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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924092885395
The Works of James Buchanan
This letterpress edition is limited to
y^o copies, of which this is
No o>33.
The Works
OF
James Buchanan
Comprising his Speeches, State Papers,
and Private Correspondence
Collected and Edited
By
John Bassett Moore
Volume VIII
1848-1853
Philadelphia bf London
J. B. Lippincott Company
1909
^ 2,qmoo
Copyright, 1909
By
J. B. LiPPiNcoTT Company
Printed by y. B. JLipptncott Company
the fFasbhgton Square PresSy Philadelphia, U. S. A
CONTENTS of VOLUME VIII
1848.
PAGE
To Mr. Mason, March i i
Requests sending of a naval force to protect American interests in Venezuela.
To Colonel Fremont, March 2 2
Acknowledges receipt of papers relating to claims arising from military operations in
California.
To THE Speaker of the House, March 3 2
Transmits statement required under act regulating entry of passengers from ships.
From Mr. Rush, March 5 3
Explains privately events incident to recognition of Provisional Government of
France.
To Mr. Hempstead, March 7 4
Replies respecting his commission as consul.
Message of President Polk Relating to the Treaty of Peace with
Mexico, March 7 5
To the President, March 8 5
Transmits papers, called for by Senate, relating to authority of Mr. Trist to draw on
Treasury for sum authorized in peace settlement with Mexico.
Message of President Polk on Mir. Trist's Despatches, March 8 6
To Mr. Walker, March 15 6
Requests certain papers relating to debt of United States to Mexico, stipulated in
Article XII. of draft of treaty of peace.
Message of President Polk Nominating a Commissioner to Mexico,
March 18 7
To Mr. Clifford, March 18 7
Informs him of his appointment as associate commissioner to Mexico to exchange
ratifications of treaty of peace.
To Mr. Sevier, March 18 8
Instructs him as to exchange of ratifications of treaty of peace with Mexico.
To THE Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, March 18 14
Transmits copy of treaty of peace as amended by Senate, with letter of explanation.
To the President, March 20 22
Transmits correspondence, called for by House, with certain U. S. officers in Mexico.
To the President, March 21 22
Transmits correspondence, called for by House, relative to adoption of reciprocity
with Great Britain.
To the President, March 22 23
Transmits copy of despatch, called for by Senate, to U. S. Consul at Monterey.
To Messrs. Sevier and Clifford, March 22 24
Instructs them as to new treaty in case Mexico refuses to accept Senate's amend-
ments.
V
vi THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To Mr. Johnson, March 22 ^S
Replies that Department has no evidence of any offer made by President Jackson to
purchase port of San Francisco.
To THE President, March 22 '• • ^S
Transmits correspondence, called for by Senats;, relating to imprisonment of Lieut.
Davis in Brazil.
To Mr. Shields, March 22 26
Instructs him as to course to be pursued amidst revolutionary conditions in Vene-
zuela.
To THE President, March 24 28
Transmits copies of correspondence, called for by Senate, relating to postal arrange-
ment with Great Britain.
To Mr. Cameron, March 27 29
Invites full inquiry by Senate into the suspicion that the Department furnished a
copy of the Mexican treaty to the press.
To Mr. Dickens, March 27 3°
Requests information respecting copies of the Mexican treaty printed and distributed.
To M. Pageot, March 29 3°
Acknowledges notice of his resignation as minister from France.
To Mr. Meek, March 30 3i
Transmits copy of letter of British charg^ respecting treatment of free negroes
arriving in Alabama.
To THE President, March 30 32
Transmits copies of correspondence, called for by Senate, with Brazilian charg^
d'affaires.
To Mr. Rush, March 31 32
Sends him letter of credence from the President to the French Republic — Instructs
him as to attitude toward the new government.
To Mr. Bancroft, April i 38
Acknowledges receipt of his views respecting causes and results of the revolution
in France.
To Mr. Ingersoll, April i 38
Declines to grant him leave from his post in Russia, because of conditions in France.
Message of President Polk on the Revolution in France, April 3. . . . 39
To Mr. Mann, April 4 40
Informs him that declaration of accession of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to Hanoverian
treaty is before Senate.
To Mr. Donelson, April S 41
Informs him of attitude toward revolution in France — Requests to be kept informed
of what transpires in Prussia.
To Mr. Stiles, April s 41
Informs him of attitude toward revolution in France — Requests to be kept informed
of what transpires in Austria.
To Mr. Martin, April s 42
Informs him of establishment of diplomatic mission to Papal States — Sends instruc-
tions.
To Mr. Leal, April 6 45
Declines to grant extradition of Brazilian criminal in absence of treaty.
To Mr. Rush, April 6 47
Informs him that joint resolution passed Senate congratulating the French people
upon success of French revolution.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII vii
To THE Governors of New York and Vermont, April 7 47
Transmits British remonstrance against impeding navigation between Missisquoi
Bay and river Richelieu,
To Mr. Carvallo, April 7 48
Explains delay in answering memorial presented by Chile on claim of the
"Macedonian."
To Mr. Young, April 12 49
Informs him of progress of application made to Great Britain to permit passage of
government steamers from Great Lakes to Atlantic.
To Mr. Smith, April 24 49
Transmits papers relating to mission of an agent sent to St. Domingo.
To Mr. Appleton, April 25 50
Transmits his instructions as charg^ d'affaires to Bolivia.
To Mr. Carvallo, April 27 51
Informs him that claim of the "Macedonian" against Chile has been referred to
Solicitor of Treasury for report.
To Mr. Cazenove, April 27 52
Appoints time for exchange of ratifications of convention with Swiss Confederation.
To Mr. Gillett, April 27 52
Transmits papers on claim of the "Macedonian" against Chile, with request for an
opinion.
To Mr. Rush, April 29 53
Instructs him to urge modification of the French restrictions on tobacco trade.
Message of President Polk on Yucatan, April 29 54
To Mr. Walker, May i 56
Transmits copy of note from Great Britain granting permission for passage of govern-
ment steamers from Great Lakes to Atlantic.
To Mr. Hilliard, May 3 56
Answers interrogatories as to attitude assumed toward Yucatan.
To THE President, May 5 59
Transmits correspondence, called for by Senate, with commissioner from Yucatan.
To Mr. Everett, May 6 60
Informs him of inability to comply with request regarding inscription on monument
to Alexander H, Everett.
To Mr. Tod, May 8 60
Instructs him as to claims against Brazil,
Message of President Polk on a Treaty with Austria, May 9 61
To Mr. Campbell, May 11 61
Instructs him as to case of a freebom American alleged to be held as a slave in Cuba.
To THE President of the Senate, May 11 62
Transmits papers, called for by Senate, on claim of the brig "Douglass " against Great
Britain.
To Mr. Sullivan et Al., May 11 64
Informs them of instructions to minister to France respecting modification of French
restrictions on tobacco trade.
To Mr. Livingston, May 13 64
Instructs him as to mission to Ecuador and claims against that government.
To Mr. Wells, May 16 69
Instructs him to assist in recovering proceeds from sale of cargo of American brig
"Caroline," condemned in Brazil at instance of her master.
viii THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To M. BouRBOULON, May i8 7^
Transmits report as to seizure by American squadron of a French ship near
Vera Cruz,
To Mr. Mann, May 29 7o
Commends his success in promoting commerce and navigation with Germany.
To Mr. Mann, May 29 7i
Instructs him as to exchange of ratifications of declaration of accession of Mecklen-
burg-Schwerin to the Hanoverian treaty.
To Mr. Ingersoll, May 31 IZ
Urges legislation to ensure extradition under treaty of 1842 with Great Britain.
To THE President, May 31 74
Transmits translation of note, called for by Senate, from commissioner from Yucatan.
To Mr. Appleton, June i 74
Instructs him as to mission to Bolivia.
To Mr. Hise, June 3 78
Instructs him as to mission to Guatemala and other states of Central America.
To Mr. Bille, June 6 84
Acknowledges notice of blockade of certain ports in Baltic by Danish fleet.
To Mrs. Madison, June 8 85
Transmits receipt for unpublished MSS. of James Madison.
To THE President, June 8 85
Transmits correspondence, called for by Senate, with minister to France since French
revolution.
Certificate of the Delivery of the Madison Papers to the Secretary
OF State, June 10 86
To Mr. Meredith, June 12 87
Offers to purchase "the Wheatlands.''
To Mr. Flenniken, June 17 87
Transmits commission of consul to Elsinore — Expresses appreciation of treatment
of American vessels during Danish blockade.
To Mr. Ingersoll, June 17 88
Informs him of appointment of his successor as minister to Russia.
To Mr. Saunders, June 17 89
Instructs him to endeavor to obtain reduction of duty on American f^our imported
into Cuba.
To Mr. Saunders, June 17 90
Transmits, with instructions, full power to purchase Cuba from Spain — Explains
American attitude toward fate of Cuba.
To Mr. Vinton, June 19 102
Recommends legislation to establish position of examiner of claims in State Depart-
ment.
To Mr. Williams, June 21 104
Refuses to present claim for American fishing schooner seized in Bay of Fundy by
British revenue cutter.
To Mr. Mason, June 23 104
Transmits correspondence as to protection of Americans in Hayti.
To Mr. Rantoul, June 23 105
Instructs him to enforce neutrality laws against any expedition to aid uprising in
Venezuela.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII ix
To Mb. Palfrey, June 24 106
Informs him of use made of Captain Ingraham's journal in substantiating claim to
Oregon.
To U. S. Consuls, June 26 107
Commends Mr. Mann to them in his mission to collect information concerning
emigration.
To Mr. Grinnell, June 26 107
Informs him as to claim against Peru, arising from seizure of American ship "Wash-
ington."
To Mr. Hopkins, June 27 108
Approves, his protest in regard to treatment of masters of American vessels in Portu-
guese ports.
To Mr. Vinton, June 27 log
Transmits documents in claim of Maine and Massachusetts against United States
under treaty of 1842 with Great Britain.
To Mr. Ellsworth, June 29 109
Instructs him as to commercial relations with Sweden and Norway.
To Mr Crampton, June 30 no
Informs him bill has passed House to secure execution of extradition treaties.
To Mr. McKay, July i in
Informs him of payment of certain claims against Texas.
To Mr. Parker, July i 112
Approves intervention in behalf of two Italian bishops and a Spanish missionary-
Informs him of course taken to enforce Chinese treaty obligations.
To Mr. Stiles, July 6 113
Declines to authorize employment of a person to procure information in Austria.
Message of President Polk on a Treaty of Peace with Mexico, July 6 114
To Mr. Martin, July 7 119
Authorizes communication to Papal Government of American intervention in behalf
of two Italian bishops and a Spanish missionary in China.
To Mr. Saunders, July 7 120
Instructs him to make a certain change in instructions as to proposed purchase of
Cuba from Spain.
To Mr. Walker, July 7 120
Transmits copy of letter to General Butler in relation to peace negotiations with
Mexico.
To Mr. Westcott, July 7 121
Refuses to give passport to a person not a citizen
To Miss Lane, July 8 121
Writes of personal matters.
To Mr Grinnell, July 11 122
Expresses views on liability of Government to citizens for acts of officers.
To the President, July 17 123
Transmits information, called for by House, relating to New Mexico and California.
To Mr. Vaux et Al., July 17 126
Declines to transmit proceedings of a public meeting for presentation to Pope by
American charge d'affaires.
To Mr. Dodge, July 18 127
Expresses unofficial opinion that laws of Wisconsin Territory remain in force over
country not included within boundaries of Wisconsin State.
X THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To M. BouRBOULON, July 19 128
Acknowledges French decree in reply to resolution of Congress on revolution in
France.
To Mr. Mangum, July 19 128
Urges appropriation to pay the "Amistad" claim of Spain against United States.
To Mr. Bidlack, July 20 129
Transmits copies of new treaty with New Granada.
To Mr. Hutter, July 22 129
Declines to indicate his choice among certain Democratic candidates for nomina-
tion for governor of Pennsylvania.
To Mr. Donelson, July 24 130
Instructs him to recognize provisional government of new German Confederation.
To THE President, July 24 131
Transmits copies of papers relating to claim against Portugal arising from seizure of
American ship "Miles."
Message of President Polk on New Mexico and California, July 24. . 132
To Mr. Carvallo, July 25 I37
Authorizes him to propose a convention for settlement of American claims against
Chile.
To Mr. Campbell, July 26 138
Advises him as to status of naturalized American citizens natives of Cuba and domi-
ciled there.
To Mr. Campbell, July 27 139
Commends him for interposition to liberate a freebom American held as a slave in
Cuba.
To the Chevalier Martuscelli, July 27 140
Informs him that Government has not recognized independence of Sicily.
To Mr. Bancroft, July 28 140
Instructs him to continue his efforts to secure repeal of British navigation laws.
To Mr. Mason, July 28 141
Transmits information relating to privilege granted by Sardinia for a naval depot at
Spezzia.
To Mr. Ray et Al., July 28 142
Thanks them for their appreciation of action taken by Department for liberation of
freebom American held as a slave in Cuba.
Message of President Polk on a Treaty with Prussia, July 28 142
Message of President Polk on the Instructions to Messrs. Sevier
AND Clifford, July 28 145
To Mr. Hopkins, July 29 145
Informs him of Senate's call for papers relating to claim against Portugal arising
from seizure of ship "Miles."
To Mr. Niles, July 29 146
Acknowledges despatches relating to privilege granted by Sardinia for naval depot
at Spezzia.
To Mr. Saunders, July 29 147
Expresses opinion that contingent fund cannot be applied toward cemetery at
Barcelona,
To THE President, July 31 148
Transmits papers, called for by Senate, as to rights of Hudson Bay and Puget Sound
Land Company in Oregon.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII xi
To Mr. Walker, July 31 148
Transmits despatch from commissioner to Mexico relative to a payment to Mexico.
To Mr. Butler, August 2 149
Inquires as to probable date of decision on extradition of Metzger by France.
To Miss Lane, August 2 149
Informs her of inability to accompany her on a tour.
To Mr. Donelson, August 3 150
Instructs him as to convention of extradition with Prussia.
To THE Senate, August 3 151
Transmits joint report, called for by Senate, of commissioners under treaty of 1842
with Great Britain.
To A. Lincoln et Al., August 5 152
Replies that Department has no copy of convention between Santa Anna and Texas
mentioned by President Jackson.
To Mr. Donelson, August 7 152
Informs him of his nomination as minister to federal government of Germany.
To Mr. Clifford, August 7 154
Informs him of his appointment as minister to Mexico — Instructs him as to refusal
to furnish Mexico with United States troops to be employed against Indians.
To Mr. Shields, August 7 157
Instructs him as to charge made against him by Venezuelan Minister of Foreign
Affairs — British attitude toward United States as to Mexico and the Mosquito
Coast.
To THE Venezuelan Minister for Foreign Affairs, August 7 159
Informs him of steps taken to prevent an unneutral expedition against Venezuela —
Discusses his charge against American charge d'affaires, Mr. Shields.
To Mr. Abell, August 8 161
Informs him as to payment of claim against Chile for detention of American brig
"Warrior."
From Mr. Rush, August 8 161
Explains his refusal to deliver resolutions of Democratic convention congratulating
French Assembly.
To the House of Representatives, August 12 163
Transmits documents, called for by House, in relation to claim of Leggett against
Mexico.
To Mr. Clifford, August 15 163
Advises him as to tariff on articles imported previously to restoration of Mexican
custom houses.
To Mr. Donelson, August 15 167
Instructs him as to mission to federal government of Germany.
To Mr. Bidlack, August 16 170
Instructs him to apply to New Granada for its share of indemnification due on the
Danels claim against Colombia.
To Mr. Shields, August 16 170
Instructs him as to payments upon the Danels claim against Venezuela.
To Mr. Butler, August 16 171
Urges that extradition proceedings against Metzger by France be carried to U. S.
Supreme Court.
To Mr. Rush, August 18. . . ^ 172
Transmits President's answer to President of French Republic.
xii THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To Mr. Clifford, August i8 r ^72
Informs him of failure of Congress to establish boundary and claims commissions
stipulated for in treaty with Mexico,
To General Lane, August i8 ^74
Transmits his commission as governor of Oregon Territory.
To Mr. Crampton, August 19 .' i74
Requests from British Government privilege of transferring two schooners from the
Atlantic to the Great Lakes.
To Mr. Crampton, August 19 i75
Denies that the boundary description in the peace treaty with Mexico invades the
" three- mile limit" rule.
To Mr. Causten, August 19 176
Informs him as to documents in a claim which arose against Texas before its
admission.
To Mr. Davis, August 21 176
Transmits copy of act relating to judicial powers of ministers and consuls in China
and Turkey.
To Mr. Marcy, August 21 i77
Transmits correspondence in relation to restoration of Mexican custom houses.
To Mr. Sanford, August 21 178
Explains his Berks County letter — Slavery in Territories — Missouri Compromise.
To Miss Lane, August 22 I79
Writes of personal matters.
To Mr. Pleasonton, August 23 180
Requests information on claim of Joseph de la Francia against United States.
To Mr. Bille, August 24 , 181
Regrets delay in peace negotiations between Denmark and Prussia.
To Mr. Ten Eyck, August 28 181
Instructs him in regard to relations with Hawaii — Explains policy as to presentation
of claims of American citizens against foreign governments.
To Mr. Crampton, August 29 , 190
Transmits copy of act relating to judicial powers of ministers and consuls in China
and Turkey.
To Mr. Hempstead, August 29 191
Acknowledges despatch as to consular matters at Belize.
To Mr. Sprague, August 29 191
Advises him that acceptance by him of Austrian consulship general at Gibraltar
would be in violation of Constitution.
To Mr. Crampton, August 30 192
Transmits copy of act for giving effect to extradition treaties.
To Mr. Durant et Al., August 30 192
Instructs them to enforce neutrality laws in connection with reported expedition
against Mexico.
To Mr. Stiles, August 31 195
Approves his course in exposing political adventurers in Austria.
To Mr. Rowan, August 31 ig6
Transmits note expounding our policy as regards recognition of foreign governments,
for his guidance in Italy.
To Mr. Bille, August 31 196
Informs him of publication of notice of Danish blockade.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII xiii
To Major Graham, August 31 197
Directs him to commence work of restoring maps showing boundary under treaty
of 1842 with Great Britain.
To Mr. Anderson, August 31 198
Advises him as to law governing appointment of consul to port o£ Hamilton.
To United States Consuls, September i 198
Instructs them as to expenditures for relief of destitute seamen.
To Mr. Davis, September i 201
Advises him as to exercise of powers conferred by act relating to extraterritorial
jurisdiction in China.
To Mr. Hamilton, September 25 201
Informs him of acceptability of Montevidean proposition for payment of a claim.
To W. M. Meredith, September 23 202
Accepts proposition for purchase of Wheatland.
To Mr. Hamilton, September 26 202
Approves his refusal to subscribe to war fund solicited by government of Montevideo.
To Mr. Bancroft, September 27 203
Instructs him to inquire into case of alleged illegal imprisonment of an American
in Dublin.
To Mr. Hyatt, September 27 205
Instructs him as to a present for Emperor of Morocco.
To Mr. Patton, September 27 206
Informs him that treaties permitting aliens to acquire real estate embrace States as
well as Territories.
To Mr. Flenniken, September 30 206
Comments upon peace negotiations between Denmark and Prussia.
To Mr. Fisher, September 30 207
Informs him that President has no power to grant our public lands to inhabitants
of Guadeloupe who wish to emigrate.
From President Polk, September 30 208
Requests statement of all views relating to annexation of Texas which Mr. Buchanan
may have heard him express.
To Mr. Hopkins, October 2 209
Advises him in relation to commerce with Portugal — Duties.
To Mr. Marcy, October 2 210
Refers to!him claims of Spanish subjects against United States arising during Mexican
War.
To Mr. Voorhies, October 7 211
Communicates President's views as to California pending establishment of territorial
government.
To Mr. Clifford, October 10 216
Instructs him as to various matters connected with Mexico.
To Mr. Harris, October 10 217
Instructs him as to claims against Argentine Republic.
To Mr. Dabelsteen, October 11 218
Transmits to him exequatur as Mexican vice-consul at New Orleans.
To Mr. Davezac, October 12 219
Instructs him as to claim against Dutch Government.
xiv THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To Mr. Flenniken, October 14 220
Instructs him as to negotiations for removal of Danish Sound dues.
To Mr. Biixe, October 16 225
Informs him that Executive has no power to interfere in judicial proceedings against a
Danish vessel.
To Mr, Bancroft, October 25 226
Informs him of request of Costa Rica for British protectorate — Instructs him that
a naturalized American cannot commit treason against Great Britain.
To Mr. Macauley, October 25 227
Instructs him as to change of his mission from consul to Tripoli to consul-general
to Egypt.
To Mr. Bancroft, October 28 230
Corrects instruction as to an American committing treason against Great Britain.
To Mr. Donelson, October 30 232
Instructs him as to request of Germanic Confederation that a U. S. naval officer be
selected to enter and assist its naval service.
To Mr. Randolph, October 30 234
Acknowledges receipt of certain Jefferson MSS.
To Mr. Marston, October 31 234
Disapproves his course in recognizing independence of Sicily.
To Mr. Campbell, November i 236
Approves his course in case of a person arrested on board an American bark in Cuba.
To Mr. Donelson, November 6 237
Cautions him not to negotiate a commercial treaty with Germanic Confederation
till such a government is established.
To Mr. Verplanck, November 6 240
Assures him of Department's aid in exposing frauds in connection with emigration
to United States.
To President Polk, November 9 240
Sets forth his understanding of attitude of President as to annexation of Texas.
To Mr. Graham, November 11 242
Instructs him as to registration of American vessel sold in a foreign port.
To Mr. Robinson, November 15 243
Informs him as to case of American seamen arrested in Dublin for complicity in
Irish rebellion.
To Mr. Walker, November 17 245
Informs him of grant by British Government of permission to transfer two schooners
from Atlantic to Great Lakes.
To Mr. Carr, November 18 245
Narrates events leading to acceptance of his resignation as consul to Tangier.
To Mr. Staples, November 18 251
Regrets his becoming involved in controversy with local authorities at Havre as to his
jurisdiction.
To Governor Johnson, November 18 253
Informs him that crime committed by an army officer in Mexico cannot be punished
in United States.
To Mr. Donelson, November 20 254
Transmits communication from President to Prussian Emperor in reply to announce-
ment of recall of Baron von Gerolt.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII xv
To W. M. Meredith, November 21 254
Informs him that if he regrets parting with Wheatland the sale can be rescinded.
To Senor de la Rosa, November 28 255
Makes appointment for receiving his credentials as Mexican minister.
To Mr. Carrol, November 30 256
Advises him as to duty of commercial agent at Port Louis in securing arrest of a
seaman.
To Senor de la Rosa, November 30 256
Makes appointment for presenting his credentials as Mexican minister.
To Mr. Winthrop, December 2 257
Transmits statements of disbursements of Department of State.
President Polk's Annual Message, December 5 258
To Mr. Campbell, December 11 259
Instructs him as to rights, under treaty of 179s with Spain, of an American arrested
in Cuba.
To Mr. Grinnell, December 11 261
Transmits correspondence in relation to the "Miles" claim against Portugal.
To THE Speaker of the House, December 12 261
Transmits annual statistics on immigration.
To M. Poussin, December 13 262
Expresses regret at conduct of an army officer toward a French citizen in Mexico
City.
