James Buchanan: “The report from the Secretary of State is not in strictness embraced by the terms of the resolution, but I deem it…”

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.

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.

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

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.