That officer, in his reply, has referred the Governor to the
Government of the United States at Washington. You will, therefore,
demand from the President of the United States the withdrawal of the
troops of the United States from that fort, and its delivery to the
State of South Carolina.
You are instructed not to allow any question of property claimed by the
United States to embarrass the assertion of the political right of the
State of South Carolina to the possession of Fort Sumter. The possession
of that fort by the State is alone consistent with the dignity and
safety of the State of South Carolina; but such possession is not
inconsistent with a right to compensation in money in another
Government, if it has against the State of South Carolina any just claim
connected with that fort. But the possession of the fort can not, in
regard to the State of South Carolina, be compensated by any
consideration of any kind from the Government of the United States, when
the possession of it by the Government is invasive of the dignity and
affects the safety of the State. That possession can not become now a
matter of discussion or negotiation. You will, therefore, require from
the President of the United States a positive and distinct answer to
your demand for the delivery of the fort. And you are further authorized
to give the pledge of the State to adjust all matters which may be, and
are in their nature, susceptible of valuation in money, in the manner
most usual, and upon the principles of equity and justice always
recognized by independent nations, for the ascertainment of their
relative rights and obligations in such matters.
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