To Mr. Campbell, December 14 263
Acknowledges letter announcing release of an American imprisoned in Cuba.
To Mr. Shields, December 15 263
Grants request for leave of absence from Caracas.
To Mr. Bancroft, December 18 264
Instructs him to protest against orders of Irish Government to arrest all "returned
emigrants" from America.
To the Speaker of the House, December 18 266
Transmits annual statistical report as to seamen registered in U. S. ports.
To Mr. Donelson, December 18 267
Informs him of designation of naval officer to aid in organization of German navy, )
To Mr. Clifford, December 22 268
Instructs him as to execution of treaty of peace with Mexico — Payment of customs
money — Boundary commission.
To the President, December 27 270
Transmits papers, called for by House, in relation to Americans arrested in Ireland.
To Mr. Mann, December 27 270
Answers inquiry as to payments under Spanish convention of 1834 to indemnify
American claimants.
To M. Poussin, December 28 271
Informs him of recognition of consular agent at Monterey, Upper California.
1849.
Message of President Polk on a Postal Convention with Great
Britain, January 4 272
xvi THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To Mr. Cass, January 6 272
Transmits his commission as charg^ d'affaires to Papal States.
To Mr. Slemons, January 6 272
Instructs him as to reshipment of export goods to Matamoros — Goods imported
previously to restoration of Mexican custom houses.
To Mr. Bancroft, January 8 274
Transmits ratification of postal convention, and power, with Mr. Rush, to negotiate
with France on same subject.
To Mr. Donelson, January 8 275
Informs him Baron Roenne has not yet presented himself as German minister —
Advises him in relation to arrest of an American seaman at Bremerhaven.
To Mr. Dyer, January 8 276
Advises him as to right of travellers in Mexico to bear arms for self-defence.
To Mr. Rush, January 8 277
Advises him that power has been sent to Mr. Bancroft to negotiate jointly with him
for postal arrangement with France.
To Miss Lane, January 8 278
Writes of personal matters.
To Mr. Bancroft, January 9 279
Informs him that publication of despatches relating to postal convention with Great
Britain was not authorized.
To Mr. Crampton, January 9 280
Hopes new territorial government will remove difficulties between American and
British citizens in Oregon.
To Mr. Winthrop, January 10 281
Transmits report on clerks employed in Department of State. i
To Mr. Walker, January 11 282
Informs him in regard to discriminating tonnage duties in ports of Uruguay.
To Mr. Marcy, January 1 1 282
Requests information concerning claims of Spain arising against United States
during Mexican War.
To Mr. Tod, January 12 283
Directs him to express acknowledgments for conduct of Brazilian naval officers in
rescue of crew of American vessel.
To Senor de la Rosa, January 13 284
Informs him as to payments due under treaty of peace with Mexico.
To Mr. Loughead, January 16 285
Advises him as to national character of American vessels purchased by British
subjects.
To M. PoussiN, January 17 286
Discusses claim of France arising from capture of a French vessel, "La Jeune Nelly, "
running a blockade.
To Mr. Marcy, January 17 288
Transmits papers upon claims of Spain against United States, arising during Mexican
War.
To Mr. Durant, January 18 289
Requests him to report as to appeal of case of French blockade-runner. "La Jeune
Nelly. "
To Majors Graham and Emory, January 19 290
Instructs them in relation to running boundary line between United States and Mexico.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII xvii
To Mr. Hopkins, January 22 291
Informs him of decision not to make Lisbon the depot of the Mediterranean squadron.
To Mr. Jordan, January 23 291
Advises him as to law governing an arrest made aboard an American vessel by
British authorities.
To Mr. Weller, January 24 293
Instructs him on his duties as boundary commissioner under treaty with Mexico.
To THE President, January 25 295
Transmits papers, called for by Senate, relating to conduct of Commodore Storer.
To Baron Roenne, January 26 295
Makes appointment for his reception as minister of German Empire.
To Mr. Murphy, January 26 296
Instructs him to report respecting arrest of McManus. made aboard an American
vessel by British authorities.
To Mr. Hopkins, January 31 297
Instructs him as to claim against Portugal arising from alleged destruction of schooner
"Col. Blum."
To Mr. Marcy, January 31 298
Transmits papers on claims of Spain against United States, arising during Mexican
War.
To the President, February i 298
Transmits report on claim of J. B. Emerson, arising from alleged use of an invention.
To Senor Calderon de la Barca, February i 299
Acknowledges note on arrest of an American in Cuba — Explains delay of report on
claims arising during Mexican War.
To Mr. McClelland, February i 300
Advises him as to claims against Mexico arranged for in treaty of peace.
Memorandum of a Conference with the British Charge d'affaires
AS to Navigation of the Columbia River, February 2 300
To Mr. Stiles, February 2 302
Approves his conduct in acting as intermediary for communication between Hungary
and Austria.
To THE Chevalier Hulsemann, February 6 303
Acknowledges note announcing abdication of Emperor Ferdinand I. in favor of
Archduke Francis Joseph.
To Mr. Breedlove, February 6 304
Informs him as to claim against Venezuela for brig "Sarah Wilson. "
To Mr. Richards et Al., February 6 304
Informs them as to claim against Portugal arising from alleged destruction of schooner
"Col. Blum."
To THE President, February 8 30S
Transmits papers, called for by House, relating to treaty of peace with Mexico.
Message of President Polk on the Treaty of Peace with Mexico,
February 8 305
To Mr. Toucey, February 8 3i3
Requests opinion on question of diplomatic privilege raised in respect to attach^
of French Legation,
-To the President, February 9 313
Transmits documents, called for by Senate, relative to ratification of treaty of peace
with Mexico.
xviii THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To Mr. Crampton, February 9 3^4
Sets forth attitude of United States on reciprocity with Great Britain in commerce
and navigation.
To Mr. Hyatt, February 9 3^6
Instructs him in relation to piracies committed by Barbary vessels.
From Mr. de la Rosa, February 10 3i8
Requests assurances respecting interpretation to be given to protocol to treaty of
peace with Mexico.
To Mr. Bancroft, February 12 3^9
Reiterates instructions to protest against orders of Irish Government to arrest
"returned emigrants" from America.
To Mr. Hamilton, February 13 321
Commends his efforts to protect American commercial interests in Montevideo.
To Mr. Weller, February 13 322
Instructs him on his duties as boundary commissioner under treaty with Mexico.
From Mr. de la Rosa, February 14 326
Requests answer to his note respecting interpretation to be given to protocol to
treaty of peace with Mexico.
To M. Poussin, February 15 327
Transmits opinion of Attorney General on question of diplomatic privilege raised in
respect to attach^ of French Legation.
To Mr. de la Rosa, February 15 328
Replies to his note respecting interpretation to be given to protocol to treaty of
peace with Mexico — Explanations from the President concerning debates in
Congress.
To Mr. Cass, February 16 332
Transmits his letter of credence as charg^ d'affaires to Papal States, with instruc-
tions— Recognition of revolutionary governments.
To Mr. Fames, February 16 3SS
Instructs him as to negotiation of treaty with Hawaii.
To Mr. Bancroft, February 17 337
Approves his attitude on expatriation — Reiterates instructions to protest against
orders of Irish Government to arrest "returned emigrants" from America.
To Mr. Crampton, February 17 338
Answers complaint of British ship-owners against law regulating the overcrowding
of passengers on ships coming to America.
To Mr. Clifford, February 17 340
Transmits correspondence with Mexican minister and President's message as to
interpretation to be given to protocol to peace treaty with Mexico.
To Mr. Davis, February 17 341
Approves course in regard to claim against China — Hoisting American flag at con-
sulate— Sea letters for foreign vessels purchased by Americans in China.
To Mr. Donelson, February 17 342
Informs him of reception of Baron Roenne as minister of German Empire — Uncer-
tainty of establishment of German Empire.
To Mr. Jordan, February 20 343
Acknowledges information as to arrest of McManus aboard an American vessel by
British authorities.
To Mr. Murphy, February 20 343
Requests information as to arrest of McManus aboard an American vessel by British
authorities.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII xix
To THE President, February 20 344
Transmits correspondence, called for by Senate, as to arrest of an American in Cuba.
To Mr. Crampton, February 22 345
Transmits correspondence as to impediments to navigation of waters connecting
Missisquoi Bay with the Richelieu.
To M. PoussiN, February 23 345
Informs him that district attorney will institute proceedings to vindicate diplomatic
privileges of attach^ of French Legation.
To THE President, February 26 346
Transmits list of commercial treaties and proclamations, called for by Senate.
To Mr. Carvallo, February 27 347
Acknowledges notice of intention to terminate treaty of 1832 with Chile.
To Mr. Loughead, February 27 347
Advises him as to passports for transit of a party through Mexico.
To M. PoussiN, February 28 348
Transmits report on claims presented by France, growing out of military occupation
of Mexico.
To THE President, March i 349
Transmits correspondence on African slave-trade with Brazil.
To Mr. Gaines, March i 349
Informs him that custom of making presents to Barbary rulers has been discontinued.
To Mr. Clifford, March 2 35°
Discusses interpretation to be given to protocol to treaty of peace with Mexico.
To THE President, March 2 3S4
Transmits statements, called for by House, in relation to consular service.
To Mr. PAfeKER ET Al., March 12 355
Expresses regret that he cannot accept invitation to a public dinner to be given by
political friends at Washington.
To Mr. Clayton, April 9 ' 357
Comments on changes among employees of Department of State.
From Mr. Clayton, April 14 359
Indulges in pleasantries on Mr. Buchanan's conduct of foreign relations.
To Mr. Clayton, April 17 360
Replies to pleasantries of Mr. Clayton — Views as to acquisition of Cuba.
To Mr. Toucey, June i 362
Comments on administration of President Taylor — Democratic party in Pennsylvania.
To Mr. Hoover, July 4 363
Refutes the "drop of blood lie" — Oration of July 4, 181S.
From Mr. Blair, November 22 365
Criticises President Polk's conduct in appointing Whig commanders of American
forces in war with Mexico.
To Mr. Blair, November 27 367
Defends Mr. Polk's conduct in appointing Whig commanders in war with Mexico.
1850.
To W. R. King, March 6 3^9
Asks advice as to letter on the slavery question which he may publish.
To Mr. King, March 15 370
Requests that a remark in the Senate concerning him and the slavery question be
branded as false.
XX THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
From Mr. Davis, March 15 Z7'^
Refers to slavery resolutions adopted at a Lancaster meeting in 1820 — Requests
his position on Missouri Compromise.
To Mr. Davis, March 16 27^
Explains his attitude on Missouri Compromise.
From Mr. King, March 20 374
Informs him of steps to contradict misrepresentation of Buchanan's views on slavery
— Gives his opinion of Simon Cameron.
To Mr. King, March 20 374
Explains his position on slavery question.
To Mr. Grund, April 13 377
Sets forth two occasions during Polk's administration when Monroe Doctrine was
asserted.
From Mr. King, May 8 381
Supports Clayton-Bulwer treaty — Deprecates acquisition of more territory — ^Admis-
'4 sion of California.
To Mr. King, May 13 3^3
Believes that Clayton-Bulwer treaty invades Monroe Doctrine — Favors extension
of Missouri Compromise to California.
To Mr. Foote, May 31 385
Argues for extension of the Missouri Compromise — Foresees strife in the Territories
if question of slavery is left to settlers.
To Miss Lane, August 4 388
Writes of personal matters.
To Miss Lane, October 12 388
Writes of personal matters.
Letter to a Public Meeting, November 19 390
Urges preservation of the Union — Discusses slavery question.
1851.
Address at Philadelphia on the Establishment of a Line of Steam-
ships Between Philadelphia and Liverpool, January ii 405
To Miss Lane, January 17 411
Writes, of personal matters.
To Miss Watterston, January 20 412
Writes of life at Wheatland.
To Miss Lane, April 7 414
Writes of personal matters.
To THE Central Southern Rights Association of Virginia, April 10. . 414
Discusses State rights.
From Mr. Kidder, May 11 416
Proffers interposition to bring about friendship between Mr. Buchanan and Mr.
Cameron.
To Mr. Kidder, May 16 417
Does not believe the proffered interposition between him and Mr. Cameron could
restore friendly relations.
To Miss Watterston, July 16 418
Comments on suggestion of nomination of Mr. Buchanan and Colonel King.
To Mr. Hemphill, July 18 4ig
Believes party men should go on the State judicial ticket — Opposed to nomination
of Judge Gibson.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII xxi
To Mr. Vansant et Al., September 30 421
Regrets inability to accept invitation to deliver an address before the Maryland
Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts.
To Miss Lane, November 4 422
Writes of personal matters.
To Miss Lane, November 8 424
Informs her of death of Mr. Gonder.
To Miss Watterston, November 17 424
Comments upon late State elections.
To Mr. Johnson, December 3 425
Comments upon candidates for Presidential nomination.
To Miss Lane, December 12 427
Writes that he adheres to his opinion concerning Presidency.
To Mr. Johnson, December 22 428
Expresses his views on candidates for Presidential nomination.
To Colonel Fall, December 24 431
Discusses State rights.
1852.
To Mr. Nelson et Al., February 3 433
Outlines issues for Presidential campaign.
To Mr. Wise, February 4 436
Expresses opinion of his prospects for Presidential nomination.
To Mr. Leake et Al., February 12 437
Believes the Missouri Compromise a "finality."'
To Miss Lane, February 24 439
Writes of personal matters.
To Miss Lane, March 13 440
Writes of personal matters.
To Mr. Wise, March 18 441
Comments on his candidacy for Presidential nom,ination.
To Mr. Johnson, March 30 447
Expresses views on strength in Pennsylvania of candidates for Presidential nomina-
tion.
To Mr. Johnson, May 20 450
Expresses opinion on nomination of Lewis Cass for Presidency.
From Mr. King, May 20 451
Informs Mr. Buchanan of his prospects of nomination — ^Advises him to keep away
from Washington.
To General Porter, June 4 45i
Comments upon failure of his candidacy for Presidential nomination — Declines to
be considered for Vice-Presidential nomination.
From Mr. Pierce, June 15 452
Comments on nomination for Presidency.
To Mr. Pierce, June 21 453
Congratulates him and assures him support.
To Mr. Johnson, June 24 454
Comments upon prospects of Presidential election in Pennsylvania.
xxii THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
To Me. Capen, June 26 4S6
Comments upon failure of candidacy for Presidential nomination.
To Miss Watterston, July 3 457
Same subject.
To Mr. Binns, July 26 458
Same subject.
To Mr. McKeever, July 26 459
Makes observations on Presidential candidates.
To Miss Lane, August 8 459
Writes of personal matters.
Speech on the Candidacy of General Scott, October 7 460
To Miss Watterston, November 18 49i
Believes General Pierce will make an excellent President.
From Mr. Pierce, December 7 492
Requests Mr. Buchanan's advice on formation of Cabinet.
To General Pierce, December 11 493
States views on formation of Cabinet — Comments on foreign relations — Comments
on certain Pennsylvania Democrats.
From Mr. Pierce, December 14 499
Thanks Mr. Buchanan for advice upon Cabinet making.
1853-
To Miss Lane, February 3 500
Writes of personal matters.
From Miss Lane, February 6 501
Writes of personal matters.
To Miss Lane, March 15 502
States that mission to England has not been tendered.
To Miss Lane, March 19 503
Same subject.
From President Pierce, March 30 504
States that he will tender to Mr. Buchanan the mission to England.
To President Pierce, April 2 505
Informs him of time of departure, if mission to England is accepted.
To Miss Lane, April 7 505
States that he is uncertain as to acceptance of mission to England.
To President Pierce, April 27 506
Urges certain appointments to office — His appointment as minister not to be charged
to Pennsylvania patronage. ^
To Mr. Johnson, May 3 507
Comments on tender of mission to England — Pennsylvania patronage.
To Mr. Marcy, May 12 509
Informs him of intention to visit Washington in reference to mission to England.
To Miss Lane, May 24 ^09
Informs her of time of departure for England.
To President Pierce, June 7 ciq
Acknowledges receipt of his appointment as minister to England — Explains reasons
for declining the mission — Foreign relations with England.
The Works
OF
James Buchanan
TO MR. MASON/
Department of State,
Washington, ist March, 1848.
Hon. John Y. Mason,
Secretary of the Navy.
Sir:
Enclosed is a copy of a despatch No. 49, dated February
1st, 1848, from Benjamin G. Shields, Esq., Charge d'Affaires of
the U. States at Caracas, to this Department. From this letter
and from that of Mr. Shields No. 48, dated January 29th, 1848,
to which your attention was invited yesterday, you will perceive
that new disturbances have broken out in Venezuela, of such a
character, in his opinion, as to threaten serious injury to the
persons and property of American citizens in that republic, and to
require the immediate presence there of a competent naval force
for their protection.
I have the honor, therefore, to request that you will direct
one or more of our ships of war, of sufficient capacity for the
purpose, to proceed to Venezuela at the earliest practicable period,
and to render all necessary protection to our citizens and interests
in that republic.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 381.
1
2 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO COLONEL FREMONT/
Department of State,
Washington, 2 March, 1848.
Col. J. C- Fremont,
Sir:
I have received your note of yesterday, with the original
papers in the Spanish language, in relation to the Macnamara
grant of land in Upper California, taken by you from the
Government archives in Los Angeles whilst you were Governor
of California, together with a copy of the depositions taken
before the military committ,ee of the Senate, in relation to claims
growing out of military operations in California, &c. &c.
These documents, so important for the Government, and
bearing such conclusive testimony to the valuable services which
you have rendered your country in that distant region, shall be
carefully preserved in the archives of the Department.
I am, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.^
Department of State,
Washington, March 3, 1848.
Sir: Agreeably to the act of Congress of March 2, 1819,
regulating passenger ships and vessels, I have the honor to com-
municate herewith tabular statements showing the number and
designation of passengers who arrived in each collection district
of the United States, during the year ending September 30, 1847,
compiled from the returns made to this department by the col-
lectors, in conformity with the provisions of said act.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
To the Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 383.
''H. Ex. Doc. 47, 30 Cong. i. Sess. i.
1848] FROM MR. RUSH 3
FROM MR. RUSH.'
Private. Paris March 5. 1848.
My Dear Sir,
My despatch No. 17, of yesterday, will apprize you of what I have done
in the momentous events that have happened here, and I shall remain
inexpressibly anxious until I know how it will be officially received at home.
To have conferred with my colleagues of the diplomatic corps (Euro-
pean) was out of the question. There was no time. That of itself would
have prevented me. All were astounded. Not half of them were even to be
found during the first shocks ; and, moreover, by as much as I was able to
learn, all were plump and decided against doing any thing. After having
made up my own mind to recognize, I went to Lord Normanby the English
ambassador, as England was likely to be less backward at first than the other
great powers, and imparted to him my intention. He was amazed. I ex-
plained my grounds, showing how dififerent they were from his, and all the
others. He admitted this, to some extent; but still was amazed, though
quite civil. On Monday, the 28th of February, after I had gone through the
public ceremony at the Hotel de Ville, I went to his House again to tell
him of it, that he might know it for certain from me before it got into
the newspapers, quickly as it did get into them. He was still under more
or less amazement, and there the subject has ended with us.
The immediate publication of my note to the new minister of Foreign
affairs, as well as my address to the Provisional government, sufficiently
mark their sense of them.
I learn through a friend of Lamartine's, that as soon as he got my
note he said, " Two good things had quickly happened for the Provisional
government : the nuncio's letter, and Recognition by the American Minister ;
the one representing the head of the church, the other the head of Republi-
canism in the world."
I must humbly hope that my course will be approved by the President,
yourself, and the cabinet. Should this prove to be [the] case, and xny
despatch of yesterday be sent to Congress, I cannot express to you how grate-
ful it would be to me to have it accompanied by a sanctioning word, after all
the objections I know to have been entertained by the diplomatic corps. To
the new government here, such an early sanction going before Congress of
what I had done, would doubtless also be acceptable.
To all the Ministers and Charges from the South American governments
who have come to me for counsel, I have said, recognize at once ; and I
have reason to believe that my course has governed nearly all of them, if
not all.
Both in my address of congratulation, and official note to Mr. Lamartine,
whilst aiming to be sufficiently cordial, I deemed it right to be guarded —
considering the responsibilities of my situation.
I intended to send you by this conveyance a brief notice of some of the
members of the Provisional Cabinet, less generally known than others; but
give up the intention now, as I learn that changes may possibly occur.
Of the Provisional government, Dupont de I'Eure is an old sterling
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
4 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
friend of constitutional monarchy, and companion of Lafayette, respected
by every one, and now republican because constitutional monarchy has been
found wanting. Ledru-Rollin is a lawyer, leader of the extreme radical
party, Editor of the Reforme, boisterous, and said to be heavily in debt.
Cremieux is a Jew lawyer, was of the dynastic opposition, now thought to
be republican. Marie, a lawyer— republican. Garnier-Pages, Mayor of
Paris, brother of the celebrated deputy of that name. He is republican.
Arago and Lamartine are sufficiently known to fame, the first as the great
Astronomer, the other as the historian, &c.
I have taken all the pains I could to get this brief account of each, which
is probably as correct as any attainable just now, as there are diversities.
I have heard, on authority I deem perfectly good, that the names of
the members of the Provisional government were arranged during the night
of Wednesday the 23rd of February, at the office of " The National," by a
political coterie who met there while the battle was raging in the streets.
"The National" was the great opposition paper up to that time, and now leads
for the new government. Marrast is Editor of it, now one of the Secretaries
of the new government, and, in effect, a member of the Provisional govern-
ment. He is an able man. Republican, and representing the principle of order
with liberty.
Should the government decide to send my despatch to Congress, I would
be most grateful for some three or four copies, or even half a dozen, of the
little sheet that will contain it when published, that I might be able to send
one of them to Lord Normanby, and others, (as I might select,) to some
other members of the European diplomacy here.
I remain with great and cordial esteem and respect, dear Sir,
Yours most faithfully,
Richard Rush.
Honorable James Buchanan,
&c. &c. &c.
TO MR. HEMPSTEAD.'
Department of State,
Washington Mar. 7th, 1848.
Sir: Your letter of the 19th of January last, transmitting-
your official Bond, has been received.
In reply to your enquiries respecting your Commission I
have to state, that, as you were informed in your letter of
appointment, it was transmitted to the Legation of the U. States,
with instructions to apply to the British Government for your
Exequatur, which when obtained will be forwarded to you with
your Commission.
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XH. 367; H. Ex.
Doc. 7S, 31 Cong. I Sess. 311-312. See Mr. Buchanan to Mr. Bancroft,
May 21, 1847, supra.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 5
The agent of the Department has been instructed to furnish
a Flag, Press, Seal, & the Arms of the U. States for the use of
your Consulate.
I am Sir &c.
James Buchanan.
Christopher Hempstead Esqr.
U. S. C. Belize, Honduras.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
relating to the treaty of peace with MEXICO.'
[March 7. 1848.]
To THE Senate of the United States :
I lay before the Senate a letter of the I2th February, 1848, from N. P.
Trist, together with the authenticated map of the United Mexican States,
and of the plan of the port of San Diego, referred to in the fifth article of
the " treaty of peace, friendship, limits, and settlement between the United
States of America and the Mexican Republic," which treaty was transmitted
to the Senate with my message of the 22d ultimo.
James K. Polk.
Washington, March 7, 1848.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, March 8, 1848.
