But this
"tangible evidence of a design to proceed to a hostile act, on the part
of the authorities of South Carolina" (which is the only justification
of Major Anderson), you are forced to admit "has not _yet_ been
alleged." But you have decided. You have resolved to hold by force what
you have obtained through our misplaced confidence, and, by refusing to
disavow the action of Major Anderson, have converted his violation of
orders into a legitimate act of your Executive authority. Be the issue
what it may, of this we are assured, that, if Fort Moultrie has been
recorded in history as a memorial of Carolina gallantry, Fort Sumter
will live upon the succeeding page as an imperishable testimony of
Carolina faith.
By your course you have probably rendered civil war inevitable. Be it
so. If you choose to force this issue upon us, the State of South
Carolina will accept it, and, relying upon Him who is the God of justice
as well as the God of hosts, will endeavor to perform the great duty
which lies before her, hopefully, bravely, and thoroughly.
Our mission being one for negotiation and peace, and your note leaving
us without hope of a withdrawal of the troops from Fort Sumter, or of
the restoration of the _status quo_ existing at the time of our arrival,
and intimating, as we think, your determination to reenforce the
garrison in the harbor of Charleston, we respectfully inform you that we
propose returning to Charleston on to-morrow afternoon.
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