01/27/1861
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"These negroes have doubtless been delivered to the marshal; and with those captured on board the Wildfire will make the number in his custody about 1,000."
"I have the honor to transmit to the House of Representatives a report of the Attorney-General, which, with the accompanying documents, contains the information required."
"It is truly lamentable that Great Britain and the United States should be obliged to expend such a vast amount of blood and treasure for the suppression of the African slave trade."
"It is quite clear from its terms that the President was authorized to provide 'for the safe-keeping, support, and removal' of these negroes up till the time of their delivery to the agent on the coast..."