1861.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. STANTON, MR. HOLT, GENERAL DIX AND OTHERS.
After his retirement to Wheatland, Mr. Buchanan received many
letters from three members of his cabinet, all of whom afterwards
held high office under President Lincoln,—namely, Mr. Stanton, Mr.
Holt, and General Dix. His relations with Judge Black, Mr. Toucey
and Mr. King continued to be very intimate, but the letters of the
three other gentlemen should specially receive the attention of the
reader, because their subsequent positions render them peculiarly
important witnesses to the course of Mr. Buchanan’s administration.
The letters received or written by Mr. Buchanan during the remainder
of the year 1861, are here given in their chronological order; but
it should be noted that this period is divided by the bombardment of
Fort Sumter, which began on the 11th of April, 1861.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, Sunday, March 10, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
The dangerous illness of my youngest child for the last three days
must be my apology for not writing to you until to-day. I shall
now endeavor to give you as full information as I possess of the
state of public affairs in Washington. At the depot, on the
afternoon of your departure, I parted with Mr. Holt and Mr.
Toucey, and have not seen them since then. The cabinet was, as you
know, nominated and confirmed that day. The next morning Mr.
Seward took possession of the State Department, and Mr. Bates was
shortly afterwards qualified and commissioned as Attorney General.
Before this was done, Mr. Seward sent for me and requested me to
draw up a nomination of Mr. Crittenden for Judge of the United
States Court. I did so, and gave it to him. My understanding was
that the nomination would be immediately sent in. But it has not
been sent, and the general understanding is that it _will not be_.
The rumor is that the _red blacks_ oppose it, and also many of the
Democrats, and that Mr. Holt will be nominated. He appears now to
be the chief favorite of the Republicans. At the time that Mr.
Seward sent for me, he also gave me some comments of General
Scott’s on the report made by Mr. Holt in relation to Major
Anderson and Fort Sumter. The remarkable character of these
comments induced me to ask permission (which was granted) to show
them to General Dix; and I designed also to procure a copy of them
for you, if possible, but I have not been able to see Mr. Seward
since he sent for the paper. These comments stated that they were
written at night, at the General’s quarters, and in the absence of
his papers. This may account for what I suppose to be errors in
respect to material facts. These errors relate
1st. To the sending of the Star of the West. This is attributed to
Mr. Toucey’s being unwilling to furnish the Brooklyn for that
expedition. My understanding was that Mr. Toucey wanted to send
the Brooklyn, and that General Scott and Mr. Holt preferred the
other mode, and overruled Mr. Toucey.
2d. The second point was that on subsequent consultations General
Scott urged the sending of a military and naval force to relieve
Major Anderson, but that Mr. Toucey made such difficulty about
furnishing the ships that it was abandoned. My understanding was
that General Scott _never urged_ the sending of any force to
Sumter, but only to be ready to do so if necessary; and that he
agreed with you in opinion that the state of political affairs in
the border States, and the reports of Major Anderson, made it
expedient _not_ to send any force unless Sumter was attacked.
3d. A third point relates to what General Scott calls an informal
truce entered into by you with certain persons from seceding
States, under which the reinforcement of Sumter and Fort Pickens
was suspended. My recollection in respect to that transaction is
that Mr. Holt and General Scott concurred _with you_ in that
arrangement, which, when proposed in cabinet, was opposed by Judge
Black and myself.
In his conversation with me, Mr. Seward mentioned that Mr. Lincoln
and his cabinet, when this subject came up, would desire me to be
present, and also Mr. Holt. I told him that if _all of the late
cabinet_ were requested to be present I would have no objection,
but I did not think it proper _unless all_ were present. He said
that of course the invitation would be extended _to all_. As I
never heard any thing more on the subject, I suppose that they
have found it only necessary to consult Mr. Holt, who continued
acting as Secretary of War. Mr. Seward has been sick for several
days, but the first time that I see him my intention is to ask for
a copy of General Scott’s comments for you.
I am perfectly satisfied that Major Anderson _will be withdrawn_.
Scott agrees with Anderson as to the force required to relieve
Sumter, and evidently favors withdrawal of the troops. The same
thing will no doubt be done in respect to Fort Pickens. The
Montgomery commissioners have not yet applied for an audience.
Various conjectures are made in respect to whether they will be
received. I am also convinced by the general tone prevailing here
that there is not the least design to attempt any coercive
measure. A continuation of your policy _to avoid collision_ will
be the course of the present administration. General Dix gave up
the Treasury Department Thursday, and went home Friday morning. He
on all occasions speaks of you with kindness and regard. Mr. Holt
is the only one of your cabinet yet in office—the probability is
that he will receive the nomination of Supreme Judge as a reward
for what he terms his efforts to arrest the downward course of
public affairs at the time he became Secretary of War. The
resignations of General Cooper and Colonels Lay and Withers show
that the feeling of secession in Virginia is growing stronger.
Judge Campbell has his resignation prepared, and will send it in
on the 15th of this month. This will be the most serious
resignation that has yet occurred, not only on account of his high
character and eminent qualities, but also because it affects a
branch of the Government hitherto untouched by the contagion of
secession.
Judge Black left town with his family yesterday. He is to return
on Monday. The scramble for office is terrific. It is said that
Lincoln takes the precaution of seeing no strangers alone. The
reception on Friday is reported to have been an immense mob.
I beg you to present my compliments to Miss Lane, and shall ever
remain, with sincere regard,
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. HOLT.]
WHEATLAND, March 11, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
I have not heard a word from any member of my late cabinet since I
left Washington, except a letter from Mr. Stanton, received
yesterday. I had expected to hear often, especially from Judge
Black and yourself. Meanwhile the Northern papers are teeming with
what I know to be misrepresentations as to expressions used by
yourself concerning my conduct. From our first acquaintance I have
had the most implicit confidence in your integrity, ability and
friendship, and this remains unchanged. Pray enlighten me as to
what is going on in Washington.
From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[TO JAMES GORDON BENNETT, ESQ.]
WHEATLAND, March 11, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
Will you be kind enough to direct the _Herald_ to be sent to me at
Lancaster? I have been quite lost without it.
I am once more settled at this, my quiet home, and one of my first
impulses is to return you my cordial and grateful thanks for the
able and powerful support which you have given me almost
universally throughout my stormy and turbulent administration.
