Special Message
12/19/1858
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
Governments may be, and doubtless often have been, wrong in going to war to enforce claims.
A demand for these purposes will be made in a firm but conciliatory spirit.
After due deliberation, Congress, on the 2d of June, 1858, authorized the President 'to adopt such measures and use such force as in his jud...
It does not appear to me to be competent for commissioners authorized to ascertain the indemnity for the injury to go behind their authority...