James Buchanan actually said...

"It has become my sad duty to announce to the Senate the death of Aaron V. Brown, late Postmaster-General, at his residence in this city on yesterday morning at twenty minutes past 9 o'clock."

"While the President, with the surviving members of the Cabinet, the legislative and judicial departments of the Government, will unite in every testimonial the sad occasion demands, it is fitting a si..."

"The nation will mourn the afflicting dispensation which has left so great a void in its councils."

"It is impossible to avoid this catastrophe unless we make provision this very day to meet the lawful demands on the public Treasury."