Under Heaven’s blessing the administration has been successful in
its foreign and domestic policy, unless we may except the sad
events which have recently occurred. These no human wisdom could
have prevented. Whether I have done all I could, consistently with
my duty, to give them a wise and peaceful direction towards the
preservation or reconstruction of the Union, will be for the
public and posterity to judge. I feel conscious that I have done
my duty in this respect, and that I shall, at last, receive
justice. With my very kindest regards to Mrs. Bennett, I remain,
Sincerely and respectfully your friend,
b JAMES BUCHANAN.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, March 12, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
It is now the universal impression in this city, that Sumter and
Pickens will both be surrendered. The _National Republican_
(Lincoln organ) says that it was determined on at the cabinet
meeting Saturday. Enclosed I send you a slip from the New York
_Tribune_ of Monday, 11th. Harvey, the telegraphic correspondent,
is intimate and in daily association with Mr. Holt, but he surely
can have no warrant for the assertion in the article referred to.
Cameron was sworn into office yesterday.[172] The administration
is now completely organized, but demands for office necessarily
must occupy their chief attention. I have not seen any of the
cabinet, or any leading Senator of that party, since the date of
my last letter.
Floyd is here. Russell has been discharged from the indictment
against, him. All accounts here represent the secession feeling in
Virginia to be rapidly strengthening and extending. It would not
surprise me to see Virginia out in less than ninety days, and
Maryland will be close at her heels. Lincoln and the family at the
White House are represented to be greatly elated at Douglas
joining in defence of the new administration. It is said to be the
chief topic of conversation with visitors at the Executive
mansion.
You will notice in the _Tribune_ an article signed “One who sees
the facts,” which is quite sharp on Major Anderson, and the writer
evidently agrees with you in respect to the Major’s course.
Glossbrenner started home this morning.
With great respect, I remain, yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
Footnote 172:
As Secretary of War.
[MR. HOLT TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, March 14, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
I have read, with amazement and much sorrow, the statement
contained in your kind letter of the 11th inst., just received,
that the Northern papers are teeming with misrepresentations of
expressions, said to have been used by myself, concerning your
conduct. As I read but few of these papers, it is not surprising
that such calumnies should have escaped my notice; but I am
astonished that they should not have been mentioned to me by some
of our common friends. Having no knowledge whatever of the nature
or details of these misrepresentations, of course I can offer you
no explanation or refutation of them. This much, however, may be
safely affirmed, that if they impute to me expressions in any
degree disparaging to yourself personally or officially, they are
utterly false. I gave to your administration an earnest and
sincere support, first from a high sense of duty to my country,
and next out of regard for yourself personally. What I thus
supported, I will never cease to defend.
I feel a gratitude that words cannot convey, for the declaration
that, in despite of all these fabrications and perversions of a
profligate press, your confidence remains unshaken. Be assured
that I have not, and never will, do aught unworthy of the trust
that you so generously repose. I have labored to deserve your
friendship, which has lavished upon me honors and distinctions for
which I am, and shall continue to be, grateful with every throb of
my life. No greater mortification could befall me than to fear
even that you regarded me insensible to these kindnesses, or
capable of being less than your devoted friend, now and hereafter,
here and everywhere.
I think you have little reason to disquiet yourself about the
calumnies of the press. The enthusiasm which greeted you in your
progress homeward shows how these things have impressed the
popular heart. You will not have to live long to witness the
entombment of the last of the falsehoods by which your patriotic
career has been assailed. If you are not spared until then, you
need have no fear but that history will do you justice.
I have not met with any member of your cabinet, except Governor
Toucey, since we separated on Monday night. I remained in the War
Department until the Monday following, when General Cameron was
qualified. I have seen the President but once since, and then on a
matter of business about which he wished the information which he
supposed my connection with the War Department would supply.
Having no means of knowing the plans and purposes of the
administration, I can only say I am well satisfied its policy will
be decidedly pacific and conciliatory. I should not be surprised
to learn, any morning, that Fort Sumter had been evacuated. As
Fort Pickens can be retained without a collision, it may be
differently treated. All is tranquil here, and the tone of feeling
prevailing is constantly increasing in hopefulness and confidence.
The indications from the border States are very encouraging. The
popular mind is rapidly becoming tranquilized. This accomplished,
and the revolution will die out. Excitement is the aliment on
which it feeds, and without this it could scarcely subsist for
sixty days. The work of transferring the offices is going on, but
not rapidly or remorselessly. The temper of the Republicans seems
greatly changed from what it was during their conflict for power.
I believe every effort will be made to preserve the Government,
and I have more hope of the result now than I have had for the
last three months.
With kind regards to Miss Lane, I am, very respectfully,
Your sincere friend,
J. HOLT.
[GENERAL DIX TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
NEW YORK, March 14, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
I left Washington on Friday (Mr. Chase having relieved me on the
preceding day[173]), went to Boston on Saturday, passed Sunday
with my wife and daughter, and returned to this city on Monday. I
am at this moment annoyed with the apprehension that I may be
obliged to go to Washington to-morrow. If so, I will advise you of
the cause.
When we parted, there was a feeling of doubt as to my friend Major
Anderson. I wrote him a letter the day his despatches were
received—in fact, the night after our meeting at Mr. Ould’s house,
in which I alluded in the strongest terms of reprobation to the
treachery of some of the officers of the Government in the South,
contrasting it with his own courage and constancy. I made no
allusion to his despatches. I have received a letter from him
which is perfectly satisfactory. I will in a few days send you
copies of mine to him and his answer.
I envy you the quietude of Wheatland. There is none here. The
excitements are wearisome in the extreme. The people are now
agitated by the intelligence that Fort Sumter is to be abandoned.
Here, I think, there will be no decided demonstration of
disapproval. But in the country it will be different. The
disappointment will be very great, and it will go far to turn the
current against the new administration. Your record will brighten
in proportion. Of course, an attempt will be made to cast the
responsibility on you. But there is a complete defence, as we
know.
I shall never forget the six happy weeks I passed with you. The
remembrance of your kindness, and that of Miss Lane, will always
be among my brightest retrospections. Nothing would afford me so
much gratification as to be able to do something in return for
your contributions to my happiness and comfort. With my kind
regards to her, I am, dear sir,
Sincerely and faithfully yours,
JOHN A. DIX.
Footnote 173:
As Secretary of the Treasury.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, March 14, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
Your favor was received last evening. I shall take care of it so
that when required it may be returned.