Sir: The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the
resolution of the Senate of this date, requesting the President
" to inform the Senate of the terms of the authority given to
Mr. Trist to draw for the three millions of dollars authorized
by the Act of the 2d of March, 1847," has the honor to lay
before the President the papers specif],ed in the subjoined list,
which contain all the information on the subject of the resolution
that can be furnished by this Department.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
To the President of the United States.
' Senate Executive Journal, VII. 328.
' This report was sent by the President to the Senate on the same day,
and is printed with the message in S. Ex. Doc. 52, 30 Cong, i Sess. 106.
6 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON MR. TRIST'S DESPATCHES.'
[March 8, 1848.]
To THE Senate of the United States :
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of this date, requesting the
President to communicate to that body, confidentially, any additional des-
patches which may have been received from Mr. Trist, and especially those
which are promised by him in his letter to Mr. Buchanan of the 2d of Feb-
ruary last, if the same have been received, I have to state that all the
despatches which have been received from Mr. Trist have been heretofore
communicated to the Senate.
James K. Polk.
Washington, March 8, 1848.
TO MR. WALKER.^
Department of State,
Washington, March 15, 1848.
Sir: You are aware that the Honorable Ambrose H.
Sevier is about to proceed to Mexico, as commissioner of the
United States, with a duly ratified copy of the treaty, embracing
the amendments of the Senate, signed on the 2d February last,
at Guadalupe Hidalgo, between the United States and the republic
of Mexico. As it may be essential to the success of his mission
that he should bear with him from your department some evi-
dence of the debt from the United States to the Mexican govern-
ment, in conformity with the terms of the 12th article of the
treaty as amended, I respectfully submit, by the direction of the
President, to your consideration, the propriety of furnishing me
such evidence to be delivered by Mr. Sevier to that government
in case of necessity.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Hon. Robert J. Walker,
Secretary of the Treasury.
' Senate Executive Journal, VII. 334.
' H. Ex. Doc. .so, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 79
1848] TO MR. CLIFFORD 7
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
NOMINATING A COMMISSIONER TO MEXICO.'
[March i8, 1848.]
To THE Senate of the United States :
Sudden and severe indisposition has prevented and may for an indefinite
period continue to prevent Ambrose H. Sevier, recently appointed commis-
sioner to Mexico, from departing on his mission. The public interest requires
that a diplomatic functionary should proceed without delay to Mexico, bearing
with him the treaty between the United States and the Mexican Republic,
lately ratified, with amendments, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate of the United States. It is deemed proper, with this view, to appoint
an associate commissioner, with full powers to act separately or jointly with
Mr. Sevier.
I therefore nominate Nathan Clifford, of the State of Maine, to be a
commissioner with the rank of envoy extraordinary and minister pleni-
potentiary of the United States to the Mexican Republic.
James K. Polk.
Washington, March 18, 1848.
TO MR. CLIFFORD.^
(No. I.) Department of State,
Washington, i8th March, 1848.
Sir: The sudden illness of the Honorable Ambrose H.
Sevier, lately appointed Commissioner to Mexico, having pre-
vented him from proceeding immediately upon his mission, the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
has appointed you an associate commissioner to that Republic
with the rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten-
tiary. Mr. Sevier and yourself are each invested with full and
equal powers, jointly or severally as circumstances may require,
to exchange the ratifications of the Treaty of Peace concluded at
Guadalupe Hidalgo on the 2nd February, last, between the United
States and the Mexican Republic, with the amendments of the
Senate, and to perform all other acts in conformity with your
instructions.
You will bear with you to Mexico all the instructions which
had been prepared for Mr. Sevier, together with a copy of the
Treaty as it has been ratified by the President of the United
' Senate Executive Journal, VII. 343.
''MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 96; H. Ex. Doc.
so, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 52.
8 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
States, and you will act in all particulars as though these instruc-
tions had been formally addressed to Mr. Sevier and yourself as
joint and several Commissioners. It is hoped that in the course
of a week or ten days Mr. Sevier's health may be sufficiently
restored to enable him to follow you; but you are expressly
enjoined not to delay to act upon your instructions, awaiting his
arrival.
The President has manifested his high confidence in your
integrity and ability by entrusting to you this important and
responsible mission, and I entertain no doubt that in your conduct
you will abundantly justify his selection.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Hon. Nathan Clifford, Esquire, &c. &c. &c.
TO MR. SEVIER.'
(No. I.) Department of State,
Washington, i8th March, 1848.
Sir: You have been appointed by the President, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, to a most important
and responsible mission. The task has thus been assigned to
you of consummating the Treaty of Peace which was signed at
Guadalupe Hidalgo on the second day of February, last, between
the United States and the Mexican Republic, and which, on the
loth instant, was ratified by the Senate with amendments.
This brief statement will indicate to you clearly the line of
your duty. You are not sent to Mexico for the purpose of
negotiating any new Treaty or of changing in any particular the
ratified Treaty which you will bear with you. None of the
amendments adopted by the Senate can be rejected or modified
except by the authority of that Body. Your whole duty will
then consist in using every honorable effort to obtain from the
Mexican Government a ratification of the Treaty in the form
in which it has been ratified by the Senate, and this with the
least practicable delay.
For this purpose, it may and most probably will become
necessary that you should explain to the Mexican Minister for
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 84; H. Ex.
Doc. so, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 47.
1848] TO MR. SEVIER 9
Foreign Affairs, or to other authorized agents of the Mexican
Government, the reasons which have influenced the Senate in
adopting their several amendments to the Treaty. This duty
you will perform as much as possible by personal conferences.
Diplomatic notes are to be avoided unless in case of necessity.
These might lead to endless discussions and indefinite delay.
Besides, they could not have any pi-actical result, as your mission
is confined to procuring a ratification from the Mexican Govern-
ment of the Treaty as it came from the Senate and does not
extend to the slightest modification in any of its provisions.
One of the principal reasons which induced me to address
a note to the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs in explanation
of the amendments of the Senate was to avoid delay and pre-
vent unnecessary' discussion. This note, dated on the i8th
instant (with a copy of which you have been furnished),
together with your own intimate and personal knowledge of all
the proceedings of the Senate upon the Treaty, will enable you
promptly to furnish every explanation which may be required.
Should you find it impossible, after exhausting every hon-
orable effort for this purpose, to obtain a ratification from the
President and Congress of Mexico of the Treaty as it has been
amended by the Senate, it may then become necessary for you
in conversation with the proper Mexican authorities to express
an opinion as to what portion of the Senate's amendments they
might probably be willing to yield for the sake of restoring
peace between the two Republics. This will be a very delicate
duty; but upon one point, at least, you will be relieved from all
embarrassment. Neither the President nor the Senate of the
United States can ever consent to ratify any Treaty containing
the tenth article of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in favor of
grantees of land in Texas or elsewhere. The Government of
the United States do not possess the power to carry such an
article into execution; and if they did, it would be highly unjust
and inexpedient. Should the Mexican Government persist in
retaining this article, then all prospect of immediate peace is
ended ; and of this you may give them an absolute assurance.
In regard to the amendments by the Senate to the 12th
Article of the Treaty, in relation to the mode of paying the
$12,000,000, it is believed that the case might be different. That
enlightened body would probably not insist on these amendments
if it should appear that they involved the question of peace or
war. That they may involve this question is not improbable;
10 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
but of this 3'-ou can better judge upon the spot than the Presi-
dent can at this distance.
It is well known that the present Mexican Government are
sorely straitened for want of the pecuniary means of support.
Their revenues have been rightfully seized by the commanding
general for the support of the United States army in Mexico,
and they are thus left comparatively without resources. The
Mexican Government are pledged to peace. They have staked
their existence upon peace. Without peace they must be de-
stroyed. It may be, however, that they cannot sustain themselves
in making peace and executing the Treaty, without anticipating
the receipt of the whole or a part of the $12,000,000. Should
this appear to you to be clearly the case, and that they cannot
obtain the means necessary to prolong their existence under the
amendments of the Senate to the 12th article, it is not supposed
that you would incur any risk by assuring them that the Senate
would recede from these amendments.
It cannot be denied that the twelfth article, as amended
by the Senate, contains a positive and unconditional obligation
on the part of the United States to pay to the Mexican Republic
the sum of $12,000,000, in four annual instalments of three
millions each, commencing one year after the ratification of the
Treaty by the Mexican Government. Negotiable or transferable
certificates cannot, however, be issued for that amount. All that
this Government could possibly do under the Treaty, as it now
stands, would be to furnish the Mexican Government with evi-
dences of the debt in exact conformity with the terms of the
article as amended. Upon such evidences, it is believed that the
Mexican Government might raise the means necessary for their
immediate support. In this belief the President may be mistaken,
because capitalists are a timid race. Should it appear to the
Senate that such would probably prove to be the fact, it is
confidently believed that they would not risk a defeat of the
Treaty by adhering to their amendments to the twelfth article.
The remaining amendments, although doubtless highly
proper, are comparatively unimportant. According to the Presi-
dent's understanding of that portion of the 9th Article as it
originally stood, which relates to the Catholic Church, it contains
nothing more than an amplification of the clauses contained in
the Louisiana and Florida Treaties and in the amendment of the
Senate to the present Treaty, providing for the security of the
Catholic inhabitants in the free exercise of their religion without
1848] TO MR. SEVIER 11
restriction. In this view of the subject the amendment could
not finally jeopard the fate of the present Treaty.
It is not deemed necessary to remark particularly on the
remaining amendments.
Still I repeat, that until you find this to be unattainable, you
are to insist strenuously upon the ratification of the Treaty by
the Mexican Government just as it has been ratified by the Senate.
You might for this purpose urge upon them the following con-
siderations, together with others which will suggest themselves
to your own mind.
1. If this be done, the war will be promptly ended and the
blessings of peace will be immediately restored. On the other
hand, should the Treaty be sent back to the President to be again
submitted to the Senate, this must occasion considerable delay
and may altogether defeat the object.
2. Shovild the war be renewed, the Mexican Government
can never again expect to make peace on terms so favorable as
those contained in the present Treaty. In the opinion of a very
large and increasing number of our fellow citizens, these terms
are less favorable to the United States than we had a right to
expect. The present Treaty was negotiated substantially in
conformity with the ultimatum of my instructions dated on the
15th April, last, at a period when we had only just learned the
capture of Vera Cruz and the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. Be-
tween that period and the date of the Treaty, circumstances had
entirely changed, and a vast amount of precious blood and of
treasure had been expended in reaching and capturing the City
of Mexico. Whilst for this reason the President might have
justly exacted far more rigorous terms, yet such was his desire
to conclude peace that he promptly assented to all the material
provisions of the present Treaty and submitted it to the Senate.
Should the war be renewed, instead of purchasing at a fair price
a portion of the territories which we have been obliged to conquer
and which are now in our undisturbed possession, and restoring
the remainder to Mexico, we shall be compelled to appropriate,
without pecuniary compensation, a just and ample indemnity in
Mexican territory for all the expenses of the war.
Although the President has the most entire confidence in
your sagacity, ability, and discretion, yet it is deemed proper to
make some suggestions to you in regard to the conduct which
you ought to pursue in accomplishing the objects of your
mission.
12 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
The Mexicans are a sensitive and suspicious people. They
are now humbled in their own estimation by our brilliant and
repeated victories. Their jealousy ought to be allayed by treat-
ing them, in all your intercourse, with marked respect. All the
external forms of civility to which the Spanish race attach such
peculiar importance, ought to be strictly observed by you. This
will not only promote the success of your mission, but may be
the foundation of a lasting peace and sincere friendship between
the two Republics.
Whilst in Mexico, you will communicate freely and un-
reservedly with the commanding general of the American forces,
who will be instructed to render you all the aid in his power, in
accomplishing the object of your mission.
You will bear with you a copy of the Treaty with the
amendments of the Senate ratified in due form by the President
of the United States, together with a full power to exchange the
ratifications with any Mexican authority clothed with a like full
power from his Government to perform this duty. After the
exchange of ratifications, you will return to the United States
with the copy of the Treaty ratified by the Mexican Government,
which you shall have received.
Should the Mexican Government ratify the Treaty with the
amendment of the Senate striking out its tenth article, and refuse
to ratify all or any of the remaining amendments, you will, then,
notwithstanding, urge them to send without delay a Commis-
sioner or other diplomatic agent to the United States clothed
with full power to exchange ratifications in the City of Washing-
ton, in case the Senate should advise and consent to the ratifica-
tion of the Treaty in the form in which it shall have been ratified
by Mexico.
Upon reaching the City of Mexico, you will immediately
address a note to the Mexican Minister for Foreign Aflfairs,
apprizing him of your arrival and of your readiness to confer,
without delay, on the subject of your mission, either with him-
self or with any authorized agent of the Mexican Government,
at any place which may be designated.
In regard to the first three millions of the fifteen millions
of dollars secured to the Mexican Government by the twelfth
article of the Treaty as amended, provision has already been made
for its payment, under the authority which has been given to
Major-General William O. Butler by the Secretary of the Treas-
ury to draw on the Treasury of the United States for that
1848] TO MR. SEVIER 13
amount. General Butler's draft, which will be promptly honored
on presentation, you may deliver to the appropriate Mexican
authorities, immediately after the Treaty with the amendments of
the Senate shall have been duly ratified by the Mexican Govern-
ment. As the disbursement of so large a sum is a matter of
great importance, you should use every precaution to be certain
that the draft shall be drawn in favor of the proper Mexican
functionary, and that the whole business shall be transacted in
such a manner that no difficulty can hereafter arise upon the sub-
ject. You will take receipts in triplicate for such draft, which
ought, if possible, to be signed by the President of Mexico and
countersigned by the Minister of Finance.
You are also furnished with four evidences of debt from
the Secretary of the Treasury, dated on the i6th instant, for three
millions of dollars each, corresponding with the four instalments
to be paid to Mexico under the 12th Article of the Treaty as
amended by the Senate. These evidences are in exact conformity
with the Treaty. Should you discover that for the want of them
serious impediments might exist to the ratification of the Treaty
on the part of Mexico, you are then authorized to make known
to the Mexican Government that they are in your possession and
that you will deliver them over immediately after the exchange
of ratifications. Still, the President would prefer that the
Mexican Governrnent should be satisfied with the obligation as it
stands contained in the 12th Article. In that event, you will
cancel these evidences and return them to this Department.-^
Should you deliver them over, you will use all the precautions
which I have suggested in relation to the draft for three millions
of dollars.
The naval forces of the United States in the Pacific have
captured Mazatlan and other places on the West coast of Mexico.
These, by the terms of the Treaty, must be surrendered. To
avoid unnecessary delay in its execution, the Secretary of the
Navy, by direction of the President, has issued orders to the
commander of these forces to evacuate all the ports and places
in the Mexican territory on the Pacific which may be in his
military possession south of the line of boundary established by
the Treaty, as soon as he shall receive notice of the exchange of
'These evidences were never used, but were cancelled and returned to
the department. J. B. [This note appears in the printed document, but of
course is not in the record book. J. B. M.l
14 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ratifications. You will, therefore, communicate to him a knowl-
edge of this event as speedily as possible, and at the same time
transmit him a copy of the Treaty.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
To Ambrose H. Sevier, Esquire,
Commissioner to Mexico, &c., &c., &c.
TO THE MEXICAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN
RELATIONS.'
Department of State,
Washington, i8th March, 1848.
Sir: Two years have nearly passed away since our Re-
publics have been engaged in war. Causes which it would now
be vain if not hurtful to recapitulate, have produced this calamity.
Under the blessing of a kind Providence, this war, I trust, is
about to terminate, and, hereafter, instead of the two nations
doing each other all the harm they can, their mutual energies will
be devoted to promote each other's welfare by the pursuits of
peace and of commerce. I most cordially congratulate you on
the cheering prospect. This will become a reality as soon as
the Mexican Government shall approve the treaty of peace be-
tween the two nations concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo on the
2nd February, last, with the amendments thereto' which have
been adopted by the Senate of the United States.
The President, in the exercise of his constitutional discre-
tion, a few days after this treaty was received, submitted it to
the Senate for their consideration and advice as to its ratification.
Your Excellency is doubtless aware that under the Consti-
tution of the United States, " the advice and consent of the
Senate " is necessary to the validity of all treaties, and that this
must be given by a majority of two thirds of the Senators
present. Every Treaty must receive the sanction of this august
Executive Council in the manner prescribed by the Constitution,
before it can be binding on the United States.
^ MSS. Department of State, Communications to Foreign Sovereigns
and States, III. 51; S. Ex. Doc. 60, 30 Cong, i Sess. 66; H. Ex. Doc. 69,
30 Cong. I Sess. 66; H. Ex. Doc. 50, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 42.
1848] TO THE MEXICAN MINISTER 15
The Senate commenced their dehberations on this Treaty
on the 23d February, last, and continued to discuss its provisions
until the loth instant (March) when they finally advised and
consented to its ratification, by a majority of 38 to 14. Your
Excellency will perceive that a change of 4 votes taken from
the majority and added to the minority would have defeated the
Treaty.
I have now the honor to transmit you a printed copy of the
Treaty, with a copy, in manuscript, of the amendments and final
proceedings of the Senate upon it. This is done to hasten with
as little delay as practicable the blessed consummation of peace,
by placing in the possession of the Mexican Government at as
early a period as possible all the information which they may
require to guide their deliberations.
In recurring to the amendments adopted by the Senate, it
afifords me sincere satisfaction to observe that none of the lead-
ing features of the Treaty have been changed. Neither the
delineation of the boundaries between the two Republics, nor the
consideration to be paid to Mexico for the extension of the
boundaries of the United States, nor the obligation of the latter
to restrain the Indians within their limits from committing hos-
tilities on the territories of Mexico, nor, indeed, any other stipula-
tion of national importance to either of the parties, has been
stricken out from the Treaty by the Senate. In all its important
features, it remains substantially as it was when it came from
the hands of the negotiators.
The first amendment adopted by the Senate is to insert in
Article 3, after the words " Mexican Republic " where they first
occur, the words, " and the ratifications exchanged."
Under this article, as it originally stood, the blockades were
to cease and the troops of the United States were to commence
the evacuation of the Mexican territory immediately upon the
ratification of the Treaty by both Governments. The amend-
ment requires in addition that these ratifications shall have been
first exchanged.
The object of this amendment doubtless was to provide
against the possibility that the American Senate and the Mexican
Congress might ratify the Treaty, the first in its amended and
the latter in its original form; in which event peace would not
thereby be concluded. Besides, it was known that this amend-
ment could produce no delay, as under the amendment of the
Senate to the 23d article, the ratifications of the Treaty may
16 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
be exchanged at the seat of Government of Mexico the moment
after the Mexican Government and Congress shall have accepted
the Treaty as amended by the Senate of the United States.
The second amendment of the Senate is to strike out the
9th Article and insert the following in lieu thereof.
Article 9.
" The Mexicans who, in the territories aforesaid, shall not
preserve the character of citizens of the Mexican Republic, con-
formably with what is stipulated in the preceding article, shall
be incorporated into the Union of the United States, and be
admitted, at the proper time, (to be judged of by the Congress
of the United States,) to the enjoyment of all the rights of
citizens of the United States, according to the principles of the
Constitution; and in the meantime shall be maintained and pro-
tected in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property, and
secured in the free exercise of their religion without restriction."
This article is substantially the same with the original 9th
article; but it avoids unnecessary prolixity and accords with the
former safe precedents of this Government in the Treaties by
which we acquired Louisiana from France and Florida from
Spain.
The Louisiana Treaty of the 30th April, 1803, contains the
following article.
Article 3.
" The inhabitants of the ceded territory shall be incorporated
in the union of the United States, and admitted as soon as pos-
sible, according to the principles of the Federal Constitution, to
the enjoyment of all the rights, advantages, and immunities of
citizens of the United States, and in the meantime they shall be
maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty,
property, and the religion which they profess."
Again, in the Florida Treaty of 22d February, 1819, the
following articles are contained.
Article 5.
" The inhabitants of the ceded Territories shall be secured
in the free exercise of their religion, without any restriction; and
all those who may desire to remove to the Spanish Dominions
shall be permitted to sell or export their effects, at any time what-
ever, without being subject, in either case, to duties."
1848] TO THE MEXICAN MINISTER 17
Article 6.
" The inhabitants of the territories which His CathoHc Ma-
jesty cedes to the United States, by this Treaty, shall be incor-
porated in the Union of the United States, as soon as may be
consistent with the principles of the Federal Constitution, and
admitted to the enjoyment of all the privileges, rights, and im-
munities of the citizens of the United States."
Under these Treaties with France and Spain, the free and
flourishing States of Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, and
Florida have been admitted into the Union ; and no complaint has
ever been made by the original or other inhabitants that their
civil or religious rights have not been amply protected. The
property belonging to the different churches in the United States
is held as sacred by our Constitution and laws as the property
of individuals; and every individual enjoys the inalienable right
of worshipping his God according to the dictates of his own
conscience. The Catholic Church in this country would not, if
they could, change their position in this particular.
After the successful experience of nearly half a century,
the Senate did not deem it advisable to adopt any new form for
the 9th Article of the Treaty; and surely the Mexican Govern-
ment ought to be content with an article similar to those which
have proved satisfactory to the Governments of France and
Spain, and to all the inhabitants of Louisiana and Florida, both
of which were Catholic provinces.
I ought perhaps here to note a modification in the 9th article,
as adopted by the Senate, of the analogous articles of the Louis-
iana and Florida Treaties. Under this modification, the in-
habitants of the ceded territories are to be admitted into the
Union " at the proper time (to be judged of by the Congress of
the United States) " &c.
Congress, under all circumstances and under all Treaties,
are the sole judges of this proper time, because they, and they
alone, under the Federal Constitution, have power to admit new
States into the Union. That they will always exercise this power
as soon as the condition of the inhabitants of any acquiried
territory may render it proper, cannot be doubted. By this means
the Federal Treasury can alone be relieved from the expense
of supporting territorial Governments. Besides, Congress will
never lend a deaf ear to a people anxious to enjoy the privilege
of self government. Their application to become a State or
Vol. VIII— 2
18 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
States of the Union will be granted the moment this can be done
with safety.
The third amendment of the Senate strikes from the Treaty
the loth Article.
It is truly unaccountable how this article should have found
a place in the Treaty. That portion of it in regard to lands in
Texas did not receive a single vote in the Senate. If it were
adopted, it would be a mere nullity on the face of the Treaty, and
the Judges of our Courts would be compelled to disregard it.
It is, our glory that no human power exists in this country which
can deprive one individual of his property without his consent
and transfer it to another. If grantees of lands in Texas, under
the Mexican Government, possess valid titles, they can maintain
their claims before our Courts of Justice. If they have forfeited
their grants by not complying with the conditions on which they
were made, it is beyond the power of this Government, in any
mode of action, to render these titles valid either against Texas
or any individual proprietor. To resuscitate such grants and to
allow the grantees the same period after the exchange of the
ratifications of this Treaty to which they were originally entitled
for the purpose of performing the conditions on which these
grants had been made, even if this could be accomplished by the
power of the government of the United States, would work
manifold injustice.
These Mexican grants, it is understood, cover nearly the
whole sea coast and a large portion of the interior of Texas.
They embrace thriving villages and a great number of cultivated
farms, the proprietors of which have acquired them honestly by
purchase from the State of Texas. These proprietors are now
dwelling in peace and security. To revive dead titles and suffer
the inhabitants of Texas to be ejected under them from their
possessions, would be an act of flagrant injustice if not wanton
cruelty. Fortunately this Government possesses no power to
adopt such a proceeding.
