James Buchanan actually said...
I feel it my duty to communicate to you that it has been found impracticable to conclude a contract for the transportation of the mails between our Atlantic and Pacific ports on the terms authorized by the fourth section of an act entitled 'An act making appropriations for the service of the Post-Office Department during the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1861,' approved 15th June, 1860.
06/23/1860