The Real Cause of the U.S. Civil War

Steve Hurlbut to Abraham Lincoln, March 27, 1861


Page 10


Even the moderate men to desire not

to open fire believe in the safer policy

of time and Starvation.

At present the garrison can be withdrawn

without insult to them or their flag ?

In a week this may be impossible and

probably will.

If Sumpter is abandoned it is to a

certain extent a concession of jurisdiction

which cannot fail to have its Effect

at home and abroad.

Undoubtedly this will be followed by

a demand for Pickins and the Keys

of the Gulf.

To surrender these if Pickens has

been or can be reinforced tarnishes

the National honor and the U. States cease

to be a respectable Nation.

At all hazards and under all

circumstances during this stage of pro-

ceedings any Fortress accessible to the

Sea, over which we still have dominion,

should be held. If war comes, let it come.


As these States have created a Postal Depart-

ment and the Post Office of the

United States finds them only a burden,

the Cessation of Post office facilities will be

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Hurlbut Letter Page 10