There is no doubt of Sumter being evacuated; report says the order
has gone, but that, I think, is doubtful. You will have noticed
the resolution introduced yesterday by Mr. Douglas in the Senate.
That looks like a comprehensive platform for relinquishing
everything in the seceded States, and even those that sympathize
with them. To me it seems like the first step towards a strictly
Northern non-slaveholding confederacy.
In the last two days nothing has occurred here to my knowledge but
what you will see in the newspapers. There has been no further
action in respect to the Supreme Judgeship. It is generally
understood that Crittenden will not be nominated. Judge Campbell
has reconsidered his resignation, and will not resign immediately.
The Court adjourns to-day. I am now writing in the Supreme Court
room. If the Court ever reassembles, there will be considerable
change in its organization. Judge Grier went home sick two days
ago. Judge McLean is reported to be quite ill. Lincoln will
probably (if his administration continues four years) make a
change that will affect the constitutional doctrines of the Court.
The pressure for office continues unabated. Every department is
overrun, and by the time that all the patronage is distributed the
Republican party will be dissolved. I hope that peace and
tranquillity, with cessation from your intense labors, will long
preserve you in health and happiness.
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
P. S.—The Supreme Court have just decided Mrs. Gaines’s case in
her favor—four judges to three—the Chief Justice, Grier, and
Catron _dissenting_. They have also decided that the Federal
Government _has no power_ to coerce the Governor of a State to
return a fugitive from justice, although it is his duty to comply
with the demand.
Yours, etc.,
E. M. S.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, March 16, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
Notwithstanding what has been said in the papers and the universal
reports here during the last week, the order for the removal of
the troops from Sumter has not, as I am assured, yet been given.
Yesterday it was still under debate. Every day affords proof of
the absence of any settled policy or harmonious concert of action
in the administration. Seward, Bates and Cameron form one wing;
Chase, Miller, Blair, the opposite wing; Smith is on both sides,
and Lincoln sometimes on one, sometimes on the other. There has
been agreement in nothing. Lincoln, it is complained in the
streets, has undertaken to distribute the whole patronage, small
and great, leaving nothing to the chiefs of departments. Growls
about Scott’s “imbecility” are growing frequent. The Republicans
are beginning to think that a monstrous blunder was made in the
tariff bill, and that it will cut off the trade of New York, build
up New Orleans and the Southern ports, and leave the Government no
revenue—they see before them the prospect of soon being without
money and without credit. But with all this, it is certain that
_Anderson will be withdrawn_. I do not believe there will be much
further effort to assail you. Mr. Sumner told me yesterday that
Scott’s _proposed order_ was based upon purely military reasons
and the limited military resources of the Government. The
embarrassments that surrounded you they now feel; and whatever may
be said against you must recoil as an argument against them. And
in giving reasons for their action, they must exhibit the facts
that controlled you in respect to Sumter.
Mr. Holt has gone to New York. I have not seen him. When he called
on me I happened to be from home, and when I called he was absent.
Judge Black is here, and I suppose intends to remain for some
time. He is staying at Harrison’s. I hope to be able to procure a
copy of Mr. Holt’s letter and General Scott’s comments next week,
and I intend to call and see the General and have a talk with him.
With sincere regard, I remain,
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, March 16, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
Yours of yesterday was received this morning, and its arrival
telegraphed. I do not think there will be any serious effort to
assail your administration in respect to Fort Sumter. That would
imply a coercive policy on their part, and hostility to your
pacific measures. The tendency of General Scott’s remarks was
rather to impute blame to Mr. Toucey than to any one else. And as
Mr. Holt and the General concurred in everything done or written,
their concurrence will defend you.
I will procure the papers you desire, and forward them, and will
make you a visit as soon as the illness of my child will suffer me
to leave home. In the meantime, I shall write to you often, and
apprise you of what is going on.
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO GENERAL DIX.]
WASHINGTON, March 18, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
Many thanks for your kind letter of the 14th instant. I shall ever
recollect with pleasure and satisfaction your brief sojourn with
us at the White House, and with gratitude the able and successful
manner in which you performed the duties of your arduous and
responsible office.
You might envy me the quiet of Wheatland were my thoughts not
constantly disturbed by the unfortunate condition of our country.
The question of the withdrawal of the troops from Fort Sumter at
first agitated the public mind in this vicinity; but my impression
is that the people are now becoming gradually reconciled to it.
There is a general desire for peace. As a military movement,
General Scott’s name will go far to sustain Mr. Lincoln. After
Major’s Anderson’s letter, received on the 4th March, it was very
doubtful whether he could be reinforced by the means within the
power of the Government. The only alternative would have been, to
let the Confederate States commence the war on him, and if the
force had been so superior as to render successful resistance
impossible, after the honor of the flag had been maintained, then
to authorize him to capitulate. Indeed, I presume such, or nearly
such, was the purport of the instructions.
It is probable an attempt will be made, as you suggest, to cast
the responsibility on me. But I always refused to surrender the
fort and was ever ready to send reinforcements on the request of
Major Anderson.
I thank God that the revolution has as yet been bloodless,
notwithstanding my duty, as prescribed in my annual message, has
been performed as far as this was practicable.
With my kindest regards to Mrs. Dix, I remain always, sincerely
and respectfully,
Your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[MR. HOLT TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, March 20, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
On reaching home last evening, I had the pleasure of receiving
yours of the 16th inst., and now hasten to inclose the copy of my
letter to the President, as requested. I think you need have no
apprehension that either yourself or friends will be called upon
for any elaborate vindication of your policy in reference to Fort
Sumter; events are hurrying on too rapidly for that. You will ere
this have seen Breckinridge’s speech in the Senate, connected with
the movement now making by his friends in Kentucky, through an
irregular popular convention gathered from the highways and
hedges, to force the legislature to the adoption of a
revolutionary policy. This demonstration on his part is regarded
as very significant. Kentucky voted against him, on the
_suspicion_ merely that he was a disunionist; after this avowal, I
doubt not, her condemnation of him will be far more decided.
I very much fear an early recognition on the part of France of the
new Confederacy, which, followed as it would speedily be by
others, would go far to consolidate the Southern republic. The
bait for the material interests of Europe has been adroitly
prepared, and cannot be long resisted. But I think such a step by
a friendly government taken within ninety days after the revolt of
the States ought to be treated almost as _casus belli_. Fort
Sumter, I presume, is about to be evacuated, which will do much to
allay popular excitement in South Carolina, and thus take away the
aliment on which the revolution is feeding. Still there will
remain military complications in the South, for the peaceable
adjustment of which fears may well be entertained.
