James Monroe actually said...

"On full consideration of all these circumstances, I have thought it my duty to submit to Congress whether it will not be advisable to postpone a decision on the questions now depending with Spain unti..."

"Under such circumstances the attention of the Spanish Government may be diverted from its foreign concerns, and the arrival of a minister here be longer delayed."

"The distress of that nation at this juncture affords a motive for this forbearance which can not fail to be duly appreciated."

"I transmit to the Senate a report from the Secretary of the Treasury, which, with the documents accompanying it, will afford all the information required."