Pickens, Francis Wilkinson (1805-1869) Board of Ordinance letter to Pickens re: defense of Charleston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02277.01 Author/Creator: Pickens, Francis Wilkinson (1805-1869) Place Written: [Charleston, South Carolina ?] Type: Autograph endorsement signed Date: 1861/01/02 Pagination: 1 p. + endorsement 25 x 19 cm Order a Copy
With Pickens' endorsement on verso, as Gov. of South Carolina, he has refused to yield. James Jones and signed by Thomas F. Dragton.
Charleston 2nd Jany 1861
To His Excellency
Govr. F.W. Pickens
Charleston S.C.
Dr. Sir,
We received at a late hour last night by the hand of aide camp Col. J.J. Lucas, the Report of Genl. James Simons on the Military Defences of the Harbor of Charleston, and in accordance with your instructions beg leave to reply as follows:
We concur generally in the Military positions assumed by Brig. Genl. Simons of the 4th Brigade S.C. Militia, together with the conclusions therein deduced, but leave the question of the appointment of a Council of War to the discretion of your Excellency.
We have the honor to be
very Respectfully
James Jones } Members
Thom. F. Dragton } of
Board of
Ordnance
P.S. Within you will also receive the Report of Brig. Genl. Simons
Genl. Simon's report & portrayal: occupying Moultrie & Pinckney
The Board concurs in the military position assumed by Genl. Simon & "together with the conclusions therein deduced"- but leave the council of war to the discretion of myself.
The "conclusions" of that report I consider would be to order the troops from Fort Moultrie & Sullivan's Island, [inserted: & Pinckney] & to abandon the attempt to keep out reinforcements- & in fact, to yield, without a struggle, any point, & thus break down the spirit of our people, & cover our cause with imbecility & probable ruin!
I shall do no such thing, nor shall I yield to any council of war that may drive me to such "conclusions."
FW Pickens
Charleston
3d Jany. 1861
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