You have my sincere thanks for your kind invitation to visit
Wheatland. It would afford me the greatest pleasure to do so, and
I trust that events may yet place this gratification within my
reach.
Very respectfully and truly your friend,
J. HOLT.
[GENERAL DIX TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
NEW YORK, March 28th, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
I intended to have sent you long ere this a copy of my letter to
Major Anderson, and his reply. Mine was written on the evening of
the inauguration, after the consultation at Mr. Ould’s; and it was
intended to encourage him if he was true, or to cut him to the
heart if he was false. You know, however, that I would not doubt
his honor and good faith. I should have sent the correspondence
last week, but I was urged to go to Washington to see Mr. Chase in
regard to the new loan. The request came from the Government, and
I could not decline it. I found the Secretary well informed in
regard to the condition of the finances, and think he will acquit
himself with credit.
When I left (on Saturday last), I do not think the administration
had any settled policy. It was merely drifting with the current,
at a loss to know whether it were better to come to an anchor, or
set sail. There had not been at that time a full cabinet meeting;
and I know that the foreign appointments had been made without
consulting the Secretary of the Treasury. I believe Mr. Lincoln is
acting on the theory of advising, in regard to appointments, with
the head of the Department under which they properly fall, and
with none of the others.
Will you please to say to Miss —— that I have the assurance she
desired in regard to her nephew.
My wife and daughters are in Boston, and I am very desolate.
I think it is decided to withdraw Major Anderson, without holding
your administration to any responsibility for it. The attempt, as
must be seen, would not only be fruitless, but absurd.
The loan of eight millions will be taken next week on favorable
terms. If the bids for the stock are not satisfactory, Mr. Chase
has the alternative of issuing Treasury notes, payable in
two years, and convertible into stock. This privilege of
convertibility will enable him to place them at par. But it would
be better, if he can get a fair price for the stock, to take it,
and get the eight millions out of the way for twenty years.
I beg to be kindly remembered to Miss Lane, and am, my dear sir,
with sincere regard,
Faithfully yours,
JOHN A. DIX.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, April 3d, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
Although a considerable period has elapsed since the date of my
last letter to you, nothing has transpired here of interest but
what is fully detailed in the newspapers. Mr. Toucey left here
last week. Judge Black is still in the city. General Dix made a
short visit at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury. Mr.
Holt, I think, is still here, but I have not seen him for several
days. You of course saw Thompson’s answer and Mr. Holt’s reply. I
have not had any intercourse with any of the present cabinet,
except a few brief interviews with Mr. Bates, the Attorney
General, on business connected with his Department. Mr. Lincoln I
have not seen. He is said to be very much broken down with the
pressure that is upon him in respect to appointments. The policy
of the administration in respect to the seceding States remains in
obscurity. There has been a rumor, for the last two or three days,
that, notwithstanding all that has been said, there will be an
effort to reinforce Fort Sumter; but I do not believe a word of
it. The special messenger, Colonel Lamon, told me that he was
satisfied it could not be done. The new loan has been bid for, at
better rates than I anticipated; and I perceive General Dix was
one of the largest bidders at the highest rates. The new Tariff
Bill seems to give the administration great trouble; and
luckily it is a measure of their own. The first month of the
administration seems to have furnished an ample vindication of
your policy, and to have rendered all occasion of other defence
needless. The rumors from Richmond are very threatening; secession
is rapidly gaining strength there.
Hoping that you are in the enjoyment of good health and happiness,
I remain, as ever,
Yours,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
P. S.—12 o’clock. The Secretary of the Treasury has determined to
reject all the bids for the new loan under 94. This gives him
$3,099,000 only of eight millions called for. He could have
obtained the whole amount at 93½. Riggs thinks the Secretary has
made a great mistake in not taking the whole sum, and that he will
not get as good terms as 93½ in future. There are no bids here
taken.
E. M. S.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, April 10th, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
I am rejoiced to learn by yours of the 8th instant, received this
morning, that your good health continues. Mrs. Stanton desires to
return her thanks for your kind invitation. It would give her
great pleasure to make you a visit, if the care of young children
permitted her to leave home. Before long I hope to have the
pleasure of paying my respects to you at Wheatland.
Enclosed I send you a copy of General Scott’s “views,” as
published in the _Intelligencer_. The first I ever heard of them
was when they were read in cabinet by Floyd on the 27th of
December. I have been hoping to procure for you a copy of General
Scott’s “observations” upon Mr. Holt’s last letter respecting
Sumter, but as yet have not succeeded. I saw Mr. Holt on Sunday. I
had supposed he might have some knowledge of the designs of the
administration and the purpose of the recent military and naval
movements; but he said he had none. He has received a curious
letter from General Twiggs, the substance of which is “that the
power to dismiss an officer of the army without trial has been
exercised, and he does not dispute it; but Mr. Holt has _assumed
the right_ to apply epithets the propriety of which he will
discuss with General Holt, whenever he has the honor of meeting
him personally.” What would he have thought of the epithet
“cowardice” which you struck out of Mr. Holt’s order? Mr. Seaton,
when I called on him this morning, expressed his gratification to
hear of your good health, and spoke of you with much kindness. He
says he has no knowledge of the movements or policy of the
administration but what he finds in the New York papers, has not
seen Lincoln since the inauguration, and has no intercourse with
the cabinet. Doctor Gwin has just returned from Mississippi. He
speaks with great confidence of the stability and power of the
Confederacy, and evidently sympathizes strongly with them. Every
day impresses stronger conviction upon the public mind here that
armed collision will soon take place. Lincoln has appointed his
partner, Colonel Lamon, marshal. He is to enter upon the office
Friday; and Selden says he gives as a reason for doing so
immediately that apprehensions are entertained of a hostile attack
upon Washington. But I think that apprehension is as groundless as
the rumor that hurried Lincoln from Harrisburg to Washington.
I beg you to present my kindest regards to Miss Lane. The rumor
continues rife that she is soon to return to this city. Mrs.
Stanton and myself will be happy to welcome her. I shall continue
to keep you advised of any thing of interest that may transpire
here, and hope that your life may long be spared in health and
happiness.
