It affords me great satisfaction to perform this duty.

I feel quite confident that Congress will bestow upon these resolutions the careful consideration to which they are eminently entitled.

The amendment does not seem necessary to secure any right either of the United States or of any American citizen claiming under them.

I therefore recommend the reconsideration of the subject.

Neither the Government nor the citizens in whose behalf the convention has been concluded have any further claims upon the island of Aves.

Nor is it known or believed that there are any claims against the Government of Venezuela having any connection with that island other than those provided for in this convention.

However strong may be my desire to enter into such an agreement, I am convinced that I do not possess the power.

I am one of those who will never despair of the Republic.

I confess I hail this movement on the part of Virginia with great satisfaction.

It is my duty at all times to defend and protect the public property within the seceding States so far as this may be practicable.

I return with my objections to the House, in which it originated.