[SOUTH CAROLINA SECESSION]. MAGRATH, Andrew G. (1813-1893). Autograph Letter Signed. March 24, 1861. To Francis W. Pickens, Governor of South Carolina (“Sir,”). Likely retained copy. Four 4to pages on bifolium of ruled white paper with “State of South Carolina, Executive Office, State Department…” printed heading. Each page approximately 908 x 201 mm. First page with embossed “York” stamp at upper right corner. Mild toning, three horizontal creases, right margins with short tears at lower horizontal crease. This letter was written by Magrath after South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860, but before it joined the Confederacy on April 3, 1861. Magrath was a highly educated lawyer and judge who later became the nation of South Carolina’s Secretary of State before they joined the Confederacy; he then became a district court judge for the Confederacy and later became South Carolina’s governor for six months before he was arrested by the victorious Union Army. After serving about seven months in prison, he was released, and he resumed his law practice. This letter is one of several reports presented to the Convention of the People of South Carolina to consider joining the Confederacy; it was transmitted by Pickens to that convention as well as to other officials. This report deals with foreign affairs, Fort Sumter, the “Star of the West” crisis, Isaac Hayne’s mission to American President James Buchanan, and South Carolina’s recognition as an independent state by other nations. Some excerpts: “The printed series of Executive Documents which accompany this Report will fully & sufficiently explain the circumstances which induced them. /to these, no more particular reference, is necessary, than such as it may be proper to make in explanation of the mission committed to the Hon. I. W. Hayne. The real purpose of that mission was to determine with precision the precise position occupied by the Government of the U States to the state of South Carolina. The repulse of the Star of the West with reinforcements changed or rather defined more sharply the former relations of the State; & the communication the commander of Fort Sumter required that the power to execute a purpose like that threatened by him… Among the papers of this Department which are not published, but which may be of interest, are the dispatches communicated to the Commissioners of the State to several States, then about to secede. These dispatches show the interest taken in the welfare of that State supposed to be the most defenceless… No occasion has arisen in which it was considered necessary during the separate condition of the State to require distinctly from the representative of any Foreign Power the recognition outfits Consul at this port…”