letter to Governor Moore at Baton Rouge, of which this is a copy:--

'_Sir:_--As I occupy a quasi military position under the laws of
the state, I deem it proper to acquaint you that I accepted such
position when Louisiana was a state in the union and when the motto
of this seminary was inscribed in marble over the main door: "By
the liberality of the General Government. The Union Esto perpetua."
Recent events foreshadow a great change, and it becomes all men to
choose. If Louisiana withdraw from the federal Union, I prefer to
maintain my allegiance to the old constitution as long as a fragment
of it survives, and my longer stay here would be wrong in every
sense of the word. In that event, I beg that you will send or
appoint some authorized agent to take charge of the arms and
munitions of war here belonging to the state, or advise me what
disposition to make of them. And furthermore, as president of the
board of supervisors, I beg you to take immediate steps to relieve
me as superintendent the moment the state determines to secede;
for on no earthly account will I do any act or think any thought
hostile to, or in defiance of, the United States.

'With respect, etc.,
'W. T. Sherman.'

"I regard the seizure by Governor Moore of the United States arsenal
as the worst act yet committed in the present revolution. I do
think every allowance should be made to southern politicians for
their nervous anxiety about their political powers and the safety
of slaves. I think that the constitution should be liberally
construed in their behalf, but I do regard this civil war as
precipitated with undue rapidity. . . . It is inevitable. All
legislation now would fall powerless on the south. You should not
alienate such states as Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri.
My notice is that this war will ruin all politicians, and that
military leaders will direct the events.

"Yours
"W. T. S."

On the first of February he wrote as follows:

"I have felt the very thoughts you have spoken. It is war to
surround Anderson with batteries, and it is shilly-shally for the
south to cry 'Hands off! No coercion!' It was war and insult to
expel the garrison at Baton Rouge, and Uncle Sam had better cry
'Cave!' or assert his power. Fort Sumter is not material save for
the principle; but Key West and the Tortugas should be held in
force at once, by regulars if possible, if not, by militia. Quick!
They are occupied now