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
P.S.—12 o’clock. It is certain that the administration is
panic-stricken for some cause. They commenced this morning an
active enrolment of the militia of the District. Chew, of the
State Department, was sent last week to Charleston. I have just
been told that he went with a formal note to Governor Pickens—that
the administration designed to succor Major Anderson—that fourteen
ships would be sent—that they meant only to supply provisions, but
if there was any resistance forces would also be sent in. It is
now reported as coming from one of the commissioners that the
_batteries have_ _opened on Sumter_. Soldiers are also being
placed in the Departments. This is the last rumor on the Avenue.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, April 11, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
The letter of Twiggs is in accordance with his character, and
shows how richly he deserved the epithet with which he would have
been branded on the records of the country and before the world
but for your forbearance. The cowardly effort to insult and wound
you is worthy of one who betrayed his trust and traitorously
surrendered the arms and colors of his Government. The idle threat
to visit Lancaster shows that “braggart” is to be added to traitor
and coward, in order to designate his full measure of infamy.
I showed your letter and the copy of Twiggs’ letter to Mr. Holt.
He thought it ought to be published by you, but I do not. It would
be dignifying the creature too much. I enclose a copy of his
letter to Mr. Holt. You will observe that the same contemptible
threat of personal vengeance is made in it. But it is gratifying
to know that Twiggs feels so acutely the sting of his dismissal,
and that all the whitewashing of the Confederate States affords
him no relief. I have applied to the War Office for copies of the
several orders relating to Twiggs, and shall probably have them
to-morrow, and will forward them to you.
There is great “soldiering” in town the last two days. The yard in
front of the War Office is crowded with the District Militia, who
are being mustered into service. The feeling of loyalty to the
Government has greatly diminished in this city. Many persons who
would have supported the Government under your administration
refuse to be enrolled. Many who were enrolled have withdrawn, and
refuse to take the oath. The administration has not acquired the
confidence and respect of the people here. Not one of the cabinet
or principal officers has taken a house or brought his family
here. Seward rented a house “while he should continue in the
cabinet,” but has not opened it, nor has his family come. They all
act as though they meant to be ready “to cut and run” at a
minute’s notice—their tenure is like that of a Bedouin on the
sands of the desert. This is sensibly felt and talked about by the
people of the city, and they feel no confidence in an
administration that betrays so much insecurity. And besides, a
strong feeling of distrust in the candor and sincerity of Lincoln
personally and of his cabinet has sprung up. If they had been
merely silent and secret, there might have been no ground of
complaint. But assurances are said to have been given and
declarations made in conflict with the facts now transpiring in
respect to the South, so that no one speaks of Lincoln or any
member of his cabinet with respect or regard.
The facts about Sumter it is impossible to ascertain, for the
reasons that have been mentioned, for no one knows _what to
believe_. The nearest conjecture I can form is this:—
1st. That the Baltic has been sent with provisions for Sumter.
2d. That the Powhatan has been sent with forces to land and attack
the batteries.
3d. That a _secret_ expedition, independent of General Scott, has
been sent, under charge of Fox, to make an effort to land in the
night at Sumter.
The refusal to admit Captain Talbot to Sumter may prevent concert
of action with Major Anderson, and I think the whole thing will
prove a failure. There is no excitement here. People are anxious,
but the sensation telegrams sent from here are without any
foundation. It is true, however, that Ben McCullough has been here
on a scouting expedition, and he carefully examined all the
barracks and military posts in the city, and said that he expected
to be in possession of the city before long. He stayed all night
at Doctor Gwin’s. This has a business aspect. It is believed that
a secession ordinance will be passed by the Virginia convention
to-day.
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO J. BUCHANAN HENRY.]
(Without date.)
. . .
The Confederate States have deliberately commenced the civil war,
and God knows where it may end. They were repeatedly warned by my
administration that an assault on Fort Sumter would be civil war,
and they would be responsible for the consequences. The last of
these warnings happens to be before me, and is contained in the
last sentence of Mr. Holt’s letter to Mr. Hayne, of February 6th,
1861. It is as follows: “If, with all the multiplied proofs which
exist of the President’s anxiety for peace, and of the earnestness
with which he has pursued it, the authorities of that State shall
assault Fort Sumter and peril the lives of the handful of brave
and loyal men shut up within its walls, and thus plunge our common
country into the horrors of civil war, then upon them, and those
they represent, must rest the responsibility.”
I have been entirely well since my return home, until within the
last few days, when I have suffered from sharp twinges of
rheumatism in my legs.
With my kindest regards to your wife, I remain, very
affectionately,
Your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, April 12, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
We have the war upon us. The telegraphic news of this morning you
will have seen before this reaches you. The impression here is
held by many: 1st, that the effort to reinforce will be a failure;
2d, that in less than twenty-four hours from this time Anderson
will have surrendered; 3d, that in less than thirty days Davis
will be in possession of Washington.
Yours truly, EDWIN M. STANTON.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO GENERAL DIX.]
WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, April 19, 1861.
MY DEAR GENERAL:
I need scarcely say I was much gratified with your letter to Major
Anderson, as well as with his answer. You placed, in an eloquent
and striking light, before him the infamous conduct of General
Twiggs and others, and his response was manly and loyal. By the
bye, I some time since received an insulting letter from General
Twiggs, dated in Mississippi on the 30th ultimo. Its conclusion is
as follows: “Your usurped right to dismiss me from the army might
be acquiesced in, but you had no right to brand me as a traitor;
this was personal, _and I shall treat it as such_, not through the
papers, but _in person_. I shall, most assuredly, pay a visit to
Lancaster, for the sole purpose of a _personal interview_ with
you. So, sir, prepare yourself. I am well assured that public
opinion will sanction _any course_ I may take with you.”
I have paid no attention to this note, and entertain but little
apprehension from the threats of this hoary-headed rebel. My fate,
however, is, in some respects, hard. After my annual message of
the 3d December, in which I made as able an argument as I could
against secession, and indicated my purpose to collect the revenue
and defend the Federal forts in South Carolina, etc., the Southern
friends of the administration fell away from it. From the line
prescribed in this message, I am not conscious that I have
departed a hair’s breadth, so far as it was practicable to pursue
it. I was ready and willing at all times to attempt to collect the
revenue, and, as a necessary preliminary, I nominated a collector
to the Senate. You know the result.
