Yancey, William L. (1814-1863) to Francis Pickens
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07087 Author/Creator: Yancey, William L. (1814-1863) Place Written: Montgomery, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 February 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.6 x 13.7 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that South Carolina should not attack Fort Sumter without the orders of the Confederacy, since such an action would lead to confusion and panic. "I have been informed...that the troops in Charleston Harbor will assault Fort Sumpter within a day or two...South Carolina if prepared should have done so when the whole matter was under her control. Now that the responsibility has been transferred or taken by the Confederate States...if the Fort shall be assaulted without order of the Executive of the Confederate States, it will produce a confusion, an excitement, an indignation and astonishment here in the Confederate Congress that will tend to break up the new government." A private letter. Though the stalemate over Fort Sumter was heating up at this time, an attack did not come until weeks later, under the orders of the Confederacy.
William Yancey was a prominent Fire-Eater, leader of the Southern secessionist movement, and later the Confederate emissary to Europe.
Francis Pickens was the Governor of South Carolina.
Private. Montgomery, Ala
27. Feby 1861
His Excellency
Gov Pickens
Dear Sir -
Will you pardon me for what may appear an intrusion - bot the gravity of the subject impels me to write.
I have been informed, from a source that enforces belief, that the troops in Charleston Harbor will assault Fort Sumpter within a day or two.
As for myself, I am one of those who felt that South Carolina if prepared should have done so, when the whole matter was under her control. Now that the responsibility has been transferr'd or taken by the Confederate States, [2] my opinion is the reverse.
I can bot give you the settled assurance of my own mind, that if the Fort shall be assaulted without the orders of the Executive of the Confederate States, it will produce a confusion - an excitement - an indignation & astonishment here in the Confed - Congress that will tend to break up the new government -
Victory even will not palliate the [secure]ment.
I do not write lightly - bot considerately -
I know that I must draw largely upon your indulgent consideration, bot I must take the responsibility & assure you of my great devotion to Honor & interests of your noble State - as well [3] as to the Honor & interests of the Confederate States -
Yrs & -
W.L. Yancey.
[docket]
W.L. Yancey Yancey
Montgomery letter
1861 1861
W.L. Yancey
to Governor Pickens
Advising not to at
tack Fort Sumter.
Febr'y 27th 1861.
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