ust make a stubborn defense.

This was the state of affairs in South Carolina at the time stated. On
November 18th, President Jackson, after a conference with General
Scott, ordered him on a confidential or secret order to Charleston.
The order was, of course, issued from the War Department by direction
of the President, and the main points of it are as follows:

" ... The possibility of such a measure furnishes sufficient reason
for guarding against it, and the President is therefore anxious that
the situation and means of defense of these fortifications should be
inspected by an officer of experience, who could also estimate and
provide for any dangers to which they may be exposed. He has full
confidence in your judgment and discretion, and it is his wish that
you repair immediately to Charleston and examine everything
connected with the fortifications. You are at liberty to take such
measures either by strengthening these defenses or by re-enforcing
these garrisons with troops drawn from any other posts, as you may
think prudence and a just precaution require.

"Your duty will be one of great importance and of great delicacy.
You will consult fully and freely with the collector of the port of
Charleston, and you will take no step, except what relates to the
immediate defense and security of the posts, without their order and
concurrence. The execution of the laws will be enforced through the
civil authority and by the method pointed out by the acts of
Congress. Should, unfortunately, a crisis arise when the ordinary
power in the hands of the civil officers shall not be sufficient for
this purpose, the President shall determine the course to be taken
and the measures adopted. Till, therefore, you are otherwise
instructed, you will act in obedience to the legal requisitions of
the proper civil officers of the United States.

"I will thank you to communicate to me freely and confidentially
upon every topic upon which you may deem it important for the
Government to receive information.

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"LEWIS CASS."

General Scott, acting in obedience to these orders, arrived in
Charleston November 28th, two days after the passage of the ordinance.
He found, on his arrival and after conferring with many of the leading
people, that the sentiment in regard to the action of the convention