The same observations equally apply to such grantees in
New Mexico and Upper California.
The present Treaty provides amply and specifically in its
8th and 9th Articles for the security of property of every kind
belonging to Mexicans, whether acquired under Mexican grants
or otherwise, in the acquired territory. The property of for-
eigners, under our Constitution and laws, will be equally secure
without any Treaty stipulation. The tenth article could have
1848] TO THE MEXICAN MINISTER 19
no effect upon such grantees as had forfeited their claims, but
that of involving them in endless litigation, under the vain hope
that a Treaty might cure the defects in their titles against honest
purchasers and owners of the soil.
And here it may be worthy of observation that if no stipula-
tion whatever were contained in the Treaty to secure to the
Mexican inhabitants and all others protection in the free enjoy-
ment of their liberty, property, and the religion which they
profess, these would be amply guaranteed by the Constitution
and laws of the United States. These invaluable blessings, under
our form of Government, do not result from Treaty stipulations,
but from the very nature and character of our institutions.
The fourth amendment of the Senate is to strike from the
nth Article the following words : " nor to provide such Indians
with fire arms or ammunition, by sale or otherwise." This
amendment was adopted on a principle of humanity. These
Indians must live by the chase; sind without fire arms they
cannot secure the means of subsistence. Indeed, for the want of
such arms, the extremity of hunger and suffering might drive
them to commit the very depredations which the Treaty seeks to
avoid, and to make incursions for food either upon the MiCxican
or American settlements. This Government possesses both the
ability and the will to restrain the Indians within the extended
limits of the United States from making incursions into the
Mexican territories, as well as to execute all the other stipulations
of the nth article. We believe, however, that whilst to deprive
them of fire arms and ammunition would be cruel, it would at the
same time have a tendency to increase rather than to diminish
their disposition to make hostile incursions.
The fifth amendment of the Senate to the twelfth article
adopts the second mode of payment of the remaining
$12,000,000, after the payment of the first $3,000,000, in ex-
clusion of the first mode pointed out by the Treaty. The
amended article as it stands is as follows.
Article 12.
" In consideration of the extension acquired by the bound-
aries of the United States, as defined in the fifth article of the
present Treaty, the Government of the United States engages to
pay to that of the Mexican Republic the sum of fifteen millions
of dollars. Immediately after this Treaty shall have been duly
ratified by the Government of the Mexican Republic, the sum
20 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
of three millions of dollars shall be paid to the said Government
by that of the United States, at the City of Mexico, in the gold
or silver coin of Mexico. The remaining twelve millions of
dollars shall be paid at the same place and in the same coin, in
annual instalments of three millions of dollars each, together with
interest on the same at the rate of six per centum per annum.
This interest shall begin to run upon the whole sum of Twelve
millions from the day of the ratification of the present Treaty
by the Mexican Government, and the first of the instalments shall
be paid at the expiration of one year from the same day. To-
gether with each annual instalment, as it falls due, the whole
interest accruing on such instalment from the beginning shall
also be paid."
It is not apprehended that the Mexican Government will
have any difficulty in agreeing to this amendment. It is true
that in case they should find it convenient to anticipate the receipt
of the whole or any part of the $12,000,000, they might do this
more readily were a stock to be created and transferable certifi-
cates issued for small and convenient sums; but yet no doubt is
entertained that capitalists may be found who will be willing to
advance any amount that might be desired upon the faith of a
Treaty obligation solemnly entered into by the Government of
the United States.
The sixth amendment of the Senate is to insert in the
twenty-third article, after the word " Washington," the words
" or at the seat of Government of Mexico." The object of this
amendment is to hasten the final conclusion of peace between
the two Republics. Under it, should the President and Congress
of Mexico agree to the Treaty as it has been amended by the
Senate of the United States, the ratifications may be immediately
thereafter exchanged at Queretaro and the happy consummation
be at once accomplished.
The seventh and last amendment of the Senate is to strike
out the additional article. This was done from the conviction
that the period of four months from the date of the Treaty, the
time allowed by the 23rd Article for the exchange of ratifications,
would be abundantly sufficient for this purpose; and this more
especially as the ratifications may now, under the amendment of
the Senate, be exchanged in Mexico. Besides, the idea of post-
poning the final conclusion of peace and keeping the present
Treaty pending between the two governments until the 2nd Oc-
tober, next, could not be entertained by the Senate.
1848] TO THE MEXICAN MINISTER 21
The President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, has appointed the Honorable Ambrose H. Sevier of the
State of Arkansas and the Honorable Nathan Clifford of the
State of Maine Commissioners to Mexico with the rank of Envoy-
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. Mr. Sevier has for
many years been a distinguished Senator of thiC United States,
and for a considerable period has occupied the highly responsible
station of Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations ; and
Mr. Clifford is an eminent citizen of the State of Maine, is Attor-
ney General of the United States, and a member of the Presi-
dent's cabinet. They will bear with them^ to Mexico a copy of
the Treaty with the amendments of the Senate duly ratified by
the President of the United States ; and have been invested, either
jointly or severally, w:ith full powers to exchange ratifications
with the proper Mexican authorities. That this final act may be
speedily accomplished and that the result may be a sincere and
lasting peace and friendship between the two Republics, is the
ardent desire of the President and people of the United States.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer to Your Excellency
the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.
James Buchanan.
To His Excellency^ the Minister of Foreign Relations
OF THE Mexican Republic.
P. S. I regret to inform Your Excellency that Mr. Sevier
has been seized with a sudden illness which renders him unable
to depart immediately upon his mission. The two Commis-
sioners, however, have been invested with full and equal powers
to execute their instructions severally, as well as jointly, and
the acts of the one will be of equal validity with the acts of both.
No delay can therefore be experienced on this account. It is
expected that Mr. Sevier will be able to leave for Mexico in a
week or ten days.
22 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO THE PRESIDENT/
[March 20, 1848. J
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred that part of
the Resohition of the House of Representatives of the 7th ultimo,
requesting the President to communicate to that House "copies
of all correspondence between Major General Scott and N. P.
Trist, late Commissioner of the U. S. in Mexico, and between the
latter and the Secretary of State, which has not heretofore been
published, and the publication of which may not be incompatible
with the public interest," has the honor to lay before the President
the accompanying papers, and to report that they comprise all the
correspondence between General Scott and Mr. Trist, and be-
tween the latter and this Department relating thereto, on record
or on file in the Department.
All which is respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington, 20th March, 1848.
TO THE PRESIDENT.^
[March 21, 1848.]
To THE President of the United States :
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the Reso-
lution of the House of Representatives of the 8th instant calHng
for " any correspondence which may have recently taken place
with the British Government, relative to the adoption of principles
of reciprocity in the trade and shipping of the two countries,
provided such communication shall not, in his judgment, conflict
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 243 ; H. Ex. Doc. 56, 30
Cong. I Sess. 2; H. Ex. Doc. 60, 30 Cong, i Sess. 812. This report was
transmitted by President Polk to the House on the same day, with a formal
message, which is printed in the documents here cited. The message is
printed in Richardson's Messages and Papers of the Presidents, IV. 577,
under the erroneous date of March 10.
° MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 243. This report was
transmitted by President Polk to the House, March 24, 1848. The message,
but not the report, is printed in Richardson's Messages and Papers of the
Presidents, IV. 578.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 23
with the public interest," has the honor to report the accom-
panying copy of papers.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington, 21st March, 1848.
TO THE PRESIDENT.!
[March 22, 1848.]
To THE President of the United States :
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the Reso-
lution of the Senate of the 17th instant, requesting the President
to transmit to the Senate a copy of " a despatch to the U. S.
Consul at Monterey, T. O. Larkin, Esquire," forwarded in No-
vember, 1845, by Captain Gillespie of the Marine Corps— and
which was by him destroyed before entering the port of Vera
Cruz, if a communication of the same be not, in his opinion,
incompatible with the public interest, has the honor respectfully
to submit to the President a copy of the despatch requested by the
Resolution. A part of one sentence of the despatch, containing
a statement of Mr. Larkin, has been omitted in the copy, which
for obvious reasons it would be improper to publish.
James Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington, 22d March, 1848.
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 244. This report was
communicated by President Polk to the Senate, in executive session, on March
24, 1848. In his message President Polk said : " The resolution of the
Senate appears to have been passed in legislative session. Entertaining the
opinion that the publication of this despatch at this time will not be ' com-
patible with the public interests,' but unwilling to withhold from the Senate
information deemed important by that body, I communicate a copy of it to
the Senate in executive session." (Senate Executive Journal, VII. 354.)
24 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MESSRS. SEVIER AND CLIFFORD.'
(No. 2.) Department of State,
Washington, 22nd March, 1848.
Gentlemen : Referring to my instructions of the i8th
instant relative to the amendments made by the Senate to the
I2th article of the Treaty, in regard to the mode of payment of
the $12,000,000, the President has deemed it proper to give you
additional instructions upon this subject.
The Mexican Government may, notwithstanding all your
efforts, refuse to ratify the Treaty because of these amendments
to the twelfth article. In that event you are authorized to con-
clude a new Treaty with the Mexican Government, adopting either
the first or the second mode of payment of the $12,000,000, pre-
scribed by the twelfth article as it stood originally, provided that
Government shall have ftrsf ratified the original treaty with all
the amendments adopted by the Senate. In case you should
conclude such a Treaty, it ought immediately to be ratified by
Mexico and a ratified copy be brought to Washington at the same
time with the ratified copy of the Treaty which you shall have
received in exchange from the Mexican Government for the copy
ratified by the President.
It is not doubted by the President that the Senate would
immediately advise and consent to the ratification of the new
Treaty which may be concluded by you. By this expedient, in
case it should become necessary to resort to it, a delay of six
weeks or two months in the final conclusion of peace might be
avoided.
A full power to you or either of you to conclude such a
Treaty is herewith furnished.
According to my instructions of the i8th instant, Mr. Sevier,
after the exchange of the ratifications, is directed to return to
the United States with the copy of the Treaty ratified by the
Mexican Government. In that event Mr. Clifford will not
accompany him, but will remain in Mexico until he shall receive
further instructions.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
To Ambrose H. Sevier and Nathan Clifford, Esquires,
Commissioners to Mexico.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 98; H. Ex.
Doc. so, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 53.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 25
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 22d March, 1848.
To the Honorable H. V. Johnson,
Senate.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 8th inst., was duly received but was acci-
dentally mislaid. The statistical information which it requests
cannot be furnished by this Department, but it is presumed you
may obtain it by applying to the Register of the Treasury.
There is no evidence in this Department that General Jack-
son, during his Presidency, authorised five millions of dollars to
be offered for the port of San Francisco.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 22d March, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolu-
tion of the Senate of the 24th January, last, requesting the
President " to communicate to the Senate, if not inconsistent with
the public interest, the correspondence of Mr. Wise, late Minister,
&c., of the U. S. at the Court of Brazil, with the Department of
State of the U. States, and with the Minister and Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs of Brazil, with the accompanying
papers, as embraced in his despatches from number 53 to number
64, inclusive, and in his despatch from off the capes of Virginia,
dated October 9th, 1847, and in his letter to the Secretary of
State, dated at Washington, November 3d, 1847, and the des-
patches of Mr. Buchanan, Secretary of State, to Mr. Wise, No. 30,
dated the 2d February, 1847, and No. 33, dated 29th March,
1847, all relating to the imprisonment of Alonzo B. Davis, a
Lieutenant of the U. S. Navy, and three seamen of the U. S.,
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 245.
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 244- This report was
sent by the President to the Senate on the same day, and is printed with
the accompanying documents in S. Ex. Doc. 29, 30 Cong, i Sess.
26 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
by the police authority of the city of Rio de Janeiro, on the 31st
of October, 1846," — has the honor to lay before the President
a copy of the correspondence requested by the Resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
TO MR. SHIELDS.'
(No. 25.) Department of State,
Washington, 22nd March, 1848.
To B. G. Shields, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
Your despatches Nos. 48, 49, 50, and 51, with their respec-
tive enclosures, have been received ; and the accounts w^hich they
contain of ■ the recent unhappy disturbances in Venezuela have
been read by the President with the most painful interest. While
he laments, however, that such scenes of violence have been per-
mitted to occur among a people calling themselves republican and
professing to be guided in their political institutions by the ex-
ample of the United States, he is satisfied, nevertheless, that the
proper remedy for these disorders is not to be found in the inter-
vention of any foreign government in the affairs of Venezuela,
but can only be successfully applied by its own citizens. The
policy of the United States, as you are aware, is that of entire
independence with respect to its own Government, and of scrupu-
lous neutrality with respect to the internal concerns of other
nations; and to this policy, which has found ample approval
during the whole period of our national existence, you will be
careful in all respects to conform, while you continue in your
present station.
Enclosed you will receive copies of a letter addressed by this
Department to the Secretary of the Navy, under date of the 2nd
instant, and of his reply thereto of the same date, by which you
will learn that a ship of war may soon be expected on the coast
of Venezuela, in compliance with your request ; and with the pro-
tection which will thus be afforded them, it is hoped that no
serious injury can occur to the persons and property of American
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Venezuela, I. 69.
1848] TO MR. SHIELDS 27
citizens in that republic. Enclosed also is a copy of a letter
from the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Perry, dated
March 2nd instant, from which it will be seen that the commander
of the ship which is about proceeding to La Guayra will be
directed to communicate with you, and touch at such ports as you
may deem expedient. You will remember that she is sent to
Venezuela for the purpose of affording security to American in-
terests, and will be careful to advise her employment on no service
which may be justly regarded as inconsistent with the neutral
character of the United States.
Amidst the difficult circumstances by which you have been
surrounded, the President is happy to observe that your conduct
seems to have been marked by discretion no less than by firmness,
and that you have not been led, by your abhorrence of the violence
which you have witnessed, to forget your position as a represen-
tative to this Government. That your mansion as well as the
houses of other foreign legations in Caracas should have been
employed, during a period of popular excitement and alarm, as a
temporary asylum for the weak or the timid who might have
deemed their lives in jeopardy from lawless outrage, can nowhere
be regarded either with surprise or regret; and it is gratifying
to perceive that its employment for this purpose is not complained
of in either of the notes addressed to you by the Minister of
Foreign Affairs for the Government of Venezuela, of which you
have forwarded copies to this Department. The extent, how-
ever, to which this protection may be justly carried, must be
determined by the minister himself, under the exigencies of each
particular case, and with reference to the established principles
of the law of nations.
A minister in a foreign country is regarded by the public
law as independent of the local jurisdiction within which he re-
sides, and responsible for any offences he may commit only to
his own Government. The same peculiar character belongs, also,
to his suite, his family, and the members of his household, and
in whatever relates to himself, or to them, is extended even to
the mansion which he occupies. Whether its asylum can be
violated under any circumstances, it is unnecessary on this occa-
sion to inquire; but there is no doubt whatever, that, if it can be
rightfully entered at all without the consent of its occupant, it
can only be so entered in consequence of an order emanating from
the supreme authority of the country in which the Minister re-
sides, and for which it will be held responsible by his Government.
28 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
For the established doctrine on this subject, I refer you to Vattel's
Law of Nations, chapter 9, sect. 118; to Martens' Manuel Diplo-
matique, Chapter 3, sect. 31; and to Wheaton's Elements of
International Law, p. 174-184.
Your application for leave of absence for six months, to en-
able you to accompany your family to the United States, has
been submitted to the President, but, although he desires very
much to oblige you, he considers it inexpedient, in the present
state of affairs in Venezuela, to comply with your request.
In reply to your request for permission to draw in advance,
for the full amount of the contingent fund of your Legation for
the current year, you are referred to the rules on this subject
contained in your printed personal instructions, which were
carefully prepared with reference to existing laws, and which it
is not now deemed desirable to change.
I am, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 24th March, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the
resolution of the Senate of the 17th inst., requesting the President
to communicate to that body " copies of the correspondence be-
tween the Minister of the U. S. at London and any authorities
of the British Government, in relation to a postal arrangement
between the two countries," has the honor to report to the Presi-
dent the accompanying copies of papers.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
To the President of the United States.
^ MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 246. This report was sent
by the President to the Senate on March 27, and was printed in S. Ex. Doc.
30, 30 Cong. I Sess. I.
1848] TO MR. CAMERON 29
TO MR. CAMERON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 27th March, 1848.
Hon. Simon Cameron,
Senate.
My Dear Sir :
I was greatly astonished to learn from you on Friday even-
ing, after the adjournment of the Senate, that suspicions had been
expressed in that body that the State Department had furnished
the copy of the Confidential Document No. 7, containing the
treaty with Mexico, the President's Message, and the accompany-
ing documents, which appeared in the New York Herald. It is
due to myself to state that these suspicions are wholly unfounded.
I never delivered a copy of this document to any human being
except to those entitled to receive them. With this exception
no person ever asked me for a copy, or even insinuated such a
request, and if they had I should have considered it a personal
insult. The Department is ready and anxious to account for all
the copies which it received; and it is due to its character that
the Senate shall continue the investigation of this subject until
every trace of suspicion against me, and more especially against
the excellent gentleman who had the custody of these copies, shall
be removed. I waive every privilege which might be supposed
to exist, and both myself and all the clerks in the Department
cheerfully offer to be examined on oath before the Committee
of the Senate. My former association with the members of that
distinguished Body, and those the most agreeable of my life,
leave me no room to doubt that they will do me full justice in this
particular.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 399.
30 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. DICKENS.'
Department of State,
Washington, March 27, 1848.
AsBURY Dickens, Esq.,
Secretary of the Senate.
Sir:
Circtimstances which cannot have escaped your notice render
it necessary that I should ascertain from you, officially, the num-
ber of copies of the Mexican treaty, with the accompanying
confidential message and correspondence, which were sent to
this Department, and on what day they were transmitted.
Unless I have mistaken or forgotten the practice of your
office, the Senate will have no difficulty in ascertaining from
whom, if not by what means, the copies of this treaty and corres-
pondence, which must have been in the possession of several
northern Editors, have been taken. After all that has passed,
this is now due from the Senate to the Department of State,
and especially to the excellent gentleman who had the custody
of these treaties. In this view, I would respectfully ask you to
inform me, how many copies of this treaty, &c., were received
by you from the printers, how many of these were distributed
by you and to whom, and how many still remain in your posses-
sion. You will please to answer me at your earliest convenience.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO M. PAGEOT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 29th March, 1848.
Mr. Alphonse Pageot,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your note informing me
that from this day you consider your functions as Envoy Extra-
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of France as at an end.
In taking leave of you in this character, I should do injustice
to my own feelings, were I not to state that the manner in which
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 399.
^MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VL 117.
1848] TO MR. MEEK 31
you have performed your high duties has been perfectly acceptable
both to the President and myself. Whilst sustaining the inter-
ests of your own country with distinguished ability, you have
manifested so much courtesy and kindness in our official inter-
course as to have rendered it at all times agreeable. Personally,
I shall ever feel a deep interest in your welfare.
I beg you to accept the assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MEEK.'
Department of State,
Washington, 30th March, 1848.
Alexander B. Meek, Esq.
U. S. Attorney for the Southern
District of Alabama, Mobile.
Sir:
I transmit to you, enclosed, a copy of a letter lately addressed
to me by the Charge d' Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty at
Washington, remonstrating against the enforcement of the pro-
visions of the penal code of the state of Alabama relative to the
arrival of free negroes within her jurisdiction.
You will perceive, from a perusal of Mr. Crampton's note,
that he calls the attention of this Government to the practical
application of these state laws, in two instances of recent occur-
rence, to certain colored persons forming a portion of the crews
of the British ships " Queen " and " Portland," and complains of
the treatment to which the individuals referred to have been sub-
jected by the authorities at Mobile. I have the honor to request
that you will institute a strict inquiry into all the facts and cir-
cumstances connected with these cases, and report the result of
your investigation to this Department, together with such obser-
vations and explanations as you may deem necessary to a full
understanding of the whole matter.
I am, &c.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 401.
32 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 30 March, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolu-
tion of the Senate of the 28th Instant, requesting the President
to communicate to the Senate a copy of the instructions from the
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil to Mr. Leal, the Brazilian
Charge d'Affaires at Washington, under date the 31st of May,
last, and by him communicated to the Department of State, of
the notes of Mr. Buchanan to Mr. Leal of the 30th August and
15th November, last, and of the documents therein referred to;
provided that, " in his opinion, the communication can be made
compatibly with the public interests," has the honor to lay before
the President the papers specified in the subjoined list, which
include all those called for by the Resolution not already com-
municated to the Senate.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
TO MR. RUSH.^
(No. 12.) Department of State,
Washington, 31st jVIarch, 1848.
Sir : I received last evening your despatch of the 4th instant.
No. 17, containing a sketch of the progress of the French Revo-
lution, and of the course which you have adopted towards the
Provisional Government. I am happy to inform you that the
President cordially approves your conduct. It was right and
proper that the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten-
tiary from the United States should be the first to recognise, so
far as his powers extended, the Provisional Government of the
French Republic. Indeed, had the representative of any other
nation preceded you in this good work, it would have been
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 248. This report was
sent by the President to the Senate March 30, and was printed with the
accompanying correspondence in S. Ex. Doc. 35, 30 Cong, i Sess. I.
" MSS. Department of State, Instructions, France, XV. 61 ; S. Ex. Doc.
53, 30 Cong. I Sess. 3-7.
1848] TO MR. RUSH 33
regretted by the President. Your speech on the 28th ultimo,
at the Hotel de Ville, to the members of the Provisional Govern-
ment, was eminently judicious. Whilst it truly expressed the
feelings of the President and people of the United States for the
success of the new Republic, it did not omit our cherished policy
of " leaving to other nations the choice of their own forms "
of Government.
I transmit to you, herewith, a letter of credence from the
President to the French Republic. You are also furnished with
a copy of this letter, which you will communicate to the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, on asking an audience for the purpose of de-
livering the original to the Chief Executive Authority in France.
At this audience you will make such remarks as may be dictated
by your own good judgment and discretion, and by your knowl-
edge of the lively interest which the President feels in the pros-
perity and stability of the French Republic.
In its intercourse with foreign nations the Government of
the United States has, from its origin, always recognised de facto
Governments. We recognise the right of all nations to create
and reform their political institutions according to their own
will and pleasure. We do not go behind the existing Govern-
ment to involve ourselves in the question of legitimacy. It is
sufficient for us to know that a Government exists capable of
maintaining itself ; and then its recognition on our part inevitably
follows. This principle of action, resulting from our sacred
regard for the independence of nations, has occasioned some
strange anomalies in our history. The Pope, the Emperor of
Russia, and President Jackson were the only authorities on earth
which ever recognized Don Miguel as king of Portugal.
Whilst this is our settled policy, it does not follow that we
can ever be indifferent spectators to the progress of liberty
throughout the world, and especially in France. We can never
forget the obligations which we owe to that generous nation for
their aid at the darkest period of our revolutionary war in achiev-
ing our own independence. These obligations have been trans-
mitted from father to son — from generation to generation, and
are still gratefully remembered. They yet live freshly in the
hearts of our countrymen. It was, therefore, with one universal
burst of enthusiasm that the American people hailed the late
glorious revolution in France in favor of liberty and republican
Government. In this feeling the President strongly sympathizes.
