round for dissolving the union of the States. For
which reason I do not suppose that our Legislature, which will
meet on the 19th prox., will take any steps in that direction--such,
for instance, as the calling of a convention.

Thus, sir, I have given you what I conceive to be the sentiment of
our people upon the subject of your letter, and I give it as an
existing fact, without comment as to whether the majority be in
error or not.

My own opinions, as an individual, are of little moment. It will be
sufficient to say, that as a States-Rights man, believing in the
sovereignty and reserved powers of the States, I will conform my
actions to the action of North Carolina, whatever that may be. To
this general observation I will make but a single qualification--it
is this: I could not in any event assent to, or give my aid to, a
political enforcement of the monstrous doctrine of coercion. I do
not for a moment think that North Carolina would become a party
to the enforcement of this doctrine, and will not therefore do
her the injustice of placing her in that position, even though
hypothetically.

With much respect, I have the honor to be,

Your ob't. serv't,

JOHN W. ELLIS.

His Excellency William H. Gist,
Governor of South Carolina

[Sidenote] MS. Confederate Archives.

ALEXANDRIA, LA., 26th October, 1860.
His EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR GIST.

DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 5th inst. was received a few days ago
at this place. I regret my inability to consult with as many of
our leading citizens as I wished, but I will not delay in replying
any longer. You will (of course) consider my letter as private,
except for use in consultation with friends.
I shall not call a convention in this State if Lincoln is elected,
because I have no power or authority to do so. I infer from your
letter that an authority has been vested in you by your
Legislature to call a convention in a specified contingency. Our
Legislature has taken no action of that or any similar kind. That
body will meet in regular annual session about the middle of
January; but it is not improbable that I may consider it necessary
to convene it at an earlier day, if the complexion of the
electoral colleges shall indicate the election of Lincoln.

Even if that deplorable event shall be the result of the com