Contribution to the history of the War.
The subjoined correspondence, relating to the proposed reinforcement of Forts Moultrie and Sumner during the winter of 1860-61, by volunteers from the city of New York, has been communicated to the National Intelligencer for publication, as belonging to the history of that period:
J. A. Hamilton to General Sanford.
[Private] Dear General:
The President having exposed a handful of brave men in Fort Moultrie to slaughter and the flag of our country to disgrace, there can be no violation of law or duty of any kind should citizens volunteer to go to Charleston harbor in a steamer chartered for the purpose, in order to reinforces Major Anderson. Such a course, taken by a few hundred strong men, would record the garrison and save the fort and this having been done without any participation on the part of the Government, could not be considered by South Carolina as an act offensive to her which would invite, much less justify, assault. Think of this, and, if you approve, turn in your mind whether so many men could be induced to volunteer. We would have no difficulty a getting money to charter a steamer and put on board of her a store of provisions. Absolute must be observed. Let me know where I can and you. I will be in the city to-morrow (Sunday.) Yours &c.
General Sanford to J. A. Hamilton.
[Private] My Dear Sir:
J. A. Hamilton to Lieut. Gen. Scott.
[Private] Dear General
James A. Hamilton.
To Lieut.-Gen. Scott, Washington.
Lieutenant General Scott to J. A. Hamilton.
Your obedient servant,
George W. Lay,
Lieutenant-Colonel, A. D. C.
James A. Hamilton, Esq.
J. A. Hamilton to Major General Sanford.
Dear General:
You will perceive that the word ‘"immediate,"’ in the General's letter, is underscored, which implies foregone conclusion that the future may require men an appeal. I am sure you will, without delay, thoroughly examine your military condition and arrange such plans as may be best to put into execution, whenever the militia and volunteers may be needed, and the impending condition of the country may require action on their part. I hope I may be allowed to believe that if I can be useful in any way you will not overlook me in such so enterprise.
James A. Hamilton.
P. S.--You will probably concur with me in the opinion that the correspondence is not proper to be given at present to the newspapers. J. A. H.
Major-General Sanford, New York.