Warm aspirations for the success of the new Republic are
Vol. VIII— 3
34 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
breathed from every heart. Liberty and order will make France
happy and prosperous. Her destinies, under Providence, are
novif in the hands of the French People. Let them by their wis-
dom, firmness, and moderation refute the slanders of their ene-
mies and convince the world that they are capable of self-
government.
In our exultation, however, we cannot forget that Republi-
can France will have to contend with many difficulties. Among
the chief of these is the danger that she may be involved in war
with the Monarchical Powers of Europe. This she ought to
avoid by every honorable means ; and I am happy to believe that
such will be the policy of the French Government, from the note
of Mr. Lamartine to yourself, of the 27th ultimo, in which he
eloquently observes " that the principle of peace and the principle
of liberty were born on the same day in France." By abstaining
from all aggressive movements, France will probably be able to
perfect her republican institutions in peace. It can scarcely be
conceived that any nation would commence hostilities against her
simply because within her own limits she had abolished Monarchy
and established a Republic.
It has been the policy of our Government from its origin
never to interfere in the domestic concerns of other nations,
and experience has demonstrated the wisdom of this policy. In
this respect, France may profit by our example. If war must
come, she ought carefully to avoid even the appearance of being
the aggressor. Should she then be attacked by the Monarchical
Powers of Europe for adopting a Republican Government, this
would be an outrage on her rights as an independent nation. It
would be an attempt to punish the French people for having
chosen that form of Government which they deemed best calcu-
lated to promote their own happiness, and to force upon them a
Monarchy by foreign bayonets. Such an invasion of their most
sacred rights would be condemned by all just and wise men in
every nation, and would be reprobated by an irresistible public
opinion throughout the world.
If the new Republic can preserve peace with honor, it will
avoid the many dangers to liberty which must always follow in
the train of war. In a conflict with the great Powers of Europe,
France would be compelled to put forth all her energies. She
must increase her armies to the highest war standard ; and may
have to maintain them in the field for years. The sympathy of
common dangers and the glory of common victories, throughout
1848] TO MR. RUSH 35
a long and successful struggle, are calculated to excite feelings of
enthusiastic attachment in armies towards their triumphant com-
mander. Under such circumstances, the history of the world
proves that soldiers are too prone to forget their country in admir-
ation for their leader. From Csesar to Cromwell, and from
Cromwell to Napoleon, all powerful Republics have been des-
troyed by successful generals fresh from their fields of glory. It
would be most lamentable, indeed, should the new Republic split
upon this rock. In that event, the very means which she had
adopted to defend her liberties against the foreigner might be
employed to establish a military despotism at home. Such a
catastrophe would probably, for many years, arrest the progress
of constitutional freedom throughout Europe.
Even with a view to the extension of human liberty and
free government throughout the world, France can do more by
her peaceful example than she could accomplish, powerful as she
is, by the sword. The example of a great and enlightened nation,
in the midst of Europe, prosperous and happy in the enjoyment
of constitutional freedom, could not fail to produce an irresistible
influence in ameliorating the political condition of neighboring
nations. Free institutions are in their very nature progressive,
and if permitted to extend themselves by their own intrinsic power
and excellence, they must gradually and surely pervade the
civilized world. The people of each independent nation will
then decide for themselves what degree of liberty is best adapted
to their condition, without the forcible intervention of other
nations. If France can maintain peace with honor, a general
war in Europe between opposite and contending principles will
be avoided; and the cause of the human race will not be staked
upon the result of a few great battles, nor be decided by mere
brute force.
I shall mention another difficulty which might possibly in-
terfere with the final success of the French Revolution ; but which
I hope may be overcome. It will, I think, be seriously doubted
by every philosophical observer of the working of our institutions,
whether, if the State Governments were abolished, a central Re-
publican Government could long be maintained even in this
country. These State Governments are the citadels of liberty and
the watchful guardians of the rights of the people against the
encroachments of Federal power. Even if it were possible that
the Federal Government could, by any sudden convulsion, be
overthrown, the State Governments would still remain in full
36 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
force and vigor, affording protection to the lives, the h'berty, and
the property of their citizens. These sovereignties are the main
pillars in our political edifice, and whilst they stand firm, the
Federal Government, which is a constitutional emanation from
them, cannot be seriously shaken. And yet it was deemed neces-
sary to guard against the danger of any forcible interference by
excited multitudes with the high duties of the President and
Congress ; and for this reason Washington opposed the establish-
ment of the seat of the Federal Government in any of our large
cities.
The history of the former French Revolution has, I think,
rendered doubtful the stability of any purely central Republican
Government in France. When such a Government is overthrown
at the Capital all is lost. There never have been any other
organized Governments in reserve throughout the provmces, simi-
lar to those in the United States, to which the people could
resort, and around which they could rally. A revolution in Paris
has always decided the fate of France. State Governments, or
some substitute for them, would, therefore, seem to be advisable
for the protection and security of constitutional liberty in the
French Republic, composed as it is of thirty-five millions of
people. If the ancient provinces of France were still in exist-
ence, State Governments might be easily established. Each of
them had laws and customs peculiar to themselves, and their
inhabitants were denominated Normans, Bretons, Gascons, &c.,
just as our people are called Pennsylvanians, Virginians, or
Kentuckians. But these provinces have been long since abol-
ished, and France is now composed of eighty-six departments.
Why may not the whole territory of France be divided into a
convenient number of States, grouping together for this purpose
those departments whose geographical position, peculiar inter-
ests, and local feelings would render their population homo-
geneous ? Governments similar to our State Governments might
then be established in each of these divisions. I acknowledge
that the task would be difficult; but yet if undertaken with the
zeal, energy, and ability which characterize Frenchmen, it can be
accomplished. The security and permanence of constitutional
liberty in France may possibly depend upon the establishment of
such State Governments. On this subject I speak with some
diffidence and give you merely my impressions. I know that
centralism would add strength to the Executive power, and
render it more formidable to the enemies of France; but, at the
1848] TO MR. RUSH 37
same time, there is some reason to apprehend that the adoption
of this system might endanger both the liberty and the stability
of the Republic.
I have ventured upon these ^peculations, because it is certain
that, in your intercourse with the authorities of the new Republic,
you will be often called upon in conversation for information re-
specting our political system. State and National, which they
seem to have adopted as their model, and also for your opinion
how far this system ought to be changed or modified so as best
to adapt it to the peculiar position of the French Republic. Your
intimate and enlightened knowledge of our Government, both
theoretical and practical, will enable you to impart much valuable
information and advice to the French authorities.
The President and people of the United States anxiously
desire that the French Republic may be firmly established, and
may secure the blessings of liberty and free Government to
millions of Frenchmen yet unborn. Whilst we hope much and
believe much, we still feel that anxiety for the result which is
inseparable from the human mind whilst any doubt remains
concerning the accomplishment of a great object in which we feel
the most profound interest. You will not fail, therefore, to advise
us regularly by every steamer of the progress of events in France.
I am. Sir, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
Richard Rush, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
P. S. — The establishment of a Republic in France may, I
trust, prove favorable to the removal of unwise restrictions in
the trade between the two countries and to a commercial arrange-
ment which would be equally beneficial to the people of both. I
shall, ere long, address you on this subject. In the meantime
you might adopt means to ascertain what would be the prospect
of success.
38 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. BANCROFT/
(No. 27.) Department of State,
Washington, April i, 1848.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have received and read with great satisfaction the interest-
ing sketch which is contained in your despatch No. 65, dated
1 0th March, 1848, of the probable causes and results of the late
revolution in France. For the general views of the Government
of the United States on this subject, you are referred to the
enclosed copy of a letter which has been this day addressed by the
Department to the American Minister in Paris.
Appreciating as you do the deep anxiety with which the
progress of events in Europe must be now regarded on this side
of the Atlantic, you will not fail at this interesting period to
communicate fully and frequently with this Department.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
■James Buchanan.
TO MR. INGERSOLL.^
(No. 5.) Department of State,
Washington, April i, 1848.
Ralph J. Ingersoll, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatch No. 8, dated the nth of February, and re-
questing your recall from your present mission, has been received.
Under ordinary circumstances, the reasons which have
prompted your request would probably induce the President to
comply with it ; but in the present condition of European affairs,
although he desires very much to oblige you, he considers it highly
necessary that you should remain at your post. When your letter
was written, the late revolution in France had not occurred ; and
you could not therefore have anticipated the increased importance
which by that event has been given to Russia, and the consequent
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 358.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Russia, XIV. 81.
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 39
interest with which her movements and her pohcy must now
be regarded by other nations. Of these considerations you are
now however fully aware, and you will see in them undoubtedly
the most weighty reasons for postponing your return to the
United States. Enclosed is a copy of a despatch which has this
day been addressed by the Department to the American Minister
in Paris, and to which you are referred for the general views of
this Government upon the subject of the late French revolution.
The President has no doubt that you will use every e^ort
to keep yourself informed of the progress of events in Russia,
and expects that you will not fail to communicate often and
fully with this Department.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE.^
[April 3, 1848.]
To THE Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States :
I communicate to Congress, for their information, a copy of a despatch,
with the accompanying documents, received at the Department of State,
from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United
States at Paris, giving official information of the overthrow of the French
monarchy, and the establishment in its stead of a " provisional government,
based on republican principles."
This great event occurred suddenly, and was accomplished almost without
bloodshed. The world has seldom witnessed a more interesting or sublime
spectacle than the peaceful rising of the French people, resolved to secure
for themselves enlarged liberty, and to assert, in the majesty of their strength,
the great truth that in this enlightened age man is capable of governing
himself.
The prompt recognition of the new government, by the representative
of the United States at the French Court, meets my full and unqualified
approbation ; and he has been authorized, in a suitable manner, to make
known this fact to the constituted authorities of the French Republic.
Called upon to act upon a sudden emergency, which could not have
been anticipated by his instructions, he judged rightly of the feelings and
sentiments of his government and his countrymen, when, in advance of the
diplomatic representatives of other countries, he was the first to recognize,
so far as it was in his power, the free government established by the French
people.
' S. Ex. Doc. 32, 30 Cong, i Sess.
40 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
The policy of the United States has ever been that of non-intervention
in the domestic affairs of other countries, leaving to each to establish the form
of government of its own choice.
While this wise policy will be maintained towards France, now suddenly
transformed from a monarchy into a republic, all our sympathies are natur-
ally enlisted on the side of a great people who, imitating our example, have
resolved to be free. That such sympathy should exist on the part of the
people of the United States with the friends of free government in every
part of the world, and especially in France, is not remarkable. We can
never forget that France was our early friend in our eventful revolution,
and generously aided us in shaking off a foreign yoke, and becoming a free
and independent people.
We have enjoyed the blessings of our system of well regulated self-
government for near three-fourths of a century, and can properly appreciate
its value. Our ardent and sincere congratulations are extended to the
patriotic people of France upon their noble, and thus far successful, efforts
to found for their future government liberal institutions similar to our own.
It is not doubted that, under the benign influence of free institutions,
the enlightened statesmen of republican France will find it to be for her
true interest and permanent glory to cultivate with the United States the
most liberal principles of international intercourse and commercial reciprocity,
whereby the happiness and prosperity of both nations will be promoted.
James K. Polk.
Washington, April 3d, 1848.
TO MR. MANN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 4th April, 1848.
A. Dudley Mann, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 11, inclusive, have been received.
The last, dated Munich, the 12th February, reached the Depart-
ment on the 31st ultimo.
In reply to the inquiry contained in your No. 11, I have to
inform you that the Declaration of Accession of Mecklenburg-
Schwerin to the Hanoverian Treaty is still before the Senate.
In your No. 10, of the 5th February, you state, that the
duties of your mission will probably be closed by the ist of May;
at which period, you express a wish that your pay and expenses
may cease, and that permission may be granted you to remain
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions to Diplomatic Agents, &c., 11.
1848] TO MR. STILES 41
abroad. This arrangement, which does not appear to be un-
reasonable, is approved by the Department ; and I have, therefore,
great pleasure in acceding to your request.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 13.) Department of State,
Washington, 5th April, 1848.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Berlin.
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a despatch
addressed by this Department, on the 31st ultimo, to the Ameri-
can Minister in Paris, which will make you acquainted with the
views entertained by your Government on the subject of the late
Revolution in France. At a moment so critical in the affairs
of Europe, you will keep the Department advised of every thing
of interest which transpires in Prussia.
Your despatches to No. 59, inclusive — with their respective
enclosures — ^have been received.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. STILES.
No. 20. Department of State,
Washington, 5th April, 1848.
William H. Stiles, Esqre.,
etc., etc., Vienna.
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a despatch
addressed by this Department, on the 31st ultimo, to the American
Minister in Paris, which will make you acquainted with the
general views entertained by your Government upon the subject
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 122.
''MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Austria, I. 51.
42 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
of the late French Revolution. At a moment so critical in the
affairs of Europe, you will keep the Department advised of every-
thing of interest which transpires in Austria.
Your despatches to No. 22 inclusive have been received.
Upon inquiry in the proper Bureaux, it is ascertained that
your papers and letters have been regularly transmitted from
this Department.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MARTIN.'
(No. 2.) Department of State,
Washington, 5th April, 1848.
Jacob L. Martin, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Informal intimations had reached the Department from
different quarters, that Pope Pius IX. would be pleased to open
diplomatic relations with this Government : and the President
did not hesitate, upon my suggestion, to recommend to Congress,
in his annual message of December last, to provide for the outfit
and salai-y of a Charge d'Affaires to the Papal States. Hence
the origin of your highly honorable and important mission.
There is one consideration which you ought always to keep
in view in your intercourse with the Papal authorities. Most if
not all the Governments which have Diplomatic Representatives
at Rome are connected with the Pope as the head of the Catholic
Church. In this respect the Government of the United States
occupies an entirely different position. It possessies no power
whatever over the question of religion. All denominations of
Christians stand on the same footing in this country, — and every
man enjoys the inestimable right of worshipping his God ac-
cording to the dictates of his own conscience. Your efforts,
therefore, will be devoted exclusively to the cultivation of the
most friendly civil relations with the Papal Government, and to
the extension of the commerce between the two countries. You
will carefully avoid even the appearance of interfering in
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Papal States, I. 3.
1848] TO MR. MARTIN 43
ecclesiastical questions, -whether these relate to the United States
or any other portion of the world. It might be proper, should you
deem it advisable, to make these views known, on some suitable
occasion, to the Papal Government; so that there may be no
mistake or misunderstanding on this subject.
The President and people of the United States have ob-
served, with great satisfaction, the wise and judicious measures
of the Pope to reform ancient abuses in his Government, and
promote the welfare of his people. Whilst our established policy
renders it impossible that we should interfere with the forms
of government or the domestic institutions of other independent
States, the American people can never be indifferent to the cause
of constitutional freedom and liberal reform in any portion of
the world.
We have watched with anxiety the course of Pius IX. in
the difficult and dangerous position of a reformer in Italy; and
we believe it has thus far been marked with consummate wisdom
and prudence. Firm, without rashness, — liberal, without pro-
ceeding too rapidly to results which might endanger his final
success, we ardently hope that he may be the chosen instrument
of Providence to accomplish the political regeneration of his
country. The cordial sympathy and the kindest wishes of the
President and people of the United States are enlisted in his
favor.
In remodelling and liberalising his own Government within
his own States, the Pope can give no just cause of offence to any
European Power. The Papal States and the other independent
sovereignties of Italy have the inherent right to reform their
institutions and improve the condition of their people without
the interference of any foreign Power. It belongs to them and
their people alone to decide what reforms are practicable and
are best adapted to secure the liberty, prosperity, and union of
Italy. You will take with you to Rome a copy of my despatch
to Mr. Rush of the 31st ultimo, in which the views of the Presi-
dent on this subject are more fully developed.
Our direct relations with the Papal States can only be of a
commercial character. The spirit of reform which is now abroad
in Italy will doubtless lead to the removal or reduction of those
ancient restrictions upon trade which are opposed to the genius
of the age and the true interests of the people. We have learned
already that a more liberal commercial policy begins to pervade
Italy. On this subject you are instructed to report to the De-
44 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
partment the most full and accurate information which you can
obtain. What is the rate of duties imposed in the Papal States
on our cotton, rice, tobacco, grain, and other productions ? What
is the amount of American productions annually consumed in
these States? What measures would you suggest to increase
the navigation and commerce between the two countries ? Have
any of the States of Italy united or do they propose to unite in
a Commercial League, and what is the character and constitution
of such league? Will it have power to conclude commercial
Treaties with Foreign nations? In short, we desire all the in-
formation you can procure relative to the best mode of increas-
ing our commerce, not only with the Papal, but with the other
independent States of Northern Italy. The President desires to
conclude commercial Treaties with the Papal States separately,
or with the Commercial League of which they may form a part :
and only awaits the necessary information to confer upon you
full instructions and powers for this purpose.
You will repair to your post and enter upon the duties of
your mission with as little delay as may be practicable.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.^
" In connection with the foregoing instruction, the following letter to
Mr. Buchanan from Mr. Brown, United States consul at Rome, is of interest.
The original is among the Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of
Pennsylvania.
Private.
Rome ist June 1847.
U. S. Consulate.
Hon. James Buchanan
Dr. Sir : You may recollect that some time since I informed you that
on several occasions persons holding high official stations in the Papal Govt,
had expressed to me a desire that diplomatic relations might be established
between the U. States & the Papal Govt., on a footing similar to those which
exist between the Papal States & countries where the Romish Religion is
not the prevalent sect : and amongst these the present Cardinal- Secretary
of State Gizzi.
On the occasion of my first presentation to the present Pope several
months ago, being alone with the Pontiff, His Holiness took the opportunity
to express the same idea.
My replies, in every case, were general & cautious ; as I conceived it to
be no part of my business to say any thing from which the Papal Court
might draw the slightest conclusion favourable or unfavourable to their
wishes.
1848] TO MR. LEAL 45
TO MR. LEAL.'
Department of State,
Washington, 6th April, 1848.
To Senhor Felippe Jose Pereira Leal,
&c. &c. &c.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note of Mr. Leal,
Charge d'Affaires of His Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, of
the 4th ult, requesting the delivery of Domingo Jose da Costa
Florim, who, after conviction of the crime of embezzlement on
the 30th of January, 1846, escaped from the House of Correc-
tion at Rio de Janeiro, and, as has been ascertained, is now resid-
ing in the City of Baltimore under a feigned name. Mr. Deal's
note is accompanied by a copy of a Circular under date the 4th
of February, 1847, addressed by the Department of Foreign
Affairs of Brazil to the Diplomatic Agents of that Empire
I received the other day the enclosed letter, which it occurred to me, it
might be well enough to send you, as it shews the views of Monsignore
Corboli, who is the Acting Secy, of State in case of the sickness or absence
of Cardinal Gizzi, and also of Monsignore Zamboni, the writer of the letter,
who is a Bishop & holds a situation in the Dept. of Foreign Affairs.
I presume one reason why the Papal Court is desirous to establish
Diplomatic relations with our Govt, to be the growing power of the U. States,
& the high rank we hold in the scale of Nations ; and the increasing interest
which Statesmen on the Continent take in the progress of our liberal
institutions.
A new Era may literally be said to have commenced here ; a desire
certainly exists to improve the condition of the people, & a project, I am
informed, is on foot & under the consideration of the Govt, here, to establish
Evening Schools for the instruction in the simplest Elements of those in
the country & in the cities, whose daily avocations allow them no other
time for that purpose.
I did not in two letters which I lately took leave to address to you,
refer to the subject matter of this letter because it seems to me generally
to be most expedient & convenient not to advert in the same letter to subjects
which are totally distinct.
I have the honor to be Dr. Sir with the greatest respect & esteem
Your most obt. & very humble Servant
Nicholas Brown
U. S. Consul, Rome.
P. S. I need scarcely add that this letter is to yourself individually:
tho' the subject matter and the enclosed letter may be communicated to
whomsoever you may think necessary.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Brazilian Legation, VI. 75.
46 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
abroad, stating the views of tiie Brazilian Government upon the
subject of the mutual extradition of fugitives from justice, and
the conditions upon which that government will itself make such
extradition.
The Undersigned has submitted Mr. Leal's communication
to the President, and has received his directions to reply to the
same.
Most of the sentiments expressed in the Circular of the
Brazilian Foreign Office, above referred to, must meet the appro-
bation of all enlightened Governments. That document is also
entirely correct in saying that there is no uniform practice among
nations in regard to extradition. This diversity, however, does
not spring from any difference of opinion as to the injury which
flagrant offences inflict upon society, or as to the necessity of
punishing the offenders. In the United States, Congress have
never thought proper to pass any law authorizing the President
or any other authority to deliver up fugitives from the justice of
other countries; and it follows as a necessary consequence that
no power exists in our country capable of performing this act,
unless by virtue of a Treaty stipulation. Great Britain and
France are the only two nations with which we now have
Treaties of extradition, and these, as Mr. Leal is aware, are of
recent origin and are carefully restricted in their provisions.
In these Treaties, extreme care has been observed in speci-
fying the offences with which the persons demanded have been
charged, in excluding those of a political character, and in retain-
ing jurisdiction over the accused party until the moment of his
surrender. The Treaty with France alone stipulates for the
extradition of persons charged with the embezzlement of public
funds.
Under these circumstances, the President, possessing no
power over the subject, is constrained respectfully to decHne a
compliance with the request of the Brazilian Government as com-
municated by Mr. Leal, for the delivery of the convict, Domingo
Jose da Costa Florim.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to
Mr. Leal renewed assurances of his very distinguished con-
sideration.
James Buchanan.
1848] TO NEW YORK AND VERMONT 47
TO MR. RUSH.'
No. 14. Department of State,
Washington, 6th April, 1848.
HoNBLE. Richard Rush,
Sir: I seize the last moment before closing the mail for
the New York steamer of the 8th to inform you that Joint
Resokitions " tendering the congratulations of the American to
the French people," upon the success of their late glorious revolu-
tion, have passed the Senate this afternoon by an unanimous
vote. All previous orders of that body were dispensed with
this morning, without a single negative, for the purpose of
considering these resolutions, and the result is but an echo of the
voice of the American people in favor of the French Republic.
The resolutions will be communicated to the House of Repre-
sentatives to-morrow, where I anticipate for them an enthusiastic
reception. I think that by the next steamer I shall transmit you
resolutions upon this subject passed by both Houses of Congress
and approved by the President of the United States.
I enclose you a few copies of the extra " Union," containing
the President's message, your despatch, &c.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO THE GOVERNORS OF NEW YORK
AND VERMONT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 7th April, 1848.
His Excellency John Young,
Governor of the state of New York, Albany.
His Excellency the Governor of the state of Vermont,
Montpelier.
I have the honor herewith to transmit to your Excellency
a copy of a note and accompanying memorial, recently received
at this Department from the Charge d' Affaires of Her Britannic
Majesty in this city, remonstrating on behalf of certain in-
habitants of Canada against the placing of any impediment in a
position to interrupt the navigation of the waters connecting
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, France, XV. 69; S. Ex. Doc.
S3, 30 Cong. I Sess.- 16.
^MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 405.
48 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Missisquoi Bay with the river RicheHeu. Although the Federal
Government does not admit the right of the Canadian authorities
to interfere in this matter, yet I have deemed it due to our
amicable relations with Great Britain to transmit this application
to Your Excellency. This has been done under the conviction it
will receive that degree of consideration to which it may be justly
entitled — proceeding, as it does, from the subjects of a friendly
power in a neighboring province.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CARVALLO.'
Department of State,
Washington, 7th April, 1848.
