February 1, 1861.
. . . It is war to
surround Anderson with batteries, and it is shilly-shally for the South to cry
“Hands off! No coercion!” It was war and insult to expel the garrison at Baton
Rouge, and Uncle Sam had better cry “Cave!”
or assert his power. Fort Sumter is not material, save for the principle; but
Key West and the Tortugas should be held in force at once, by regulars, if
possible, if not, by militia. Quick! They are occupied now, but not in force.
Whilst maintaining
the high, strong ground you do, I would not advise you to interpose an objection
to securing concessions to the middle and moderate states — Virginia, Kentucky,
Tennessee, and Missouri. Slavery there is local, and even if the world were
open to them, its extension would involve no principle. If these states felt
the extreme South wrong, a seeming concession would make them committed. The
cotton states are gone, I suppose. Of course, their commerce will be hampered.
. .
I sent you a copy of
my letter to the governor. Here is his answer [see pages
350-351].
This is very
handsome, and I do regret this political imbroglio. I do think it was brought
about by politicians. The people in the South are evidently unanimous in the
opinion that slavery is endangered by the current of events, and it is useless
to attempt to alter that opinion. As our government is founded on the will of
the people, when that will is fixed, our government is powerless, and the only
question is whether to let things slide into general anarchy, or the formation
of two or more confederacies, which will be hostile sooner or later. Still, I
know that some of the best men of Louisiana think this change may be effected
peaceably. But even if the Southern States be allowed to depart in peace, the
first question will be revenue.
Now, if the South
have free trade, how can you collect revenues in the eastern cities? Freight
from New Orleans to St. Louis, Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, and even
Pittsburg, would be about the same as by rail from New York, and importers at
New Orleans, having no duties to pay, would undersell the East if they had to
pay duty. Therefore, if the South make good their confederation and their plan,
the northern confederacy must do likewise or blockade. Then comes the question
of foreign nations. So, look on it in any view, I see no result but war and
consequent changes in the form of government. . .
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