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CS General John B. Floyd
Resignation as US
Secretary of War
War Department
Dec. 29 1860
Sir
On the evening of the 27th instant I read the following
paper to you in the presence of the Cabinet:
Council Chamber
Executive Mansion.
Sir
It is evident now from the action of the commander at
Fort Moultrie, that the solemn pledges of this
government have been violated by Maj. Anderson. In my
judgment but one remedy is now left us by which to
vindictae our honor and prevent civil war. It is in vain
now to hope for confidence on the part of the people of
South Carolina in any farther pledges as to the action
of the military. One remedy only is left, - and that is
to withdraw the garison from the harbour of Charleston
altogether. I hope the President will allow me to make
that order at once. This order
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in my judgment can alone prevent bloodshed and civil
war.
John B. Floyd
Secretary of War
To the President December 27, 1860"
I then considered the honor of the administration
pledged to maintain the troops in the position they
occupied; for such \had/ been the assurances given to
the gentlemen of South Carolina also had a right to
speak for her. South Carolina, on the other hand gave
reciprocal pledges that no force should be brought by
them against the troops or against the property of the
United States. The sole object of both parties to these
reciprocal pledges was to prevent collision and the
effusuion of blood; in the hope that some means might be
found for a peaceful accomodation of the existing
troubles; the two Houses of Congress having both raised
committees looking to that object.
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Thus affairs stood until the action of Major Anderson,
(taken unfortunately while commissioners were on their
way to this capital on a peaceful mission looking to the
avoidance of bloodshed) has complicated matters in the
existing manner. Our refusal or even delay to place
affairs back as they stood under our agreement invites
collision and must inevitably inaugurate civil war in
our land. I cannot consent to be the agent of such a
calamity.
I deeply regret to feel myself under the necessity of
tendering to you my resignation as Secretary of War;
because I can no longer hold it under my convictions of
patriotism, nor with honor, subjected as I am to the
violation of solemn pledges and plighted faith.
With the highest personal regard
I am most truly yours
John B. Floyd
To his Excellency, The President of the United
States
Transcribed by Marlitta H.
Perkins from a letter by John B. Floyd,
contained in the Papers
of Robert Morton Hughes , Collection Number:
MG 7, Special Collections of the Perry
Library at Old Dominion University ,
Norfolk, VA.
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