After my explosion with the commissioners of South Carolina at the
end of December, the Southern Senators denounced me on the floor
of the Senate; but after my message to Congress of the 8th
January, one of them at least abused me in terms which I would not
repeat. In that message I declared that “the right and the duty to
use military force defensively against those who resist the
Federal officers, in the execution of their legal functions, and
against those who assail the property of the Federal Government,
is clear and undeniable;” and more to the same purpose.
Warning was repeatedly given that if the authorities of South
Carolina should assail Fort Sumter, this would be the commencement
of a civil war, and they would be responsible for the
consequences. The last and most emphatic warning of this
character, is contained in the concluding sentence of Mr. Holt’s
final and admirable answer to Mr. Hayne of the 6th of February. It
is as follows: “If with all the multiplied proofs which exist of
the President’s anxiety for peace, and of the earnestness with
which he has pursued it, the authorities of that State shall
assail Fort Sumter, and peril the lives of the handful of brave
and loyal men shut up within its walls, and thus plunge our common
country into the horrors of civil war, then upon them and those
they represent must rest the responsibility.” This letter has been
published, but seems to have been forgotten. I perceive that you
are to be President of the great Union meeting. Would it not be
well, in portraying the conduct of South Carolina in assailing
Fort Sumter, to state that this had been done under the most
solemn warnings of the consequences, and refer to this letter of
Mr. Holt? Nobody seems to understand the course pursued by the
late administration. A quotation from Holt’s letter would
strengthen the hands of the present administration. You were a
member of the cabinet at its date, and I believe it received your
warm approbation. Hence it would come from you with peculiar
propriety.
Had I known you were about to visit Washington on the business of
the Treasury, I should have urged you to call at Wheatland on your
return. You would then, as you will at all times, be a most
welcome visitor.
They talk about keeping secrets. Nobody seems to have suspected
the existence of an expedition to reinforce or supply Fort Sumter
at the close of our administration.
The present administration had no alternative but to accept the
war initiated by South Carolina or the Southern Confederacy. The
North will sustain the administration almost to a man; and it
ought to be sustained at all hazards.
Miss Hetty feels very much indebted to you, and you are frequently
the subject of kind remembrances in our small family circle.
Please to present my kind regards to Mrs. Dix.
From your friend always,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[GENERAL DIX TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
NEW YORK, April 24, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
As chairman of a committee of citizens having the war in charge,
every moment of my time is engrossed, and I have only time to
thank you for your kind and important letter. It reached me just
as I was going to the great meeting on Saturday. I enclose a paper
giving my remarks. You will see the use I have made of your
letter. I had no time to correct, add or abridge, as my remarks
were in type before I left the stand, and, indeed, were in
circulation in the streets.
There was one passage in your letter I was very anxious to read to
the meeting. I have never taken a liberty with a private letter,
though I was never so strongly tempted. The sentence I allude to
is this: “The present administration had no alternative but to
accept the war initiated by South Carolina or the Southern
Confederacy. The North will sustain the administration almost to a
man; and it ought to be sustained at all hazards.” May I use the
foregoing, if I think it proper and a fit occasion presents
itself? Many of our political friends express great gratification
at the statement your letter enabled me to make.
I will write more fully in a few days, and am, with sincere
respect and regard,
Your friend,
JOHN A. DIX.
P.S.—The Republicans here have behaved very well. They placed me
at the head of the Committee on Resolutions, and gave a majority
of the Committee to us. The resolutions, with one exception, were
drawn by me.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO GENERAL DIX.]
WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, April 25, 1861.
MY DEAR GENERAL:—
I have just received your favor of yesterday, with the New York
_Times_ containing your remarks as president of the great Union
meeting. They were excellent and appropriate, and I am much
indebted to you for them. I had read them before in the Sunday
_Herald_.
Since the day and hour that I delivered my message, on the 3d
December last, I have never departed from it for a single moment.
The argument which it contained against secession, and the
determination it expressed to collect the revenue and protect the
property of the United States, produced an instantaneous
alienation of the Southern Senators. After my difficulties with
the South Carolina commissioners, this became a violent and
settled hostility, and I was openly denounced by them on the floor
of the Senate.
Supposing that Fort Sumter would then be attacked, the expedition
of the Star of the West was organized and prepared by General
Scott. Before it sailed, however, information was received from
Major Anderson and some other sources, I do not recollect what,
which, in the opinion of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy
and General Scott, rendered it unnecessary. It was then
countermanded by General Scott; but the countermand did not reach
New York until after it had sailed. But you know all this.
I have no doubt of the loyalty and good faith of Major Anderson.
His forbearance must be attributed to his desire of preserving
peace and avoiding a hostile collision. When the Major, in a firm
and patriotic manner, refused to surrender the fort to Beauregard,
it seems he informed him that his provisions would last but a few
days. What an outrage it was, after this information, to fire on
the fort.
I remain, most truly,
Your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
P.S.—In regard to the sentences in my letter, it might have been
well, and I think it would have been, to read them. It is now
probably too late, unless another good opportunity would seem to
justify.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. BAKER.]
WHEATLAND, April 26, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
What on earth has become of my friends in Philadelphia? It is some
time since I have heard from any of them. But almost every day I
receive violent, insulting and threatening anonymous letters from
that city. Now, I am not easily moved, but I should like to know
whether I am in danger of a personal attack from there, so that I
may be prepared to meet it. They know not what they would do;
because, when my record is presented to the world, all will be
clear as light.
In Lancaster there was at first considerable feeling against me,
but that has subsided very fast. My old friends seem to be
faithful and true. The speech of General Dix at New York threw
some light upon the subject, and had a happy effect here. This,
united with General Twiggs’ threatening letter, at once arrested
the tide. Has the speech of General Dix been published in any of
the Philadelphia papers?
My old friend —— has not been near me since my return, and I am
told he is very bitter.
The officers, and I may add, the men of the two Ohio regiments
here have the most friendly dispositions. Great numbers of them
have visited me.
I receive the kindest letters from New York. Is there any danger
of disturbance to the public peace in Philadelphia?
What has become of Judge Black? I know not where he is. He may be
still in Somerset. I wrote to him there at his own request some
time ago, but have received no answer. The attack on Fort Sumter
was an outrageous act. The authorities at Charleston were several
times warned by my administration that such an attack would be
civil war, and would be treated as such. If it had been made in my
time it should have been treated as such.
From your friend, as ever,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. STANTON.]
