CHAPTER II.

Tenure of Public Property ceded by the States.--Sovereignty and Eminent Domain.--Principles asserted by Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and other States.--The Charleston Forts.--South Carolina sends Commissioners to Washington.--Sudden Movement of Major Anderson.--Correspondence of the Commissioners with the President.--Interviews of the Author with Mr. Buchanan.--Major Anderson.--The Star of the West.--The President's Special Message.--Speech of the Author in the Senate.--Further Proceedings and Correspondence relative to Fort Sumter.--Mr. Buchanan's Rectitude in Purpose and Vacillation in Action.

Secession of Mississippi and Other States.--Withdrawal of Senators.--Address of the Author on taking Leave of the Senate.--Answer to Certain Objections.