She forbears to recriminate by
discussing the question of the propriety of attempting such a
reenforcement at all, as well as of the disguised and secret manner in
which it was intended to be effected. And on this occasion she will say
nothing as to the manner in which Fort Sumter was taken into the
possession of its present occupants.
The interposition of the Senators who have addressed you was a
circumstance unexpected by my government, and unsolicited certainly by
me. The Governor, while he appreciates the high and generous motives by
which they were prompted, and while he fully approves the delay which,
in deference to them, has taken place in the presentation of this
demand, feels that it can not longer be withheld.
I conclude with an extract from the instructions just received by me
from the government of South Carolina:
"The letter of the President, through Mr. Holt, may be received as the
reply to the question you were instructed to ask, as to his assertion of
his right to send reenforcements to Fort Sumter. You were instructed to
say to him, if he asserted that right, that the State of South Carolina
regarded such a right when asserted, or with an attempt at its exercise,
as a declaration of war.
"If the President intends it shall not be so understood, it is proper,
to avoid any misconception hereafter, that he should be informed of the
manner in which the Governor will feel bound to regard it.
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