WHEATLAND, May 6, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
The last two letters which I received from you are both dated on
the 12th April, and were acknowledged by me on the 17th. I have
heard nothing either from yourself or Mr. Holt since the assault
upon Fort Sumter. That you have written I entertain not a doubt,
because you were to keep me advised of anything of interest which
might transpire at Washington. The mails have been very irregular.
Whether our friend Holt is in Washington or in Kentucky or
whereabout is unknown to this deponent. Black is somewhere, as
quiet as a mouse.
The first gun fired by Beauregard aroused the indignant spirit of
the North as nothing else could have done, and made us a unanimous
people. I had repeatedly warned them that this would be the
result. I had supposed, and believed, that it would be the policy
of Mr. Lincoln’s administration to yield to the popular impulse,
and banish, at least for the present, all party distinctions. In
this I have been, most probably, mistaken. I judge from the answer
of Mr. Seward, Jr., to an inquiry propounded to him about some
arrangement with the enemy, in which he goes out of his way to
say, that the days for such things had passed away since the 4th
of March. I suppose he alluded to the arrangement made not to land
the forces, but merely the supplies, at Fort Pickens whilst the
Peace Convention were in session, unless the revolutionists should
manifest a disposition to assail it. I have not got in my
possession copies of the orders issued by Messrs. Holt and Toucey
on that occasion, with the full approbation of General Scott. If
Mr. Holt be in Washington, I would thank you to obtain from him a
copy of this military order. I shall write to Mr. Toucey to-day
for a copy of the naval order.
Upon reëxamination of the whole course of my administration, from
the 6th November, 1860, I can find nothing to regret. I shall at
all times be prepared to defend it. The Southern Senators became
cold after my message of the 3d December, and bitterly hostile
after my explosion with the first South Carolina commissioners.
After this our social relations ceased; and all because I would
not consent to withdraw the troops from Fort Sumter, nor would I
agree not to reinforce them; but, under all circumstances,
uniformly declared that I would send reinforcements whenever
requested by Major Anderson, or the safety of the fort required
them. I am sorry you have not been able to procure for me General
Scott’s _critique_ on Mr. Holt’s letter to President Lincoln. I
hope Mr. Holt himself has a copy of it.
We live here in content and quiet, and see our friends in a social
way. The officers of the Ohio regiments visit us occasionally, and
are quite agreeable men, and most of them are Democrats. We had a
visit from Mr. Sherman yesterday.
From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. J. C. G. KENNEDY.]
WHEATLAND, LANCASTER, May 13, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
Many thanks for your kind letter of May 11th received this day. My
letter to Mr. Seaton had no other object in view than to suggest
hints to be used by him if he thought proper. I have kept no copy
of it, though I have a general recollection of what it contains.
If there is nothing personally harsh or offensive in it towards
those officers who have abandoned their flag notwithstanding their
oaths, I can perceive no objection to its publication with the
explanation you propose to be given. I do not think there is
anything harsh or offensive in it. I have been quite unwell for a
week or ten days; the last few days I have been confined to my
bed. I believe, with the blessing of God, I may weather this
storm, though it has been severe. It is very inconvenient for me
at the present moment, when all the world is alive, to be sick in
bed. Please to present me in the kindest terms to Mr. Seaton, and
believe me always to be sincerely and respectfully your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, May 16, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
Your letter by Mr. Magraw was received, and I designed to send an
answer by him, but he left here without my knowledge. On the 20th
of April, the day after the Baltimore riot, and again on Blue
Tuesday, the day before the arrival of the New York regiments, I
wrote to you. These letters will probably reach you some time, if
they have not already arrived; but I regret their miscarriage, as
they kept up a regular chain of Washington events from the date of
Lincoln’s first proclamation after the capture of Sumter, and
since that time incidents have passed so rapidly that I cannot
recall them in their order.
The fling of Mr. F. W. Seward about “negotiations” would merit a
retort if there were an independent press, and the state of the
times admitted discussion of such matters. The negotiations
carried on by Mr. Seward with the Confederate commissioners
through Judge Campbell and Judge Nelson will some day, perhaps, be
brought to light, and if they were as has been represented to me,
Mr. Seward and the Lincoln administration will not be in a
position to make sneering observations respecting any negotiations
during your administration. It was in reference to these that Jeff
Davis in his message spoke with much severity. You no doubt
observed his allusion to informal negotiations through a person
_holding a high station_ in the Government of the United States,
and which were participated in by other persons holding stations
equally high. I have understood that Judge Campbell was the person
alluded to, and that Judge Nelson and, perhaps, Judge Catron were
the other persons cognizant of Mr. Seward’s assurances respecting
the evacuation of Fort Sumter.
Mr. Holt is still here. Judge Black has been absent some weeks,
but returned night before last. Mr. Holt stays at home pretty
closely, and I have met him very seldom, though I occasionally
hear of his visiting some of the Departments. The state of affairs
is tolerably well detailed in the public prints. But no
description could convey to you the panic that prevailed here for
several days after the Baltimore riot, and before communications
were reopened. This was increased by reports of the trepidation of
Lincoln that were circulated through the streets. Almost every
family packed up their effects. Women and children were sent away
in great numbers; provisions advanced to famine prices. In a great
measure the alarm has passed away, but there is still a deep
apprehension that before long this city is doomed to be the scene
of battle and carnage. In respect to military operations going on,
or contemplated, little is known until the results are announced
in the newspapers. General Scott seems to have _carte blanche_. He
is, in fact, the Government, and if his health continues, vigorous
measures are anticipated.
For the last few days I have been moving my family, my former
residence being made unpleasant by troops and hospitals
surrounding me. In the present state of affairs, I do not like to
leave home, or I would pay you a visit, but no one knows what may
happen any day, or how soon the communications may be again
interrupted. Marching and drilling is going on all day in every
street. The troops that have arrived here are in general
fine-looking, able-bodied, active men, well equipped, and
apparently ready and willing for the service in which they are
engaged. Your cordial concurrence in the disposition to maintain
the Government and resist aggression gives great satisfaction, and
I am pleased to observe a letter from you in the _Intelligencer_
of this morning.
I beg you to present my compliments to Miss Lane. There are many
stories afloat among the ladies in the city that would amuse her,
but as they are no doubt told her by lady correspondents, it is
needless for me to repeat them. I hope you may continue in the
enjoyment of good health, and remain with sincere regard,
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
[TO J. BUCHANAN HENRY.]
