An interview between the President
and the Commissioners was followed by a sharp correspondence, which was
terminated on the 1st of January, 1861, by the return to the
Commissioners of their final communication, with an endorsement stating
that it was of such a character that the President declined to receive
it. The negotiations were thus abruptly broken off. This correspondence
may be found in the Appendix.[117]
In the mean time, Mr. Cass, Secretary of State, had resigned his
position early in December, on the ground of the refusal of the
President to send reenforcements to Charleston. On the occupation of
Fort Sumter by Major Anderson, Mr. Floyd, Secretary of War, taking the
ground that it was virtually a violation of a pledge given or implied by
the Government, had asked that the garrison should be entirely withdrawn
from the harbor of Charleston, and, on the refusal of the President to
consent to this, had tendered his resignation, which was promptly
accepted.[118]
This is believed to be a correct outline of the earlier facts with
regard to the Charleston forts, and in giving it I have done so, as far
as possible, without prejudice, or any expression of opinion upon the
motives of the actors.
The kind relations, both personal and political, which had long existed
between Mr. Buchanan and myself, had led him, occasionally, during his
presidency, to send for me to confer with him on subjects that caused
him anxiety, and warranted me in sometimes calling upon him to offer my
opinion on matters of special interest or importance.
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