* * * * * SENATE CHAMBER, February 5, 1861. MY DEAR ANDREW,--Ever remember, “Forewarned is forearmed.” Since recent sincere propositions to defend the capital, I have had no fear except from a revolutionary movement in Maryland. That, as I have repeatedly said, will depend upon Virginia. The recent elections seem to show that she at least will take time. This postpones the danger contingent upon her course. More than the loss of forts, arsenals, or the national capital, _I fear the loss of our principles_. These are now in greatest danger. Our Northern Fort Sumter will be surrendered, if you are not aroused. In my view, the vacillation of the Republicans is more fatal than that of Buchanan. Keep firm, and do not listen to any proposition. Ever yours, CHARLES SUMNER. * * * * * SENATE CHAMBER, February 6, 1861. MY DEAR ANDREW,--It seems to me that nothing is gained for the Union by the Virginia election _except delay_, unless the North surrender everything. I have always trusted that the North would not, and therefore look to the secession of Virginia as impending,--sooner or later to occur. This delay seems like a beneficent intervention of Providence to arrest the conflict, which a sudden movement would have precipitated. It suspends the revolutionary movement in Maryland, which was to begin the 18th,--five days after the Virginia Convention,--and thus gives security to the capital. Since General Scott has become wakeful, and has received powers from the President, I have felt safe against everything but a revolutionary movement. Be assured I will keep you advised. I shall scent the coming danger. But do not be deceived by that fatal advice which sees nothing but peace and security in the recent elections. Chase has just left me. He thinks there may be thirty Unionists _per se_ in the Virginia Convention; all the rest _only conditionally_,--the condition being the resolutions on which the Massachusetts commissioners are to deliberate. Bah! A friend, who was with Mr. Rives this morning, tells me that he was very bitter against Johnson, of Tennessee, for his Union speech, and especially for saying “Secession is treason.” He says that the persons called Unionists will be for secession, if the South cannot have “Constitutional guaranties.” The course of such a person as Mr. Rives, who is said to be conservative, foreshadows the result. I have just seen Colonel Ritchie: a most intelligent gentleman, who does honor to our Commonwealth,--God bless her! But the crisis is adjourned. Ever yours, CHARLES SUMNER. May we all be loyal and true, and never desert great principles! * * * * * SENATE CHAMBER, February 8, 1861.