Hayne, Robert Young (1791-1839) to [Stephen Decatur Miller]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06562 Author/Creator: Hayne, Robert Young (1791-1839) Place Written: Columbia, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1832 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.1 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Informs that he has been elected governor of South Carolina (on December 10, just two days prior), and that nullification will proceed, despite the protests of Unionists in Charleston. Instructs that he should be kept informed as to the course of affairs of the other states and Congress on this matter. Wants the recipient, Senator Stephen Miller, to write to him once a week and give him "the earliest and most authentic information on this subject." Remarks that he has "no doubt that the State [South Carolina] will be nobly sustained in her present position." Notes in a postscript that John C. Calhoun has been elected to the Senate.
Robert Hayne was a U.S. senator, a lawyer, and governor of South Carolina 1832-1834. His 1830 debate with Senator Daniel Webster, in which Hayne argued in favor of states' rights and nullification in the Senate for the first time, was one of the great dramatic events of the antebellum period.
Stephen Miller was a Congressman, Governor, and Senator from South Carolina. It was Miller who transmitted President Jackson's Nullification Proclamation (December 10) to Governor Hayne, who promptly issued a counterproclamation on December 20. Six days later, Hayne issued a proclamation asking for volunteers for the state militia to repel anticipated U.S. attacks.
Columbia 12th Decr . 1832.
My Dear Sir.
You will have perceived from the Public Papers that I have been elected Governor of the State for the ensuing two years, and the proceedings of the Legislature will disclose the fact, that So. Carolina, is determined to resist to the uttermost all efforts on the part of the Govt . of the U.S. - to reduce her to subjection by military or naval force, for which purpose the whole militia of the State will be put at the disposal of the Executive: In the execution of this most difficult and delicate duty it is indispensable that I should [inserted: from time to time] receive the earliest and most authentic information as to the measures contemplated by the Executive, or by Congress, - of the disposition of the other States, and of the probable course of affairs. To obtain this I must appeal to the S.o Carolina delegation in Congress. I wish you therefore to mention the subject, and share this Letter, to such of your Colleagues as you may desire to cooperate with you in this matter, and to consider yourself and them as laid under an injunction to take the proper measures to obtain [2] the earliest and most authentic information on this subject, and forthwith to communicate the same to me. I should consider it indispensable that I should receive letters regularly from each of you at least once a week and [inserted: that] I should be kept constantly and fully advised [inserted: of passing events]. I leave it to you to take prompt and efficient measures on this subject.
I have only time now to add that our Legislature are proceeding slowly, but I think surely to the consummation of their objects. They are in some degree waiting to see what the Union Convention now in session will do. It is greatly to be feared, that their proceedings will embarrass the State but I do not think they will as a body go so far as to resolve to resist the State. A day or two will develope their plans. But they will not influence the action of the State. The General tone of the people is good and I have no doubt that the State will be nobly sustained in her present position. I have only to add that I am very respectfully and truly yours
Rob. Y. Hayne
Hon. S[tephen]. D. Miller.
P.S. Direct to me in Charleston. Mr. Calhoun is elected
Senator.
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