WHEATLAND, LANCASTER, }
(Confidential.) Friday, May 17, 1861. }
MY DEAR JAMES:—
I have been quite unwell for the last fortnight, during the last
week I have been in bed; still, thank God, I believe I am now
convalescent, though, as yet I am exceedingly weak. I should be
glad to see you here on private and public business, but not if
your absence should operate seriously to your prejudice. We
should also be happy to see Mr. Schell here. The termination of
the late administration ought not to break up the bonds of
mutual friendship which it produced. There is no part of my
administration which was considered with greater care and
pursued with more firmness than that between the 6th November,
the day of Mr. Lincoln’s election, and the 4th of March last.
Although nearly all upon record, the public seem to have
forgotten it. It has become necessary now to revive the public
memory, and I know of no journal in the country so proper to do
this as the _Journal of Commerce_. Mr. Hallock, of that valuable
paper (I believe I am correct in spelling the name), has always
been a friend. I would thank you to call upon him, present him
my kind and grateful regards, and say that with his permission I
will send him some documents. There never was a moment of time
when my administration were not ready and willing to reinforce,
or attempt to reinforce, and supply Fort Sumter, if Major
Anderson had called for such reinforcement or supply. On the 6th
of November, when Lincoln was elected, the whole force at my
command was just five companies, and neither of them full. They
did not exceed in the whole three hundred men. The ——, however,
from a spirit of malignity, and supposing that the world may
have forgotten the circumstance, takes every occasion to blame
me for my supineness; it will soon arrive at the point of
denouncing me for not crushing out the rebellion at once, and
thus try to make me the author of the war...... No extent of
abuse, general or particular abuse, that —— could pour out upon
me would induce me to prosecute him; but this is an attempt to
bring not only my character, but my life into danger by
malignant falsehood. It would be one of those great national
prosecutions, such as have occurred in this and other countries,
necessary to vindicate the character of the Government.
I want you to bring on with you Wheaton’s Elements of
International Law—the seventh edition, and no other. I see it is
published for sale in Boston at $6, and presume it can be had in
New York. If the _Journal of Commerce_ publishes a tri-weekly
paper, please to have it sent on to me immediately. You might,
confidentially and quietly, consult with —— whom it is best to
employ to conduct this business in its preliminary stages.[174]
Yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Footnote 174:
His purpose to institute a prosecution for libel was abandoned by
the advice of friends.
[MR. STANTON TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
WASHINGTON, May 19, 1861.
DEAR SIR:—
You will see in the New York papers Judge Campbell’s report of the
negotiations between himself and Mr. Seward, to which I referred
in my letter of last week. They had been related to me by the
Judge about the time they closed. Mr. Seward’s silence will not
relieve him from the imputation of deceit and double-dealing in
the minds of many, although I do not believe it can justly be
imputed to him. I have no doubt he believed that Sumter would be
evacuated as he stated it would be. But the war party overruled
him with Lincoln, and he was forced to give up, but could not give
up his office. That is a sacrifice no Republican will be apt to
make. But this correspondence shows that Mr. Frederick Seward was
not in the line of truth when he said that negotiations ceased on
the fourth of March. The New York _Evening Post_ is very severe on
Judge Campbell, and very unjustly so, for the Judge has been as
anxiously and patriotically earnest to preserve the Government as
any man in the United States, and he has sacrificed more than any
Southern man rather than yield to the secessionists. I regret the
treatment he has received from Mr. Seward and the _Post_.
Nothing new has transpired here since my last letter. I am
perfectly convinced that an attack will be made, and a battle
fought for this city before long. With sincere regard, I remain,
Yours truly,
EDWIN M. STANTON.
[MR. HOLT TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
(Confidential.) WASHINGTON, May 24, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:—
I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 21st inst. from the
hands of Mr. Magraw. I had previously observed with pain notices
in the public papers of your illness, and it is therefore with
great gratification that I learn you are convalescing, though
still confined to your room. I thank you sincerely for your kind
invitation to visit Wheatland, and regret much that it is not in
my power at once to do so. My engagements, however, are such that
I cannot leave Washington for the present, though I hope to be
able to see you in the course of the summer.
I would gladly give you any assistance in my power in the
preparation of the paper to which you refer, but fear any aid I
could render would be of little avail to you. I have preserved no
memoranda of the transactions you propose to treat, and although
my memory might be trusted as to their substance, it would in all
probability be at fault in regard to their details. In reference
to the latter, I would rather defer to your own recollection, or
to that of other members of the cabinet. As a historical document,
I concur with you that the preparation of such a document is a
“necessity;” but I cannot perceive that there is any reason for
haste in its completion, or any expediency in its early
publication. The country is so completely occupied by the fearful
and absorbing events occurring and impending, that you could not
hope at present to engage its attention. Besides, from what I have
observed in the public papers, I cannot discover that your
administration is being so assailed upon the points alluded to as
to require any elaborate vindication at your hands...... I suppose
you have seen the prominent Southern papers—including Governor
Floyd’s organ at Richmond—in which is set forth as his especial
glory the aid given to the revolution by the War Department during
the year 1860.
You have, I believe, copies of all of Major Anderson’s letters,
and it may be copies, also, of a part of those received from Fort
Pickens. As the fate of the latter fortress is still undetermined,
I doubt if the Government would give copies of any correspondence
in regard to it. Colonel Anderson’s letters and those to him from
the Government, during my brief connection with the War
Department, formed, I think, a sufficient defence of the policy
pursued during that time.
...... I have had two brief but satisfactory interviews with
Colonel Anderson. He is thoroughly loyal, and if he ever had any
sympathy with the revolutionists, which I am now far from
believing, I think the ferocious spirit in which the siege and
cannonade of Sumter were conducted crushed it out of him. We did
not discuss at all the policy of your administration in regard to
Sumter, but he said in general terms that he was satisfied all
that had occurred was providential—that the course pursued had
been the means of fixing the eyes of the nation on Sumter, and of
awakening to the last degree its anxieties for its fate: so that
when it fell its fall proved the instrumentality of arousing the
national enthusiasm and loyalty, as we now see them displayed in
the eager rush to maintain the honor of the flag. The approval of
his course, of which you speak, relates, I presume, to his defence
of Sumter. I have not heard that the administration has expressed
any formal censure of your policy.