To Senor Don Manuel Carvallo^ &c. &c. &c.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note under date
the 28th ult : from Mr. Carvallo, Envoy Extraordinary and Min-
ister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile, requesting an
answer to his memorial in the case of the Macedonian.
In reply, the Undersigned has the honor to acquaint Mr.
Carvallo, that the unreasonable delay which has already taken
place in furnishing that answer has not been occasioned by any
reluctance on the part of the Undersigned to decide the case upon
its merits as first presented by the claimant and by the Chilean
Government respectively; but by a desire on the part of the
former to offer further testimony and a counter statement, to
which desire the Undersigned deemed it his duty under the
circumstances to yield. He regrets to inform Mr. Carvallo that
the counter statement has not yet been received, but as ample
time has now been allowed to prepare it, Mr. Cai-vallo may be
assured that a response to his memorial shall not be delayed any
longer for that cause, but shall be communicated to him as soon
as the Undersigned can examine the testimony now on file in this
Department.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer
to Mr. Carvallo renewed assurances of his very distinguished
consideration. James Buchanan.
" MSS. Department of State. Notes to Chilean Legation, VI. 7.
1848] TO MR. SMITH 49
TO MR. YOUNG.'
Department of State,
Washington, April 12, 1848.
McClintock Young, Esq.,
Acting Secretary of the Treasury.
Sir:
I have received your note of the i ith instant, and have to
acquaint you that a copy of your letter of the 26th of January
last, to this Department, requesting its intervention with the
British legation here to obtain permission for the passage of the
iron steamers, the " Dallas " and the " Jefferson," from Lakes
Erie and Ontario, by way of the Welland Canal and the river
St. Lawrence, to the Atlantic ocean, was transmitted to Mr.
Crampton, the Charge d' Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty on
the 27th of the same month; who, under date of the 25th of
February, acknowledged the receipt of Mr. Buchanan's com-
munication, and enclosed a transcript of the reply of the Earl of
Elgin and Kincardine to the application which Mr. Crampton
had made on the subject. His Lordship states that, with the
concurrence of the Provincial Executive Council, he had " recom-
mended the application to the favorable consideration of Her
Majesty's Government, with whom the final decision rests, and
also that the usual canal charges should not in this case be
exacted."
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. SMITH.
Department of State,
Washington, 24th April, 1848.
To the Hon. Truman Smith,
of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 19th Instant requesting a copy of the letter of appoint-
^MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 406.
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 249.
Vol. VIII— 4
50 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ment and of the Report of Mr. John Hogan, who was sent to
the Island of St. Domingo as an Agent of this Government in
1845, and, also, requesting any other information in the posses-
sion of this Department concerning the service performed by
him in that capacity. In reply, I have the honor to transmit a
copy of his instructions and of the correspondence between him
and this Department relative to his accounts. The original of
his Report upon the subject of his mission, with the accompany-
ing documents, was some time since communicated to Mr. Man-
gum of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, who
will no doubt afford you an opportunity to inspect it.
I have the honor to be, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. APPLETON.'
Personal Instructions. Department of State,
Washington, 25th April, 1848.
To John Appleton, Esquire,
Sir: The President, by and with the advice and consent
of the Senate, having appointed you Charge d'Afifaires of the
United States to the Republic of Bolivia, you will herewith
receive the following documents, which will be useful or neces-
sary in the discharge of the duties of your mission.
1. Your Commission.
2. A letter accrediting you to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Bolivia.
3. A special passport.
4. A Full Power, authorizing you to conclude a Treaty of
Commerce with that Republic.
5. Your General Instructions.
6. Printed personal instructions.
7. A list of the Diplomatic Agents and Consuls of the
United States abroad.
8. A Circular relative to the contingent expenses of the
Legations of the United States in foreign Countries.
9. A Circular relative to the draughts of Diplomatic Agents.
ID. A Circular relative to the salaries of Diplomatic Agents
absent from their posts with permission.
" MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Bolivia, I. i.
1848] TO MR. CARVALLO 51
Your salary as fixed by law will be at the rate of forty-five
hundred dollars a year, and you will be entitled to an outfit equal
to a year's salary, and to an allowance equal to a quarter's salary
towards defraying the expenses of your return to the United
States on the conclusion of your mission. Pursuant to a general
rule, the salary of a diplomatic agent begins on the day of his
departure from his place of residence to proceed on his mission.
In your case it will begin this day, when it is understood you are
to set out for your home in Maine, for the purpose of making
preparations for your departure from the United States.
You will draw on this Department for it, as it may become
due, and likewise for the contingent expenses of the Legation,
which must not exceed five hundred dollars a year without special
authority.
I am, etc.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CARVALLO.'
Department of State,
Washington, 27th April, 1848.
To Senor Don Manuel Carvallo, &c. &c. &c.
Sir : I have the honor to inform you that the claimants in
the case of the Macedonian have at last presented their counter
statement and the further proof in its support. Believing that
it would be impracticable for me compatibly with my other duties
to examine the testimony on both sides as carefully as the im-
portance of the subject demands, the President has directed the
papers to be referred to Ransom H. Gillett, Esquire, the Solicitor
of the Treasury, for his report. I have no doubt that Mr. Gil-
lett will be happy to show you the counter statement, and to
receive from you any explanations which may be necessary to
enable him to arrive at a just decision.
I avail myself of this occasion. Sir, to offer to you renewed
assurances of my very high consideration.
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Chilean Legation, VI. 8.
52 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. CAZENOVE/
Department of State,
Washington, 27th April, 1848.
A. C. Cazenove, Esqre.,
Swiss Consul, Alexandria, Va.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have just re-
ceived the Convention of last May with the Swiss Confederation,
which has been approved by the Senate of the United States ; and
to add that I shall be happy to receive you at the Department
of State, on Wednesday next, the 2nd proximo, for the purpose
of making an exchange of the ratifications.
I am, Sir, with great consideration,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. GILLETT.'
Department of State,
Washington, April 27, 1848.
Sir : By the President's direction, I herewith communicate
to you a memorial with the accompanying documents from
Thomas H. Perkins, of Boston, requesting the interposition of
this Government for the purpose of recovering from that of Chile
indemnification for the seizure, in the valley of Sitana in Peru, in
May, 1 82 1, by an officer acting under the authority of that
Government, of a quantity of treasure alleged to have been the
property of the said Perkins and other citizens of the United
States — a translation of the memorial and the principal papers
to which it refers, addressed to this Department by Mr. Carvallo,
the Minister from Chile here, in opposition to the claim — and
the original rejoinder of the claimants, with the further proof
presented in their behalf.
The purpose of this communication is to obtain your opinion
on the point as to whether the property in whole or in part did
in fact belong to citizens of the United States, and if in part
only, how much thereof was theirs and how much the property
*MSS. Department of State, Notes to German States, VI. 183.
^ MSB. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 416; S. Ex. Doc. 58,
3S Cong. I Sess. 302. As to this case, see Moore's International Arbitrations,
n. 1455.
1848] TO MR. RUSH 53
of subjects of other Governments, as established by the evidence.
As the Chilean Minister has been promised an early decision
of the case, your attention to it as soon as may be convenient is
respectfully requested. He has been informed of the reference
to you. Similar information has been conveyed to Mr. J. S.
Pendleton, who is the representative of the claimants in this city.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
Ransom H. Gillett, Esq.,
Solicitor of the Treasury.
TO MR. RUSH.'
(No. 19.) Department of State,
Washington, 29th April, 1848.
Richard Rush, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir: In writing the postscript to my letter No. 12, of the
31st ultimo, in which a suggestion is made that the establishment
of a Republican Government in France might " prove favorable
to the removal of unwise restrictions in her trade " with the
United States, perhaps the article which was most prominently
present to my mind at the moment was that of tobacco. The
records of the correspondence between this Department and the
Legation at Paris will inform you how onerously the French
Government monopoly has weighed upon the agriculture of our
country engaged in the production of this important article, as
well as upon our commerce. The present would seem to be an
auspicious moment to remove or modify this monopoly, and to
place the trade in tobacco on the same footing with that in other
articles. That I am not alone in this opinion, the enclosed copy
of a letter addressed to me on the 17th instant, by a number of
intelligent merchants of Baltimore, largely interested as receivers
and shippers of American leaf tobacco, will fully prove. I com-
mend this paper to your consideration.
I take pleasure in directing your early attention to this
subject; and feel assured that your most earnest endeavors will
not be spared in urging upon the existing Government, at the
proper time, and on the first suitable occasion, of both which
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, France, XV. 72.
54 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
your official position near it constitutes you the best judge, the
removal of unwise and impolitic restrictions upon this trade, and
the adoption of a more liberal policy in regard to it than that
which has so long existed in France.
I am, Sir, with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON YUCATAN. 1
[April 29, 1848.]
To THE Senate and House of Representatives of the United States :
I submit for the consideration of Congress several communications re-
ceived at the Department of State from Mr. fusto Sierra, commissioner of
Yucatan, and also a communication from the governor of that state, repre-
senting the condition of extreme suffering to which their country has been
reduced by an insurrection of the Indians within its limits, and asking the
aid of the United States.
These communications present a case of human suffering and misery
which cannot fail to excite the sympathies of all civilized nations. From
these and other sources of information, it appears that the Indians of Yucatan
are waging a war of extermination against the white race. In this civil war,
they spare neither age nor sex, but put to death, indiscriminately, all who
fall within their power. The inhabitants, panic-stricken, and destitute of
arms, are flying before their savage pursuers towards the coast, and their
expulsion from their country, or their extermination, would seem to be
inevitable, unless they can obtain assistance from abroad.
In this condition, they have, through their constituted authorities, im-
plored the aid of this government, to save them from destruction, offering,
in case this should be granted, to transfer the " dominion and sovereignty
of the peninsula" to the United States. Similar appeals for aid and protec-
tion have been made to the Spanish and the English governments.
Whilst it is not my purpose to recommend the adoption of any measure
with a view to the acquisition of the " dominion and sovereignty " over
Yucatan, yet, according to our established policy, we could not consent to a
transfer of this " dominion and sovereignty," either to Spain, Great Britain,
or any other European power. In the language of President Monroe, in his
message of December, 1823, " we should consider any attempt on their part
to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to
our peace and safety." In my annual message of December, 1845, I declared
that " near a quarter of a century ago the principle was distinctly announced
to the world, in the annual message of one of my predecessors, that ' the
American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have
assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for
future colonization by any European power.' This principle will apply with
greatly increased force, should any European power attempt to establish
' S. Ex. Doc. 40, 30 Cong, i Sess. i.
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 55
any new colony in North America. In the existing circumstances of the
world, the present is deemed a proper occasion to reiterate and reaffirm
the principle avowed by Mr. Monroe, and to state my cordial concurrence
in its wisdom and sound policy. The re-assertion of this principle, especially
in reference to North America, is at this day but the promulgation of a policy
which no European power should cherish the disposition to resist. Existing
rights of every European nation should be respected; but it is due alike to
our safety and our interests that the efficient protection of our laws should
be extended over our whole territorial limits, and that it should be distinctly
announced to the world as our settled policy, that no future European colony
or dominion shall, with our consent, be planted or established on any part
of the North American continent."
Our own security requires that the established policy thus announced
should guide our conduct, and this applies with great force to the peninsula
of Yucatan. It is situate in the Gulf of Mexico, on the North American
continent, and, from its vicinity to Cuba, to the capes of Florida, to New
Orleans, and, indeed, to our whole southwestern coast, it would be dan-
gerous to our peace and security if it should become a colony of any
European nation.
We have now authentic information that, if the aid asked from the
United States be not granted, such aid will probably be obtained from some
European power which may hereafter assert a claim to " dominion and
sovereignty" over Yucatan.
Our existing relations with Yucatan are of a peculiar character, as will
be perceived from the note of the Secretary of State to their commissioner,
dated on the 24th of December last, a copy of which is herewith transmitted.
Yucatan has never declared her independence, and we treated her as a State
of the Mexican republic. For this reason we have never officially received
her commissioner; but, whilst this is the case, we have, to a considerable
extent, recognized her as a neutral in our war with Mexico. Whilst still
considering Yucatan as a portion of Mexico, if we had troops to spare for
this purpose, I would deem it proper, during the continuance of the war with
Mexico, to occupy and hold military possession of her territory, and to
defend the white inhabitants against the incursions of the Indians, in the
same way that we have employed our troops in other States of the Mexican
republic in our possession, in repelling the attacks of savages upon the
inhabitants, who have maintained their neutrality in the war. But, unfor-
tunately, we cannot, at the present time, without serious danger, withdraw
our forces from other portions of the Mexican territory now in our occupa-
tion, and send them to Yucatan. All that can be done, under existing cir-
cumstances, is to employ our naval forces in the Gulf, not required at other
points, to afford them relief; but it is not to be expected that any adequate
protection can thus be afforded, as the operations of such naval forces must,
of necessity, be confined to the coast.
I have considered it proper to communicate the information contamed
in the accompanying correspondence, and I submit to the wisdom of Congress
to adopt such measures as, in their judgment, may be expedient, to prevent
Yucatan from becoming a colony of any European power, which, in no
event, could be permitted by the United States; and, at the same time, to
rescue the white race from extermination or expulsion from their country.
James K. Polk.
Washington, April 29, 1848.
56 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. WALKER.'
Department of State,
Washington, ist May, 1848.
Hon. R. J. Walker,
Secretaiy of the Treasury.
Sir:
The enclosed copy o£ a note just received from the Charge
d'Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty at Washington will acquaint
you with the favorable result of the application which was made
through this Department to the British Government in January
last, for the passage of the revenue steamers, the " Dallas " and
the " Jefferson," through the Welland canal and the river- St.
Lawrence to the Atlantic ocean.
I have the honor, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MILLIARD.^
Department of State,
Washington, 3rd May 1848.
Hon. Henry W. Hilliard,
Chairman (pro. tem.) of the Committee of
Foreign Affairs of the H. R.
Sir:
I had not the honor of receiving your note of the ist
Instant until yesterday evening, otherwise it should have received
an earlier answer.
Whilst it would afford me very great pleasure to give you
satisfactory answers to your several interrogations in regard to
Yucatan, I fear I cannot add very much to the information on
this subject contained in the President's Message of the 29th
Ultimo and the accompanying correspondence.
You enquire — i. " Is Yucatan to be regarded by our Gov-
ernment as an Independent State?" In answer, I have the
honor of stating, that the President never has regarded Yucatan
as a State independent of the Mexican Republic, nor has Yucatan
ever declared her independence. For this reason neither Mr.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 419.
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 250.
1848] TO MR. BILLIARD 57
Robira, the former Commissioner from that State, nor Mr.
Sierra, the present Commissioner, has been officially received. —
In addition to the correspondence communicated with the Presi-
dent's message, I transmit you copies of a note addressed by
this Department to the Secretary of the Navy, dated 22d Fe1>
ruary, 1847; ^"d of the orders issued by the Secretary to Com-
modore Conner on the 25th February of the same year.
At the commencement of the war with Mexico, Yucatan
was treated by this Government as a neutral State. The decree
of her extraordinary Congress of the 25th August, 1846, changed
this neutrality into open war. In the prosecution of this war,
the port of Laguna and the Island of Carmen on which it is
situated were, on the 21st of December, 1846, captured by our
Naval Forces, and have ever since been held by the United States.
For the reasons which prevented the President from restoring
this port and Island to Yucatan when she re-assumed her neutral
position, I refer you respectfully to my note to Mr. Sierra of the
24th December last. Our continued possession of these places
has proved highly advantageous to the people of Yucatan; be-
cause it has afforded them a place of refuge from the fury of
the Indians.
2. You ask : " How will our relations with Yucatan be
affected by the ratification of the Treaty of peace between the
United States and Mexico which it is understood is awaiting the
action of the Mexican Government? "
Yucatan, being regarded by the President as a Mexican
State, tho' now neutral in the existing war, is embraced in the
Treaty of Peace with the other Mexican States. If peace were
concluded, however, Mexico would not be able to afford the
white inhabitants of Yucatan the prompt and efficient aid neces-
sary to save them from destruction. Indeed, the neutral posi-
tion which Yucatan has maintained during the greater part of
the existing war might indispose Mexico to go to her relief with
the necessary promptitude ; but yet it is not apprehended that the
aid which we may afford to the white race of that unfortunate
country would disturb our peaceful relations with the Mexican
Republic, or even be the subject of complaint on the part of the
Mexican Government. On the contrary, this could not be viewed
by them in any other light than as a voluntary sacrifice made
by the United States in the cause of their brethren of Spanish
origin.
58 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
3. " To what extent has the internal war in Yucatan been
carried ? "
In addition to the information upon this subject contained
in the notes of Mr. Sierra to the Department which accompanied
the President's message, I have the honor now to communicate
to you copies of the despatches from Commodore Perry and
other Naval Officers to the Navy Department. You will per-
ceive that these despatches fully confirm the statements of Mr.
Sierra and exhibit the wretched and helpless condition to which
the white inhabitants are reduced. There is no further informa-
tion on this subject of which I am aware in possession of any
of the Executive Departments of this Government.
4th. " What gave rise to it (the war) ? "
This is a question to which the Department cannot furnish
a satisfactory answer. It is presumed that the primary cause
of the war will be found in the inveterate hostility of the Indians
against the Spanish race. Its avowed object is the extermination
or expulsion of this race and the re-acquisition of Indian Sov-
ereignty over Yucatan. The Indians must have known that
the Government of Mexico neither could nor would afford as-
sistance to the Spanish race in Yucatan during the continuance
of our war with that Republic ; and this doubtless had its influence
in causing them to seize an opportunity so favorable for the
accomplishment of their designs.
5. "What are the numbers of whites? And what of the
Indians? "
It is impossible to ascertain either the aggregate population
of Yucatan or the relative numbers of these two castes. Mr.
McCulloch, in his Universal Gazetteer, a work of considerable
character, does not pretend to state with accuracy the entire
population of Yucatan. Adopting the conjectural estimate of
others, he states, under the head of " Mexico," the population to
be 570,000, and considers this to be " probably as near an
approximation to the truth as can, at present, be arrived at,"
whilst under the head of " Yucatan " he says that " the popula-
tion has been estimated at about 500,000." In the inaccurate
and unsatisfactory Mexican statistics which have been published,
any designation of the relative numbers of the white and Indian
races has been carefully avoided; tho' it is well known that the
latter greatly preponderates in Yucatan.
After the receipt of your note, I sent for Mr. Sierra, who
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 59
informs me that an imperfect censtis was taken of the population
of Yucatan in 1844, and that the whole number of its inhabitants
was 700,000. Of these from 400 to 450,000 were of pure Indian
blood, about 80,000 of the mixed race between the white and the
Indian (Mestizoes), and the remainder were of the white race.
Mr. Sierra speaks from memory and is not in possession of any
documents relating to this Census. Since the commencement of
the war a great number of the whites have been killed by the
Indians ; and according to Mr. Sierra's estimate, more than fifty
thousand of them have been compelled to emigrate to neighboring
countries.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
[May 5, 1848.J
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolu-
tion of the Senate of the 4th instant, requesting the President
to communicate to the Senate all the correspondence between
the Secretary of State and Don Justo Sierra, the representative
of the government of Yucatan, if not incompatible with the pub-
lic interest, has the honor to lay before the President the papers
mentioned in the subjoined list, which are translations of all
notes from Mr. Sierra or his government to this department, and
a copy of all notes from the department to him, (excepting those
inviting him to personal interviews, ) not communicated with the
President's message to Congress of the 29th ultimo.
The Secretary of State would respectfully observe that por-
tions of Mr. Sierra's note of the 15th February, 1848, and the
whole of his note of the 24th February, 1848, are of such a
character that it was considered doubtful whether, at this time,
they ought to be published. Copies of them, although prepared,
were not transmitted to Congress with your message of the 29th
ultimo, upon the request of Mr. Sierra himself, after consulta-
tion with that gentleman.
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
^ S. Ex. Doc. 42, 30 Cong, i Sess. i. This document contains the Presi-
dent's message transmitting the report to the Senate, on the same day.
60 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. EVERETT/
Department of State,
Washington, 6th May, 1848.
Hon. Edward Everett,
Cambridge, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have just received your letter of the 3d inst., relative to
the erection of a monument over the spot where the remains of
your late brother are interred. The enclosed copies of a letter
addressed to me by Dr. Parker, and of my reply, will fully
acquaint you with the measures adopted by the Department on
the subject. It is to be apprehended, from the lapse of time
since the latter communication was despatched, that it is now too
late to effect your wish regarding the proposed inscription for the
monument. Had the application reached me at an earlier date,
I would most cheerfully have complied with your request. The
whole is however now in the hands of Dr. Parker, on whose
favorable dispositions, should you think it expedient to address
him on the subject, you may implicitly rely.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. TOD.
No. 10. Department of State,
Washington, 8th May, 1848.
To David Tod, Esquire,
etc., etc., etc..
Sir : —
Your despatches to No. 19, inclusive, have been received.
In your No. 16 of the 30th December, last, you say that the Min-
ister for Foreign Affairs asks for further delay upon the sub-
ject of the claims of citizens of the United States against the
Brazilian Government, until he shall have heard of the result of
new instructions which had been given to Mr. Leal in regard to
the case of Lieutenant Davis and the seamen of the Saratoga.
You add that you were not advised as to the character of these
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 423.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Brazil, XV. 164.
1848] TO MR. CAMPBELL 61
new instructions. The Department is equally uninfoi-med. No
communication upon the subject has been received from Mr. Leal,
and he says that no fresh instructions in regard to it have reached
him. Under these circumstances, that government cannot, it is
conceived, with propriety allege a similar excuse for delay in
answer to another application for i-edress, which you will prefer
at the earliest suitable opportunity after you shall have received
this instruction.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON A TREATY WITH AUSTRIA.'
[May 9, 1848.]
To THE Senate of the United States :
I herewith communicate to the Senate, for their consideration, with a
view to its ratification, a convention for the extension of certain stipulations,''
contained in the treaty of commerce and navigation of August 27, 1829,
between the United States and Austria, concluded and signed in this city
on the 8th instant by the respective plenipotentiaries.
James K. Polk.
Washington, May 9th, 1848.
TO MR. CAMPBELL.'
Dept. of State,
II May, 1848.
R. B. Campbell E.sq.
U. S. Consul, Havana.
Sir,
I transmit herewith a copy of a letter addressed to this Dept.
by John O'Sullivan, Esqr., wherein it is stated that " a man
claiming to be a free born American is now, or was recently,
held as a slave in the Island of Cuba." Should there be a just
foundation for this statement, the facts alleged in the communi-
cation of Mr. O'S., and the name of the person said to be held
in slavery, therein furnished, will, it is presumed, enable you to
^Senate Executive Journal, VII. 411.
"Relating to disposal of property, etc.
^MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 466.
62 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
identify the individual, without difficulty. In such event, I have
to request your prompt & earnest investigation of the matter,
involving so gross a violation of law & humanity, & appealing
so forcibly to this Government for its immediate interposition.
I entertain not a doubt that' the Authorities of the Island will
send you every aid & support which honor & good faith so
imperiously demand at their hands. What measure of satisfac-
tion for the grievous wrongs of so many years (should they be
established) ought to accompany the liberation of the individual,
is referred to your judgment after you shall have obtained a
knowledge of all the circumstances. Should this become neces-
sary, you will promote the institution of such legal proceedings
as may be best calculated to do justice to the unfortunate indi-
vidual who has been held so long in bondage. I have to request
that you will consider the name of Mr. O' Sullivan communicated
strictly in confidence, and that you will report to the Department
on this matter as early as practicable.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.'
