If this does not satisfy all our desires with regard to Southern rebels, let us console ourselves by reflecting that a free Constitution, triumphant in war and unbroken in peace, is worth far more to us and our children than the gratification of any present feeling.
He encourages a long-term view of constitutional values over immediate desires for retribution against rebels.
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In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 5th of February, last, calling for the correspondence upon the subject of the murder by the inhabitants of the island of Formosa of the ship's company of the American bark Rover
I transmit the accompanying communications from the Secretary of the Interior, together with the papers to which they have reference.
With these brief suggestions the bill is respectfully returned, and the consideration of Congress invited to the accompanying preamble and resolutions.
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