Nidlijication in South Carolina, iSjo-iSj-/ 751 XV. James H. Hammond to Robert Y. Hayne.' Silver Bluff 20 Dec. 1832. Dear Sir. Gen Jackson's extraordinary proclamation has just reached me. It is the black Cockade Federalism of '98 revived fearfully invig- orated by its long sleep, and seems destined to bring about another reign of terror. Based as it is upon the notoriously false assmnption that S Carolina intends to resist the laws [and] Congress with the bayonet, the spirit of it, to every intelligent mind, is as ridiculous, as its arguments are absurd. But there is so much ignorance and passion in the country that both are dangerous, at this crisis, and must be met, promptly firmly and efficiently. To aid this purpose permit me to tender you my services in any way that you can make them most useful. I do not seek from you any post of distinction, not only because I can have no claims to it, but because at this moment every man must do his duty to his country with- out reference to himself I will undertake any service you desire, and repair at an instants warning to any point, and for any purpose you will designate. I shall immediately set about arranging my private affairs for taking the field at an early day, not to quit it until all is settled. In this part of the country the people are very ignorant and have been here- tofore rather inclined to the Union party, but if you think I can be best employed in recruiting Volunteers I will set about raising a company as soon as I receive your instructions as to the time and place [you] will want them and whether you can furnish arms &c and will endeavour to have them ready for service in due time. I have however no choice of employment, so far as I am concerned. It is impossible to estimate the effect of Gen Jackson's proclamation. Upon the timid and ignorant of our party I fear it will have great in- fluence, which it will require much caution to counteract. If I might be permitted respectfully and with great deference to make a suggestion to you, it would be that you should answer it officially. A similar pro- clamation from you would command the attention of the Union, and a calm exposition of the false and dangerous positions of the President so entirely subversive of every feature of republican government — a digni- fied rebuke of its prejudice and passion, and a firm defiance of its threats would have a wonderful effect on the American people. I think his rash denunciation and reckless and arbitrary doctrines afford the means of prostrating him if used with skill. If there is any purity left in our people or our institutions they will react under his monstrous usurpations. If there is none the sooner a general crush is effected the better. I can scarcely persuade myself that Gen Jackson yet intends to do any thing he appears to threaten, but that his alleged position of defence, and his insinuated want of vested power have been cunningly referred to that he may effect a retreat under their cover. And that after all he intends 1 Hayne had just been chosen governor, The ordinance for nullification had been passed on November 24.
