UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
Troy, N. Y., January 19, 1861.

Major ROBERT ANDERSON,

First Artillery, Commanding Charleston Harbor, Charleston, S. C.:

MAJOR: In reply to your communication of the 15th instant, I am directed by the commanding general of the department to say that your action in regard to the sentences of the enlisted men, promulgated in General Orders, Numbers 13, from this office, the movement of your command from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and your entire conduct since you assumed command of the troops in the harbor of Charleston meets with his entire approbation.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHARD ARNOLD,

First Lieutenant, Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[1.]

FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 11, 1861.

Lieutenant R. ARNOLD,

Aide-de-CAmp:

DEAR SIR: Nearly one monght has passed since the receipt of your not eof the 19th of January, inclosing a copy of General Wool's printed letter of December 31, approving my conduct since I assumed command in this harbor, and also accompanying your official letter of January 19, expressing the general's approval of my removal from Fort Sumter [Moultrie] to this place, and of my entire conduct since I assumed command of the troops in the harbor of Charleston. I beg that you will assure the general that I feel highly gratified that I have been so fortunate as to be entitled, in his opinion, to so full an indorsement. I have been and still am placed where I am compelled to assume a heavy responsibility, and I know that in one very important matter I am now acting against the wishes and opinion o fmany of my dearest friends and clearest-headed military men; but, praying to God that He will guide me, I am taking that course which will I trust, without some untoward accident, lead us through existing difficulties without bloodshed. I cannot close without thanking you personally for the complimentary terms you use and for the good wishes you express in my behalf.

Yours, sincerely,

ROBERT ANDERSON,

U. S. Army.

[1.]

POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT,

Washington, March 15, 1861.

The PRESIDENT:

SIR: In reply to your interrogatory whether, in my opinion, it is wise to provision Fort Sumter, under present circumstances, I submit the following considerations in favor of provisioning that fort: The ambitious leaders of the late Democratic party have availed themselves of the disappointment attendant upon defeat in the late Presidential election to found a military government in the seceding States. To the connivance of the late administration it is due alone that this rebellion has been enabled to attain its present proportions. It has grown by