In this state of the case, after complications have been
introduced into the question, after we were brought to the verge of war,
after we were hourly expecting by telegraph to learn that the conflict
had commenced, after nothing had been done to insure the peace of the
land, we are told in this last hour that the question is thrown at the
door of Congress, and here rests the responsibility.
Had the garrison at Charleston, representing the claim of the Government
to hold the property in a fort there, been called away thirty days, nay,
ten days ago, peace would have spread its pinions over this land, and
calm negotiation would have been the order of the day. Why was it not
recalled? No reason yet has been offered, save that the Government is
bound to preserve its property; and yet look from North to South, from
East to West, wherever we have constructed forts to defend States
against a foreign foe, and everywhere you find them without a garrison,
except at a few points where troops are kept for special purposes; not
to coerce or to threaten a State, but stationed in seacoast
fortifications, there merely for the purposes of discipline and
instruction as artillerists. You find all the other forts in the hands
of fort-keepers and ordnance-sergeants, and, before a moral and
patriotic people, standing safely there as the property of the country.
I asked in this Senate, weeks ago: "What causes the peril that is now
imminent at Fort Moultrie; is it the weakness of the garrison?" and then
I answered, "No, it is its presence, not its weakness.
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