James Buchanan: “The nation will mourn the afflicting dispensation which has left so great a void in its councils.”

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.

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.

Before accepting this proposition I have thought it right to take the advice of the Senate.

The peace and order of the city itself and the security of the inauguration of the President elect, were objects of such vast importance to the whole country that I could not hesitate to adopt precautionary defensive measures.