San Francisco,
California, April 9, 1861.
My Dear Son: Yesterday the newspapers of this city
announced that Texas had completed all arrangements contemplated as necessary
to separate her destiny from the General Government, the final act being the
taking the oath of allegiance to the new Confederacy by the Legislature and
other State officers. I have hoped to the last that a reconciliation would be,
by some great statesmanlike move in the right direction, effected, with such
guarantees as would be satisfactory and reestablish the tranquillity of the
Southern mind and those fraternal relations which alone make our confederate
system possible. Whether these acts could or could not be rightfully done under
the Constitution need no longer be discussed. The people have resolved, and so
declared to the world, to establish a government for themselves. A great fact thus
presents itself, which must be dealt with not with technicalities, but in view
of all the considerations and interests which affect the future of two great
sections of our country. To continue to hold my commission after being
apprised of the final action of my State, to whose partiality in a great
measure I owe my position, could find no justification in my own conscience;
and I have, therefore, this day forwarded the resignation of my commission for
the acceptance of the President, which I hope may be promptly accepted. I have
asked that my successor be appointed and ordered to relieve me as soon as
practicable.
You probably have seen a paragraph in the papers to the effect that
evidence is in possession of the War Department that General Johnston and other
officers are conspiring to establish a Pacific republic. I say the whole charge
is false in every particular, and that there is not the slightest ground for
it. I am a stranger here, and have had no conversation even with any one who
desires such a result or entertains such views. If the War Department has such
information, why don't they order an investigation, and not give it to the
letter-writers to damage the reputation of officers? My escutcheon is without a
blur upon it, and never will be tarnished. I shall do my duty to the last, and
when absolved take my course. I must now look out for a livelihood for my poor
family; how or where to find it is not apparent, but with my courage all will
not be lost. Give my love to Hennie, Rosa. Mrs. Duncan, and the children.
Your affectionate
father,
A. S. Johnston.
You had, perhaps, better let the announcement of my resignation come
from the department.
SOURCE: William Preston Johnston, The Life of General Albert
Sydney Johnston, p. 270-1