Department of State,
Washington, nth May, 1848.
To THE President of the Senate :
The Secretary of State, in answer to a resolution of the
Senate of the 2d of February last, referring to him " the me-
morial of A. A. Frazier, for himself and Alvin Baker, owners of
the Brig Douglass, praying indemnity for losses caused by the
alleged wrongful seizure " of that vessel " by a British Cruiser,"
and directing him " to communicate to the Senate the originals
or copies of all depositions and other documents and papers in his
Department relating to said case. And likewise such corres-
pondence as may have been had with the British Government,
or its officers, and our own, in relation thereto, which in his
opinion may be made public consistently with the public inter-
ests," &c., respectfully reports : That he has caused a careful
examination to be made of the files of this Department, from
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 253; S. Ex. Doc. 44, 30
Cong. I Sess. i.
1848] TO THE SENATE 63
which it appears that all documents, papers, and correspondence
in its possession, relating to the case of the Douglass, have already
been published in two Executive documents : the first document,
No. 115, communicated to the House of Representatives on the
3rd of March, 1841, and the second. Senate Document No. 377,
of June 6th, 1846.
The Secretary of State has the honor of transmitting to the
Senate, for their convenience, a memorandum containing par-
ticular references to the pages of the printed documents in which
the papers relating to the Douglass will be found. He would
transmit the original papers, as this seems to have been contem-
plated by the Senate; but many of them are contained in bound
volumes, which renders this almost impracticable.
The Secretary of State is, also, instructed to " make a report
on said case as presented to his Department." On this branch
of the Resolution he would respectfully observe, that before he
came into the Department, the claim which had been urged by
this Government in behalf of Messrs. Frazier and Baker against
the Government of Great Britain for indemnity on account of
the capture and detention of the Brig " Douglass," in October,
1839, had been abandoned; and it has been impossible for him,
consistently with the performance of other duties, to give the
subject such a thorough examination as he could have desired.
He is very clearly of opinion, however, that the " Douglass " was
captured and detained in violation of the law of Nations and the
rights of the American Flag; and it was therefore the duty of
this Government to hold that of Great Britain responsible. In-
deed the illegality of this capture and detention has been admitted
by the British Government. Whether the Government of the
United States, by abandoning the claim for indemnity against
the British Government, has under all the circumstances rendered
itself responsible to the claimants, and, if so, what ought to be
the amount of this indemnity, are questions on which, under his
construction of the Resolution, he is not required to express an
opinion. Indeed these questions would seem more appropriately
to belong to the Legislative than to the Executive Branch of the
Government. Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
P. S. — The memorial is herewith returned.
64 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. SULLIVAN ET AL.'
Department of State,
Washington, nth May, 1848.
Joseph Sullivan & Sons,
C. R. Hardesty, &c., &c.
Baltimore, Md.
Gentlemen :
Your recent letter, requesting such notice on the part of
this Department as will lead to the adoption and establishment
by the different Governments of Europe, and especially that of
France, of a more liberal policy in regard to American tobacco,
has been duly received. The subject is one which had already
claimed my notice ; yet in accordance with your wishes the atten-
tion of our Minister at Paris has been particularly invited to it,
and he has at the same time been furnished with proper instruc-
tions and a copy of your letter to me of the 17th ultimo.
I am. Gentlemen, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. LIVINGSTON.^
Department of State,
Washington, 13th May, 1848.
To Vanbrugh Livingston, 8zc. &c. &c.
Sir: You are the first Diplomatic agent which this govern-
ment has appointed to reside at the Capital of Ecuador. The
importance of your mission is enhanced by this circumstance.
The impression which your personal conduct and character may
make upon the authorities of that government will have great
influence, not only upon the result of your official proceedings,
but upon the reputation of your country. You will omit no
proper opportunity to declare that our delay in establishing a
regular mission at Quito ought not to be imputed to any want of
interest in the welfare of Ecuador as an independent American
Republic. On the contrary, we have always felt the liveliest sym-
pathy with her fortunes as well as with those of our other Sister
Republics of this hemisphere, and have expressed this sentiment,
and acted in accordance with it, upon every suitable occasion.
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 424.
°MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Ecuador, I. 3.
1848] TO MR. LIVINGSTON 65
The military and naval expedition which General Flores,
formerly President of Ecuador, organised a year or two since in
Europe for the supposed purpose of recovering his authority,
connived at as it was believed to have been by some of the
monarchical governments of that quarter, created great alarm,
not only, in Ecuador itself but in the neighboring Republics, from
the apprehension that its ulterior were more extensive and im-
portant than its ostensible designs. It was fortunately arrested,
however, before its departure. Senor Don Manuel Bustamente,
the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, addressed to this
Department an interesting communication upon the subject under
date the 26th November, 1846, which was received about the
same time that intelligence of the failure of the expedition reached
this City. Owing to this circumstance, the note was not formally
answered, as any proceedings of this government with reference
to the expedition were rendered unnecessary. General Castilla,
the President of Peru, also made an informal application in
regard to it to Mr. Prevost, the Consul of the United States
at Lima. The accompanying extract from a letter of this De-
partment to Mr. Prevost embodies the views of the President
relative to the expedition, and you may at a proper time com-
municate the same to the Ecuadorian Minister for Foreign
Affairs.
You will also assure him that the intervention or dictation,
direct or indirect, of European governments in the affairs of
the Independent States of the American Hemisphere will never
be viewed with indifference by the government of the United
States. On the contrary, all the moral means, at least, within
their power, shall upon every occasion be employed to discourage
and arrest such interference.
The commercial relations between the- United States and
Ecuador are regulated by the Treaty signed at Quito on the
13th of June, 1839. The operation of this Treaty is believed
to have been mutually advantageous. It is certain that this
Department is not aware of any thing to the contrary. A part
of your duty will be to watch over its execution by the govern-
ment of Ecuador. Before, however, you make any applications
to that Government on behalf of our citizens who may suppose
themselves to have been aggrieved by infractions of its provis-
ions, you will be satisfied that they have reasonable cause for
complaint and that they have ineffectually endeavored to obtain
redress by means of the appropriate judicial tribunals.
Vol. VIII— 5
66 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
When the RepubHc of Columbia ^ was dismembered, at the
close of the year 1829, citizens of the United States held unsatis-
fied claims against its government to a considerable amount.
You will herewith receive a list of such of these claims as are
known to the Department. There are others, in some of which
the interposition of this govemmefit has not been asked, but where
the parties themselves or their agents have applied directly to
our diplomatic representatives in those countries. The claims
in the cases of the brig Josephine and schooner Ranger were ad-
justed by a Convention between Mr. Moore, our Minister at
Bogota, and Mr. Vergara, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of
Columbia, dated 25th November, 1829. Of this Convention you
will herewith receive an authenticated copy. You will see that
its validity was to depend upon the approbation of President
Bolivar, who at the time of its conclusion was absent from
Bogota. That approbation was expressed in the note of Mr.
Caycedo to Mr. Moore, of the 5th February, 1830, of which a
copy is likewise herewith furnished. The Convention stipulated
for the payment of the indemnities within six months from its
date. In consequence, however, of the dissolution of the govern-
ment of Columbia and of other causes, the payments were not
made as promised. Although this government has always main-
tained that the three States of which the Republic of Columbia
was composed are jointly and severally liable for the claims
of our citizens against that Republic, yet, from consideration for
the condition of those States, it was deemed advisable to reserve
the application of this principle and to await the result of such
arrangements as they might make among themselves for the
adjustment of these claims. This was effected by the Treaty
between New Granada and Venezuela of the 23d December,
1834, which was subsequently acceded to by Ecuador. Pursuant
to that Treaty, New Granada became responsible for fifty, Vene-
zuela for twenty-eight and a half, and Ecuador for twenty-one
and a half per cent, of the debts of the Republic of Columbia.
Upon this basis New Granada and Venezuela have both paid their
proportion of the claims in the cases of the Josephine and Ranger.
From the terms of the Convention between Mr. Moore and Mr.
' This word is usually spelled " Columbia " in this instruction, a circum-
stance no doubt due to the mistake or ignorance of the copyist. It is to be
remembered that the records of instructions in the Department of State are
not original records, but merely copies, in which copyists' errors are often
manifest.
1848] TO MR. LIVINGSTON 67
Vergara, in connexion with those of the Treaty for the partition
of the debts of Columbia, you will have no difficulty in computing
the amount due by Ecuador in these two cases. The accompany-
ing copy of a letter to this Department under date the 4th inst.,
from Mr. Toby, the President of the Insurance Company of the
State of Pennsylvania, the party interested in the first mentioned
claim, contains a further, and, it is not doubted, a correct state-
ment of the amount due by Ecuador in that case. From the facts
which have been mentioned in regard to these two claims, they
may be said to rest upon peculiar grounds. They were presented
to the government of Ecuador by Mr. Pickett, in 1839, after the
signature of our Treaty with that Republic, but as his ultimate
destination was to Lima as Charge d' Affaires of the United
States to Peru, he probably did not deem himself warranted
in tarrying at Quito long enough to settle them. It will conse-
quently be your duty, as soon as may be convenient after you shall
have been received by that government, again to invite its atten-
tion to them and to request that prompt provision may be made
for the payment of the amount due. The sum due by Venezuela
in the case of the brig Morris was settled by Mr. Allen A. Hall,
when Charge d'Affaires of the United States at Caracas. The
particulars of the adjustment are contained in his despatch No.
31, to this Department, of the 2nd March, 1843, ^ copy of which
you will receive herewith. The amount due by New Granada in
this case was determined by the Convention between Mr. Black-
ford, when Charge d'Afifaires of the United States at Bogota,
and the Minister for foreign affairs of that Republic, a copy of
which is also herewith communicated to you. Venezuela has
already paid her proportion in the case of the Morris, and New
Granada has paid hers in part. A transcript of the Convention
between Mr. Shields, the Charge d'Affaires of the United States
at Caracas, and Mr. Manrique, the Minister for Foreign Affairs
of Venezuela, for the adjustment of the claim in the case of the
brig Native, is likewise one of the accompanying papers. No
information has been received of the acknowledgment of this
claim by the Government of New Granada.
In a despatch to the Department of the 3d of last month,
Mr. Shields states that he was in the act of concluding a Con-
vention for the adjustment of the claim in the case of the Sarah
Wilson. A copy of this Convention shall be forwarded to you as
soon as it is received from Mr. Shields. That gentleman and also
Mr. Bidlack, the Charge d'Affaires of the United States at
68 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Bogota, will be instructed to transmit to you attested copies
of such documentary proof as you may require and their respec-
tive Legations may contain. These claims are of ancient date,
and it has become necessary that they should now be adjusted.
The Government of the United States, actuated by the most
friendly feelings towards Ecuador, have waited long and patiently
for their liquidation ; but the time has now arrived when we must
insist upon prompt action. Whilst this ought to be done in a
kind spirit, it is due to our injured citizens that you should urge
their rights with firmness and decision. It is presumed that in
the cases of the Josephine and Ranger there can be no pretext for
further delay. The other two Republics which constituted parts
of Colombia have already paid their proportions of these claims ;
and it remains for Ecuador but to follow their example. Nor
can there be any reason for delay in the case of the Morris. That
claim has been adjusted by New Granada and Venezuela; and
a part of the proportion of the former and the whole of that of
the latter have already been paid.
No doubt is entertained of the justice of the claims in the
cases of the Native and the Sarah Wilson.
One of the main purposes for which your mission was estab-
lished was to procure a final settlement and payment of these and
other claims against the Government of Ecuador, and the Presi-
dent confidently expects that you will devote your best efforts to
accomplish the object.
Each of the claims against the Government of New Granada
and Venezuela has been adjusted singly by our Charge d'Afif aires
at Bogota and Caracas; & it is presumed that you had better
pursue a similar course in regard to the corresponding claims
against Ecuador. If, however, that Government should prefer
to conclude a formal convention for the payment of all the just
claims of American Citizens, I can perceive no objection to this
course. In such event, you will take care that this shall specify
individually the cases embraced by it as well as the amount
allowed in each; so that other claims which may not have been
presented shall be saved.
Although this Government would be justified in demanding
a prompt payment of the whole amount of these claims, yet
you are authorised to agree, should this become necessary, that
they, or either of them, may be paid in not more than five annual
instalments, with six per cent, interest. You will thus perceive
that we are still willing to grant to our sister Republic every in-
1848] TO MR. WELLS 69
dulgence not inconsistent with the duty we owe to the American
claimants. I am, sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. WELLS.'
(Circular.) Department of State,
Washington, i6th May, 1848.
Lemuel Wells, Esqre.,
U. S. C. St. Catherine's Island.
Sir : Samuel F. Tracy, of New York, the owner of the Brig
" Caroline," Edwin Bartlett, of the same City, a Shipper of a
part of her Cargo, and several Insurance Companies, have ad-
dressed a communication to the Department stating that that
Vessel was, without authority or necessity, taken into St. Cather-
ine's in Brazil in June, 1847, where her Master, E. M. Jefferson,
cau.sed her to be condemned as unseaworthy. That she was con-
sequently sold, and a large part of her Cargo, also ; that not hav-
ing received any of the proceeds, they have appointed Mr. James
Birckhead of Rio de Janeiro to assist them in recovering them,
and they request that you may be directed to extend to him your
friendly cooperation towards accomplishing this object. Al-
though it is not doubted that you would cheerfully do this without
any special instruction from this Department, yet the application
comes from parties of such respectability, and relates to what
seems to have been an act of such flagrant barratry, that I can-
not hesitate to accede to it.
You will accordingly aid Mr. Birckhead in any way you
can, which, in your opinion, may tend to secure the object in view
and promote the ends of justice.
I am, Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
Same circular as the preceding sent to Robert M. Hamilton,
Esqre., U. S. Consul, Montevideo.
"MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 73; S. Ex.
Doc. 52, 43 Cong. I Sess. 5. A claim in this case was afterwards presented
to the Brazilian Government, which paid it in 1867 ; but the money was re-
funded by the United States, on the strength of an opinion of the Attorney
General of the United States that Brazil was not internationally liable for
the misconduct of the judge who condemned the vessel. See Moore's Inter-
national Arbitrations, II. 1342. No diplomatic claim was made in the time
of Mr. Buchanan as Secretary of State.
70 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO M. BOURBOULON/
Department of State,
Washington, i8th May, 1848.
Mr. a. Bourboulon,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Under date of the 14th February last, Mr. Pageot communi-
cated to this Department a copy of Captain Buisson's account
of the seizure and detention of his vessel, the " Sultan," before
Vera Cruz, by the American Squadron, and recommended the
case to the justice and equity of this Government. I accordingly
lost no time in submitting the matter to the Secretary of the
Navy, who caused an enquiry to be instituted into the facts of
the case, which has resulted in a report from Commodore Perry
on the subject, of which report I have the honor, herewith, to
enclose you a copy. From this, it will be seen that the circum-
stances of the case have been incorrectly stated by Captain Buis-
son, and that the conduct of the American Naval Officers con-
cerned in the seizure of the " Sultan," so far from furnishing
good ground of complaint, is characterized by great forbearance
and liberality.
I avail myself of the occasion to offer you the assurance of
my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MANN.
Department of State,
Washington, 29th May, 1848.
A. Dudley Mann, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 20, inclusive, have been duly received
and submitted to the President. The judicious, able, and satis-
factory manner in , which you have discharged all the duties
confided to you, and the successful results which have attended
your efforts to promote the interests of commerce and navigation
between the United States and Germany, have received his un-
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 118.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions to Diplomatic Agents, &c., 13.
1848] TO MR. MANN 71
qualified approbation. It gratifies me to add, that I have found
your communications replete with information — ^historical, politi-
cal, statistical, commercial, and agricultural — of a highly impor-
tant character. I have, also, to thank you for the remarks, v^'ith
which your despatches are interspersed, relative to the progress
of events and the advance of liberal principles in Europe, and
especially in Germany, since the late French Revolution has given
a new impulse to the efforts of the people of so many of the
Continental Sovereignties in asserting their rights and reforming
their governments.
With reference to my letter of the 4th ultimo, it is proper to
state, that as the omission of the Senate to pass upon the Mecklen-
burg-Schwerin Declaration of Accession has rendered it imprac-
ticable to close your mission on the ist of May, the period therein
designated is hereby extended until the 20th of July next (a
sufficient time, it is presumed, to effect that object) ; and, in
the settlement of your accounts at the Treasury, compensation
will accordingly be allowed you up to the latter date.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Ja]\ies Buchanan.
TO MR. MANN.^
Department of State,
Washington, 29th May, 1848.
A. Dudley Mann, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
The Declaration of Accession of the Grand Duchy of Meck-
lenburg-Schwerin to the Hanoverian Treaty was not ratified
by the Senate until the i8th instant. This delay was occasioned,
on the part of that Body, not by any want of a due sense of the
importance of the measure, but by the pressure of other important
subjects of a more exciting character, and of more immediate
urgency. The President is deeply anxious to cultivate the most
friendly relations with the German States. He is convinced that
the extension of our commerce with Germany could not fail
to strengthen these relations, whilst it would be productive of
great and substantial benefits to both countries. He regrets ex-
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions to Diplomatic Agents, &c., 14.
72 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ceedingly, therefore, that the action of the Senate upon the
Declaration of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was so long delayed as to
render it quite impossible that his ratification of it should be
made known to that Government within the stipulated period of
six months from the 9th December, 1847, the date of the ex-
change of the Declarations between yourself and the Baron de
Lutzon. In our anxiety, however, to give effect to the Declara-
tion, the Department has appointed Dennis Corcoran, Esquire, of
New Orleans, a Special Messenger, to bear the ratification of the
President tO' you at Frankfort, with the least possible delay ; and
it is hoped that the few days which must elapse, after the gth
June, before you can deliver it to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs at Schwerin, will not interpose any obstacle to its accept-
ance by that Government.
Upon your arrival at Schwerin, I would suggest that you
might address a note to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, request-
ing that the Government of Mecklenburg-Schwerin would agree
to accept the President's ratification of the Declaration, with
the same effect to all intents and purposes as though it had been
officially communicated to that Government before the 9th day
of June, 1848. This note would, of course, explain the reasons
for the delay. Should any other mode of attaining the end be
deemed more expedient, in your judgment, than that suggested,
you will adopt it. It is indispensable, however, that the Govern-
ment of Mecklenburg, by an official Declaration, in some form
or other, should agree to receive the President's ratification, with
the same effect as though it had been delivered before the 9th
June; otherwise it would "be rendered null and void to all in-
tents and purposes." Until the Department shall receive official
information that this has been done, the President cannot, of
course, proclaim as law the Declaration of Accession; but no
time shall be lost in issuing this Proclamation whenever such
information shall be received.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
Tames Buchanan.
1848] TO MR. INGERSOLL 73
TO MR. INGERSOLL.'
Department of State,
Washington, 31st May, 1848.
Dear Sir:
A case has recently occurred which proves the necessity of
legislation on the part of Congress for the purpose of executing
the loth Article of the Treaty of Washington of the 9th August,
1842, between the United States and Great Britain.
One Burr Seely made his escape from Montreal into St.
Lawrence County, New York, in February last, charged with the
crime of Forgery. He was pursued by the Canadian authorities ;
but the State Magistrates, although the proof of his guilt was
clear, refused to grant a warrant for his apprehension under the
Treaty. This refusal was based upon two grounds, i. They had
no jurisdiction. 2. That if they had, they were not obliged to act.
I presume it is well settled that State Magistrates have
authority, tho' they could not be compelled to act in such cases.
Throughout the whole Northern District of New York there
is but one Judicial Officer, the Judge of the District, who would
be bound to execute the Treaty. His remote residence from the
frontier, as well as his frequent absence from home in the dis-
charge of his official duties, renders it impossible that he can
give full effect to the loth Article of the Treaty. Fugitives in
almost every instance would make their escape before the Cana-
dian authorities could reach him and obtain warrant of arrest.
Hitherto the State Magistrates have always received the
necessary proof and issued warrants without difficulty; but it is
now apprehended they will not do so hereafter. Under these cir-
cumstances. Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires has
appealed to this Department, and asked the Government of the
United States to provide additional means to secure the faithful
execution of the loth Article of the Treaty of Washington.
For these reasons, I have the honor of submitting to you as
Chairman of the Committee of the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives all the correspondence and documents upon the
subject, in the expectation that such legislation may be provided
as will hereafter secure the faithful execution of the Treaty.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Hon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, Chairman of the Committee on
the Judiciary of the Ho. of Reps.
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 254.
74 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 31st May, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolution
of the Senate of the 30th Instant, requesting the President " to
send to the Senate, if in his judgment not inconsistent with the
public interest, a copy of any communication from Commodore
Perry or from any other authentic source, containing additional
information connected with the existing condition of affairs in
Yucatan," has the honor to lay before the President a translation
of a note under date the 23rd Instant, addressed to this Depart-
ment by Mr. Sierra, the Commissioner of Yucatan. This note
contains all the information in the possession of this Department
relative to the condition of affairs in that State which has not
already been communicated to the Senate.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
To the President of the United States.
TO MR. APPLETON.^
No. 2. Department of State,
Washington, i June, 1848.
John Appleton, Esquire, &c.
Sir: The Republic of Bolivia, to which you are accredited
as Charge d' Affaires, is the only one of the independent States
of the American Continent which has never been visited either
by a diplomatic or consular agent of the United States. The
important duty is, therefore, confided to you of opening diplo-
matic relations with that Republic.
You may assure the Bolivian Government that this delay
(in accrediting a minister to them) has not been occasioned
by any want of the most friendly feelings on our part.
The early and decided stand which the people of the United
States and their government took in recognizing the independence
of the Spanish American Republics is known to the world. Ever
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 254 ; S. Ex. Doc. 49, 30
Cong. I Sess. i. This report was transmitted by President Polk to the
Senate on the same day.
" MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Bolivia, I. 2.
1848] TO MR. APPLETON 75
since that period, we have felt the most Hvely interest in their
prosperity and the strongest desire to see them elevated, under
free, stable, and Republican Governments, to a high rank among
the nations of the earth. We entertain a cordial sympathy for
all the Republics on this continent, and desire nothing more than
that their course should be prosperous and onward, securing the
blessings of liberty and order to their people. This delay has,
on the contrary, arisen solely from the fact that the territories
of the Bolivian Republic lie chiefly in the interior of South
America, and that for want of good ports on the Pacific our
commercial intercourse with them has been of a very limited
character. It is believed that Cobeja is the only Bolivian port,
and this is but little frequented. It is understood that the Govern-
ments of Peru and Bolivia have been in Treaty for the cession
of the Port of Arica from the former to the latter; and whilst
this could not materially injure Peru, it would be of essential ad-
vantage to Bolivia, as well as to the commerce of our country.
Without attempting to interfere with the domestic concerns of
either of these Republics, you might, should an opportunity offer,
by your counsel and advice promote this cession. Arica would
seem naturally to belong to Bolivia; and of this that Republic
cannot fail to be rendered more deeply sensible by the onerous
transit duties which are now levied at Arica upon merchandise
destined for consumption in Bolivia. The truth is, that so long
as Arica shall continue to be a Peruvian port, it will be a per-
petual cause of irritation between these Republics and will always
endanger their friendly relations with each other.
