James Buchanan: “The true meaning of these words is clearly stated by Chief Justice Taney in delivering the opinion of the court (19…”

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.

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.

The dispatch of Mr. Dallas being in the original, its return to the Department of State is requested.

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.