There is tranquillity now with regard to the capital. General
Scott feels safe, and others feel safe under his wing. Virginia,
it is said, will surely go.
* * * * *
SENATE CHAMBER, January 23, 1861.
MY DEAR ANDREW,--You have doubtless received my telegram. I found
General Scott with the Secretary of War, and read the letter you
inclosed. They said at once that no such guns had been ordered by
the National Government, and General Scott added that they were,
without doubt, intended for Fort Sumter. He said they were “very
formidable.” He thought they were “already in a state of great
forwardness.” Of course you will see that Massachusetts does not
“imp the wings” of Treason.
Yesterday, before receiving your letter, I passed an hour and a
half with General Scott. He is not without solicitude in regard
to the capital. Information received yesterday confirms the idea
that there is a wide-spread conspiracy. He will have one thousand
men here,--three companies of flying artillery, two companies of
infantry, and five companies from Fortress Monroe. The place of
the latter at Fortress Monroe will be supplied by recruits from
New York.
He cannot ride on horseback, but he proposes to accompany Mr.
Lincoln on the 4th of March in a carriage with Commodore Stewart,
each in his uniform.
Nothing that Massachusetts can do now can arrest one single
State. There can be no other result except our own humiliation,
and a bad example, which will be felt by all other States. If
Massachusetts yields one hair’s breadth, other States may yield
an inch or foot, a furlong, or a mile. Pray keep the Legislature
firm. Don’t let them undo anything ever done for Freedom.
Good bye.
Ever yours,