great and injurious uncer
ainty in the public mind to what that policy is and
what course intend to pursue
Not having as yet occasion to change it is
purpose to pursue the marked in the In
augural Address. commend careful consideration of
the whole document as the best expression can give of
my purposes As then and therein said, now repeat


THE power confded to me will be used to hold occupy
and possess the property and places belonging the Gov
ernment and to collect the duties and imposts; but be-
yond what is necessary for these objects there will be
INVASION no using of force against among the people
anywhere"


By the words property and places belonging to the
Government chiefly allude to the military posts and
property which were in the possession of the Government
when it came to my hands.


But appears to be true, in pursuit of pur
pose to drive the United States authority from these
places unprovoked assault has made upon Fort
Sumter shall hold myself at liberty to repossess if
can, like places which had been seized before the Gov
ernment was devolved upon me.


And in event, shall, to the best of my ability
i repel force by force.


In case it proves true that Fort Sumter has been as
sauited, as reported, SHALL perhaps, cause the United
States mails to be withdrawn from all the States which
claim to have been seeded believing that the commence
ment of actual against the government ustifes and
possibly demands it.


scarcely need to say that consider the military posts
and property situated within the States which lain to
have seeded yet belonging to the government of the
United States much they did before the supposed
| secession.


Whatever else may do for the purpose, shall not at
tempt to collect the duties and mposts by any army
invasion of any part of the country-n meaning by
this however, that may not land force deemed
sary to relieve fort upon the border of the country


From the fact that have quoted part of the Inaugu-
raj address, it must not be inferred that repudate any
other part, the whole Of which AFFIRM except
| as what now say of the mails may be regarded S a
! modification.