ALEXANDRIA, Jan. 16,
1861.
DEAR GENERAL: It was
my purpose to wait patiently for the development of events, with my mind firmly
resolved to do no act hostile to the United States. I had given full notice of
such resolution to Dr. Smith and Governor Moore. The seizure of the forts, and
worse still the capture of the company of U.S. soldiers at Baton Rouge, where
they were stationed by invitation of the state authority for the protection of
the arms and munitions of war placed there for the safety of the state, are
regarded by me as acts of war and a breach of common decency. I forthwith repaired
to Alexandria and notified Dr. Smith of my opinion and that my longer stay here
was wrong. He thinks Governor Moore had reasons for his conduct not known to
the public and as he is on the point of going to Baton Rouge he asked me to
forbear till he could consult, and see what is to be done. He says he has
consulted with many, and that all understand my opinions, that as I am
entrusted with the moneys and management of the institution he cannot arrange
for my relief till time is given to provide a successor. He is unwilling that
Vallas should succeed to my power as superintendent — or that any one else to
the care of the moneys. But he pledged me his word that I should in no wise be
compromised in any act of hostility to the general government.
If I had in view any
occupation, by which I could maintain my family I would not stay, but as I have
no such employment in view, and as I cannot receive the compensation fixed by
law for me as superintendent of the central arsenal, and as I have laid by
little or nothing I have consented to await awhile, to allow the legislature to
appropriate the five hundred dollars due for last year* and for a little salary
to accumulate to give me the means of retiring to Ohio, and cast around for
some means of support.
* For the salary of
superintendent of the Arsenal. - Ed.