War Department, December 29th, 1860.
Sir:—On the
evening of the 27th instant, I read the following paper to you, in the presence
of the cabinet:
“Council Chamber, Executive Mansion,
December
27th, 1860.
Sir:
— It is evident now, from the action of the commander at Fort Moultrie, that
the solemn pledges of this Government have been violated by Major Anderson. In
my judgment, but one remedy is now left us by which to vindicate our honor and
prevent civil war. It is in vain now to hope for confidence on the part of the
people of South Carolina in any further pledges as to the action of the
military. One remedy only is left, and that is to withdraw the garrison from
the harbor of Charleston altogether. I hope the President will allow me to make
that order at once. This order, in my judgment, can alone prevent bloodshed and
civil war.
john B. Floyd,
Secretary
of War.
To
The President.”
I then considered the honor of the administration pledged to
maintain the troops in the position they occupied; for such had been the
assurances given to the gentlemen of South Carolina who had a right to speak
for her. South Carolina, on the other hand, gave reciprocal pledges that no
force should be brought by them against the troops or against the property of
the United States. The sole object of both parties to these reciprocal pledges
was to prevent collision and the effusion of blood, in the hope that some means
might be found for a peaceful accommodation of the existing troubles, the two
Houses of Congress having both raised committees looking to that object.
Thus affairs stood, until the action of Major Anderson,
taken unfortunately while commissioners were on their way to this capital on a
peaceful mission, looking to the avoidance of bloodshed, has complicated
matters in the existing manner. Our refusal, or even delay, to place affairs
back as they stood under our agreement, invites collision, and must inevitably
inaugurate civil war in our land. I can not consent to be the agent of such a
calamity.
I deeply regret to feel myself under the necessity of
tendering to you my resignation as Secretary of War, because I can no longer
hold it, under my convictions of patriotism, nor with honor, subjected as I am
to the violation of solemn pledges and plighted faith.
With the highest personal regard, I am most truly yours,
John B. Floyd.
To His Excellency The
President Of The United States
SOURCES: John Bassett More, Editor, The Works of James Buchanan, Volume 12, p. 167-8; Samuel Wylie
Crawford, The Genesis of the Civil War: The Story of Sumter, 1860-1861,
p. 150-1
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