Martin Van Buren actually said...

"In the absence of any authority on the part of the Executive to satisfy these claims, they are now submitted to Congress for consideration."

"I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives reports from the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, with accompanying papers, in answer to the resolution of the House of the 30t..."

"I transmit to the Senate, for their consideration with a view to its ratification, a convention signed at Houston on the 11th ultimo by Alcee La Branche, charge' d'affaires of the United States, and R..."

"This convention having been concluded in anticipation of the receipt from the Department of a formal power for that purpose, an extract from a dispatch of Mr. La Branche to the Secretary of State expl..."