James Buchanan: “I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of the Navy, with the accompanying documents, in obedience to the…”

There is but one mode left of settling the dispute, and that is by submitting it to the arbitration of some friendly and impartial power.

In compliance with the resolutions of the Senate of the 17th and 18th February, 1858, requesting information upon the subject of the Aves Island, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents which accompanied it.

The minister of that Republic is disappointed in not having received the copy intended for exchange, and the period will lapse without the possibility of carrying out the provisions of the convention in this respect.

Had I refused to adopt this precautionary measure, and evil consequences, which many good men at the time apprehended, had followed, I should never have forgiven myself.