The principal object of your mission is to cultivate the most
friendly relations with Bolivia. The enemies of free Government
throughout the world point with satisfaction to the perpetual
revolutions and changes in the Spanish American Republics.
They hence argue that man is not fit for self Government ; and it
is greatly to be deplored that the instability of these Republics
and in many instances their disregard for private rights have
afforded a pretext for such an unfounded assumption. Liberty
cannot be preserved without order; and this can only spring from
a sacred observance of law. So long as it shall be in the power
of successive military Chieftains to subvert the Governments of
these Republics by the sword, their people cannot expect to enjoy
the blessings of liberty. Anarchy, confusion, and civil war must
be the result. In your intercourse with the Bolivian authorities
you will omit no opportunity of pressing these truths upon them.
76 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
and of presenting to them the example of our own country, where
all controversies are decided at the ballot box. These truths
you will endeavor to impress upon those whom you may meet in
society, and you will avail yourself of all suitable opportunities
to strengthen, in a becoming manner, the opinions which must
already exist in Bolivia in favor of republican institutions.
You will bear in mind, also, the desire of your government
for the mutual friendship and harmony of the South American
Republics, and will always encourage, when you can properly do
so, every measure which may be fairly expected to tend towards
such a result.
Instead of weakening themselves by domestic dissensions,
the Spanish race in these Republics have every motive for union
and harmony. They nearly all have an enemy within their own
bosoms burning for vengeance on account of the supposed wrongs
of centuries, and ever ready, when a favorable opportunity may
offer, to expel or exterminate the descendants of their conquerors.
Already a war of races has arisen between the Indians and the
Spanish in Guatemala and Yucatan, and the civil war now raging
in Venezuela partakes largely of this character. In Bolivia it
is understood that three-fourths of the inhabitants belong to the
Indian race. How unfortunate it is that, under these circum-
stances, the Spanish race there should be weakening themselves
by warring with each other.
The nations on this Continent are placed in a peculiar posi-
tion. Their interests and independence require that they should
establish and maintain an American system of policy for their
protection and security, entirely distinct from that which has so
long prevailed in Europe. To tolerate any interference on the
part of European Governments with controversies in America,
and to suffer them to establish new colonies of their own inter-
mingled with our free Republics, would be to make, to the same
extent, a voluntary sacrifice of our independence. These truths
ought everywhere throughout the continent of America to be
impressed on the public mind.
The direct trade between the United States and Bolivia is
believed to be insignificant, but the inhabitants of that Republic
are known to consume products of the United States to a consider-
able amount which they receive indirectly. These they would
probably use more largely if they were not circuitously conveyed,
and if the mutual wants of the two countries shall be better
understood. One of the purposes of your mission will be to
1848] TO MR. APPLETON 77
accomplish these resuhs. On the 30th November, 1836, during
the brief existence of the Government called the " Peru-Bolivian
Confederation," a Treaty between that Government and the
United States was concluded. That Confederacy, as you are
aware, was composed of the States of North and South Peru and
of the Republic of Bolivia, and General Santa Cruz of that Re-
public was its Executive Chief. Since its dissolution and the
choice of General Castilla as President of Peru, the Peruvian
Government has expressed doubts as to the obligations of Peru
under the Treaty. You will herewith receive a copy of the cor-
respondence on this subject between this Department and Mr.
Osma, the late Minister from Peru at Washington. This cor-
respondence was followed by an authority to him from his Gov-
ernment to conclude a new and separate Treaty with Peru. The
President having empowered me for the same purpose, the
Treaty was signed on the ninth of February last, and is now
before the Senate. You will herewith receive a printed copy of
it. You will, also, have with you a copy of the Treaty which
was concluded between the United States and the Republic of
Ecuador on the 13th of June, 1839. Both these treaties contain
important provisions which are not embraced in the Convention
between this government and the Peru-Bolivian Confederation
of November, 1836, but which it would be desirable to embody
in a new treaty with the Republic of Bolivia. You will take an
early occasion, therefore, to ascertain the views of the Bolivian
Government on this subject, and if you find them favorable,
you may propose a new treaty on the general basis of the treaty
with Ecuador of 1839. If objections should be made to any
of the stipulations of this treaty, which are not of material im-
portance, you will be at liberty to modify them, so as to meet
the wishes of the Bolivian Government, in any way which in your
judgment will be satisfactory to your own government.
Numerous individuals and some associations have applied
to this Department for instructions to our diplomatic agent and
Consuls in Peru to assist them in importing Alpaca sheep into
the United States. Unofficial instructions to that effect have
accordingly been given. The object may be said to be of ma-
terial importance, and its accomplishment by proper means will
reflect credit upon any person who may contribute to that result.
It is understood that the Government of Peru allows those
animals to be exported reluctantly, if at all, and, indeed, has
interposed legal or other impediments thereto. If, as is presumed
78 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
to be the case, Alpacas also abound in Bolivia, it will be desirable
to know whether or not the regulations of that Government in
regard to their exportation are more liberal than those of its
neighbor, and whether this exportation can be advantageously
made.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR, RISE.'
(No. I.) Department of State,
Washington. 3rd June, 1848.
Sir: The great extension which the coast of the United
States on the Pacific has recently attained, followed, as it will
be, by a rapid increase of our population in that quarter, admon-
ishes this government to cultivate and strengthen, in a spirit of
wise forecast, relations of friendship and commerce with the other
governments whose territories border upon that ocean.
When the Federation of the Centre of America was formed,
the government and people of the United States entertained the
highest hopes and felt the warmest desire for its success and
prosperity. Its government was that of a Federal Republic,
composed of the five States of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,
St. Salvador, and Costa Rica, and its constitution nearly re-
sembled that of the United States. This constitution unfor-
tunately endured but a brief period, and the different States of
Central America are now politically independent of each other.
The consequence is that each of them is so feeble as to invite
aggressions from foreign powers. Whilst it is our intention
to maintain our established policy of non-intervention in the con-
cerns of foreign nations, you are instructed by your counsel and
advice, should suitable occasions offer, to promote the reunion of
the States which formed the Federation of Central America.
In a federal union among themselves consists their strength.
They will thus avoid domestic dissensions, and render themselves
respected by the world. These truths you can impress upon them
by the most powerful arguments.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, American States, XV. 51 ;
H. Ex. Doc. 7S, 31 Cong, i Sess. 92. Extract given in Curtis's Buchanan,
I. 621.
1848] TO MR. HISE 79
A principal object of your mission is to cultivate the most
friendly relations with Guatemala. It is now an independent
sovereignty and is by far the most populous and powerful of the
States of the former federation. Whilst representing your Gov-
ernment at Guatemala, however, you will enjoy frequent oppor-
tunities of cultivating friendly relations between the United
States and the other States of Central America, which you will
not fail to embrace.
The enemies of free institutions throughout the world have
been greatly encouraged by the constantly recurring revolutions
and changes in the Spanish-American Republics. They are thus
furnished with arguments against the capacity of man for self-
government. The President and people of the United States
have viewed these incessant changes with the most profound
regret. Both our principles and our policy make us desire that
these Republics should become prosperous and powerful. We
feel a deep interest in their welfare, but this we know can only
be promoted by free and stable governments. The enjoyment
of liberty and the maintenance of private rights 'cannot be secured
without pennanent order, and this can only spring from the
sacred observance of law. So long as successive military chief-
tains shall possess the ability and the will to subvert subsisting
governments by the sword, the inevitable consequences must be
a disregard of personal rights, weakness at home, and want of
character abroad. In your intercourse with the authorities of
Guatemala and the other States of Central America, you will
not fail to impress upon them our example, where all political
controversies are decided at the ballot-box.
I have no doubt that the dissolution of the confederacy of
South America has encouraged Great Britain in her encroach-
ments upon the territories of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica,
under the mask of protecting the so-called kingdom of the Mos-
quitos. We learn that under this pretext she has now obtained pos-
session of the harbor of San Juan de Nicaragua, probably the best
harbor along the whole coast. Her object in this acquisition is
evident from the policy which she has uniformly pursued through-
out her past history, of seizing upon every valuable commercial
point throughout the world, whenever circumstances have placed
this in her power. Her purpose probably is to obtain the control
of the route for a railroad and a canal between the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans, through the lake Nicaragua. In a document
prepared, as it is understood, by Mr. Macgregor, and printed by
80 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
order of the British Parliament, which has been furnished to me
by Mr. Crampton, Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires
to the United States, Great Britain claims the whole of the sea-
coast for the King of the Mosquitos, from Cape Honduras to
Escuda de Veragua. By this means, she would exclude from
the Caribbean Sea the whole of Honduras South of Cape Hon-
duras and the entire States of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, as well
as the New Granadian State of Veragua. Under the assumed
title of protector of the Kingdom of Mosquito, a miserable, de-
graded and insignificant tribe of Indians, she doubtless intends
to acquire an absolute dominion over this vast extent of sea coast.
With what little reason she advances this pretension, appears from
the Convention between Great Britain and Spain, signed at Lon-
don on the 14th Jul)', 1786. By its first article, " His Britannic
Majesty's subjects and the other colonists who have hitherto en-
joyed the protection of England shall evacuate the country of the
Mosquitos, as well as the continent in general, and the Islands
adjacent, without exception, situated beyond the line hereinafter
described, as what ought to be the frontier of the extent of terri-
tory granted by His Catholic Majesty to the English, for the
uses specified in the third article of the present Convention, and
in addition to the country already granted to them in virtue of the
stipulations agreed upon by the Commissioners of the two crowns,
in 1783."
The country granted to them under the Treaties of 1783
and 1786 was altogether embraced within the present British
province of Belize, and was remote from what is now claimed to
be the Mosquito kingdom. The uses specified in the third article
of the Convention were merely, in addition to that of " cuttihg
wood for dyeing," the grant of the liberty of cutting all other
wood, without even excepting mahogany, as well as gathering
all the fruits or produce of the earth, purely natural and unculti-
vated, which may, besides being carried away in their natural
state, become an object of utility or of commerce, whether for
food or for manufactures ; but it is expressly agreed that this
stipulation is never to be used as a pretext for establishing in that
country any plantation of sugar, coffee, cocoa, or other like
articles ; or any fabric or manufacture by means of mills or other
machines whatsoever. (This restriction, however, does not re-
gard the use of saw mills, for cutting or otherwise preparing the
wood.) All the lands in question being indisputably acknowl-
edged to belong of right to the Crown of Spain, no settlements
1848] TO MR. mSE 81
of that kind, or the population which would follow, could be
allowed. "The English shall be permitted to transport and
convey all such wood, and other produce of the place, in its nat-
ural and uncultivated state, down the rivers to the sea, but with-
out ever going beyond the limits which are prescribed to them
by the stipulations above granted, and without thereby taking
an opportunity of ascending the said rivers, beyond their bounds,
into the countries belonging to Spain."
And yet from this simple permission, within certain limits
to cut and carry away all the different kinds of wood and the
" produce of the earth, purely natural and uncultivated," accom-
panied by the most solemn acknowledgment, on the part of Great
Britain, that all the lands in question " belong of right to the
crown of Spain," she has by successive encroachments established
the British Colony of the Belize.
The Government of the United States has not yet determined
what course it will pursue in regard to the encroachments of the
British Government, as protector of the King and Kingdom of
the Mosquitos, but you are instructed to obtain all the informa-
tion within your power upon the nature and extent of these
encroachments and communicate it with the least possible delay
to this Department. We are, also, desirous to learn the number
of the Mosquito tribe, the degree of civilization they have attained,
and everything else concerning them.
The independence as well as the interests of the nations on
this continent require that they should maintain an American
system of policy entirely distinct from that which prevails in
Europe. To suffer any interference on the part of the European
Governments with the domestic concerns of the American Repub-
lics and to permit them to establish new colonies upon this con-
tinent, would be to jeopard their independence and to ruin their
interests. These truths ought everywhere throughout this con-
tinent to be impressed on the public mind. But what can the
United States do to resist such European interference whilst the
Spanish American Republics continue to weaken themselves by
division and civil war and deprive themselves of the ability of
doing anything for their own protection ?
The relations between the United States and the States which
formerly composed the Republic of Central America are of a
character in which this government has always felt a lively in-
terest. On the 22nd of November, 1822, after the Central
American States had achieved their independence of Spain, but
Vol. VIII— 6
82 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
before they were united under a common government, the Con-
gress of St. Salvador passed an Act declaring that State a
member of our Union, and Messrs. Arce and Rodriguez were
sent hither to negotiate with this government upon the subject.
No formal answer was given to the application, but the regard for
our country and the confidence in its institutions which it implied
deserve to be held in respectful remembrance.
The Federation of Central America had not long been
formed, when its government accredited to that of the United
States a Minister Plenipotentiary, with whom, a Treaty was con-
cluded in this City on the 5th of December, 1825. This Treaty
was upon a basis more liberal than any which had previously
been concluded by the United States. Although from the com-
parative insignificance of the commercial marine of that Republic
there might have been cause to apprehend that some of the pro-
visions of the Treaty, though reciprocal in terms, would prove
unequal in their operation, it is believed that no complaints of
this character were made, and that, in fact, there vi^as no cause for
them. Under the authority of the Treaty, consumers in Central
America of articles from Europe or the East Indies derived ad-
vantages from the competition of the intelligence and enterprise
of merchants of the United States in supplying them, far out-
weighing any benefits which that country could possibly have
enjoyed from interposing impediments to the admission of our
vessels and their cargoes. Tliis, indeed, seems to have been the
conviction of the Central American Government itself, so long
as it existed. You will notice that the Treaty was to last twelve
years from the date of the exchange of the ratifications, and that
it did not contain the clause which has since been introduced into
many of our Treaties, providing for its continuance. In conse-
quence of this, in 1838, shortly previous to the expiration of the
Treaty, Mr. De Witt, the Charge d' Affaires of the United States
at Guatemala, was empowered and instructed to renew it. The
new Treaty was accordingly signed on the 14th of July, 1838.
It contained a stipulation that the ratifications were to be ex-
changed in this City within eight months from its date. Mr.
De Witt, having received leave of absence from his post, quitted
that country before the Treaty had been acted upon by the Gov-
ernment of Central America, and when he reached the United
States, bringing the Treaty with him, the period limited for
the exchange of the ratifications had expired. In consequence
of this, the Treaty did not go into operation. Mr. De Witt died
1848] TO MR. HISE 83
soon after his return home, and no successor to him as Charge
d'Affaires of the United States to Central America was appointed.
In the summer of 1839, however, Mr. J. L. Stephens was sent
as special agent of this government to that country, for the pur-
pose, in part, of proposing to the Central American Government
that the ratifications of the Treaty should be exchanged, notwith-
standing the lapse of the time within which that ceremony was
to have taken place. On reaching that country, however, he
was unable to accomplish the object, in consequence of the disso-
lution of the government of Central America.
In the summer of 1841, Mr. W. S. Murphy was also des-
patched as a Special Agent to Central America. It was stated
in his instructions that since the return of Mr. Stephens, there
was reason to believe that a Confederation of some kind and to
some extent had been formed in Central America; that in the
opinion of the President it was desirable that this government
should be in possession of authentic infomiation in regard to
the condition and prospects of that country. If he should find
there any organized government with the title of the " Federa-
tion of Central America," he was to endeavor to effect with it
the arrangement in relation to the Treaty which Mr. Stephens
failed to accomplish. He ascertained that no government existed
with the title above mentioned. He was informed, however,
that there was a league or alliance among the Central American
States, but he did not discover its nature or extent. The De-
partment has reason to believe that since the mission of Mr.
Murphy attempts have been made by some of those States to
form a league for the purpose of transacting business with
foreign powers, but it is doubtful whether any of these attempts
have succeeded, and it is almost certain that at present there is
no federal government in Central America entitled to the privi-
leges or responsible for the duties of a sovereign power.
By a decree bearing date the 21st of March, 1847, the State
of Guatemala declared itself a Free and Independent Republic.
The Department is informed that the government of Guate-
mala has recently expressed a disposition to form a Treaty with
the United States. This disposition is reciprocated by the Presi-
dent. At as early a period, therefore, after you shall have been
received by that government as you may judge proper, you may
inform the Secretary of State of Guatemala that you are an-
powered to negotiate a treaty with his government, and you
will request that, if the Government of Guatemala is disposed to
84 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
enter upon the negotiation, a person may also be empowered
for the same purpose on its part. As it cannot be anticipated
that the Guatemalan Government will object to the Treaty signed
by Mr. De Witt and Mr. Alvarez on behalf of their respective
Governments on the 14th July, 1838, you may propose the adop-
tion of that Treaty between the United States and Guatemala.
It is almost literally identical with the Treaty between the United
States and the Federation of Central America of the 5th Decem-
ber, 1825. The variations between them are mentioned in the
accompanying extract from the instructions of this Department
to Mr. De Witt of the 28th March, 1838.
You are also herewith furnished with a Full Power to con-
clude a Treaty of Commerce with the Republic of San Salvador.
Similar treaties with the other States of Central America would
probably be useful in fostering our trade with them and in pro-
tecting our citizens who may visit or reside in their territories.
It is not, however, deemed advisable to empower you to conclude
a Treaty with either Nicaragua, Honduras, or Costa Rica, until
you shall have communicated to the Department more full and
authentic statistical information in regard to those States than
that which it now possesses. You will accordingly be diligent in
collecting this information, which it would be desirable that the
Department should receive without any delay which can be
avoided.
I am. Sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
To Elijah Hise, Esquire, &c. &c. &c.
TO MR. BILLE.'
Department of State,
Washington, 6th June, 1848.
Mr. Steen Bille,
&c. &c. &c. Philadelphia.
Sir;
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of the 29th ultimo, communicating, by order of your Govern-
ment, an official notice to the Government of the United States
of the Blockade, by the Danish Fleet, of certain Ports in the
^ MSS. Department of State, Notes to Danish Legation, VI. 19.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 85
Baltic, belonging to Prussia and to other Powers with which Den-
mark is at this time engaged in War.
I have to thank }rou, at the same time, for the printed
" Extract," which accompanied your note, embracing the general
regulations adopted by Denmark for the blockade of enemies'
ports and the seizure of their vessels.
I remain, Sir, with great consideration,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MRS. MADISON.'
Department of State,
Washington, June 8th, 1848.
Received from Mrs. D. P. Madison, widow of the late James
Madison, formerly President of the United States, four trunks
containing papers, which are declared by her to be " all the unpub-
lished manuscript papers of the said James Madison, belonging
to and in her possession," agreeably to the deed this day signed
and executed by her, conveying to the United States all her right
and title in and to the said papers, in virtue of an act of Congress
approved May 31, 1848, providing " for the purchase of the
manuscript papers of the late James Madison, formerly President
of the United States."
James Buchanan.
Secretary of State.
TO THE PRESIDENT.^
Department of State,
Washington, June 8th, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred a reso-
lution of the Senate of the 31st Ultimo, in which the President
is requested to communicate to that Body " the correspondence
(not heretofore communicated) between the Secretary of State
and the Minister of the United States at Paris, since the recent
change in the Government of France, provided that, in the opin-
ion of the President, the same may be done without injury to the
^MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 439.
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 255. Transmitted by the
President to the Senate, Jime 12, 1848; S. Ex, Doc. 53, 30 Cong, i Sess. i.
86 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
public interest," has the honor to lay before him a copy of the
papers called for by the Resolution.
All which is respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
To THE PrE-SIDENT OF THE UnITED StATES.
CERTIFICATE OF DELIVERY OF MADISON PAPERS
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.'
[June ID, 1 848. J
Whereas, by an Act of Congress, approved May 31, 1848,
entitled " An act for the purchase of the manuscript papers of
the late James Madison, formerly President of the United States,"
it is provided, " That the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars
be and the same is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to purchase of Mrs. D. P.
Madison, widow of the late James Madison, formerly President
of the United States, all the unpublished manuscript papers of
the said James Madison now belonging to and in her possession,
and upon delivery thereof to the Secretary of State, with a proper
conveyance of title to the United States, the said sum of money,
upon the certificate of the Secretary of State of the delivery and
conveyance of said papers, shall be paid at the Treasury, agree-
ably to the wishes of the said Mrs. Madison, and in the manner
following, namely, five thousand dollars of said sum of twenty-
five thousand dollars, to be paid to her, and tlie residue of
twenty thousand to James Buchanan, now Secretary of State,
John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy, and Richard Smith, Esq.,
of Washington city, to be held, put out to interest, vested in
stocks, or otherwise managed and disposed of by them or the
survivor or survivors of them as Trustees for the said Mrs. Madi-
son according to their best discretion and her best advantage —
the interest or profit arising from the said principal sum to be
paid over to her as the same accrues — the said principal sum to be
and remain inalienable during her life time, as a permanent fund
for her maintenance, but subject to be disposed of as she may
please by her last will and testament,"
Now, therefore.
' MSS. Department of State, 35 Domestic Letters, 440.
1848] TO MR. FLENNIKEN 87
I, James Buchanan, Secretary of State as aforesaid, do here-
by certify that the said manuscript papers have been delivered
to me, with a proper conveyance of title to the United States.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and
caused the seal of this Department to be affixed at Washington,
[Seal] this tenth day of June, one thousand eight hun-
dred and forty-eight.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MEREDITH.'
Washington, June 12, 1848.
My Dear Sir :
I have received an intimation from our friends Fordney and
Reynolds that you are willing to sell the Wheatlands, for the
price which you gave Mr. Potter for them. As I intend, in any
event, to retire from public life on the 4th of March next, I
should be pleased to become the purchaser. The terms of pay-
ment I could make agreeable to yourself; and I should be glad if
you would retain the possession until the autumn. In making
'this offer, I desire to purchase from you just what you purchased
from Mr. Potter, and to pay you the same price which you paid
him. If I have been misinformed in regard to your desire to
sell, I know you will pardon this intrusion.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. FLENNIKEN.^
(No. 3.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th June, 1848.
Robert P. Flenniken, Esqre.,
&c. &c. &c. Copenhagen.
Sir:
I transmit to you, herewith, the commission of Mr. H. T.
A. Rainals, as Consul of the United States for the Port of Elsi-
nore; on the receipt of which you will apply to the Danish Gov-
ernment for an Exequatur, which, when obtained, you will de-
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 2. Mr. Meredith's reply is given at the place
here cited.
""MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Denmark, XIV. 56.
88 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
liver personally, or forward with the commission, to Mr. Rainals,
at the place for which he has been appointed.
Your despatches to No. 35, inclusive, with the exception of
No. 34, have been received. I take the occasion, in acknowledg-
ing these despatches, to thank you for the information which you
have from time to time communicated to the Department, espe-
cially in regard to the difficulties which have involved Denmark
and Germany in an unhappy war.
The assurances privately and confidentially given you, in
reference to the treatment of our ships under the blockade, as
stated in your despatch No. 31, and confirmed by the facts men-
tioned in your No. 33, evince a friendly disposition on the part
of the Danish Government which is highly appreciated by this
Government ; on whose behalf you will take an early and fitting
opportunity to make a due acknowledgment.
The Despatch No. i , which you say has never been received,
was your first letter of instructions, dated the i6th of April of
last year. It was handed to you, with the accompanying papers,
whilst you were still in this City.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. INGERSOLL.'
(No. 6.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th June, 1848.
Ralph J. Ingersoll, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that the President has, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, made choice of
Arthur P. Bagby, of Alabama, as Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States near the Court of
His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias. Mr. Bagby will
proceed upon his mission about the ist of August next, at which
date you are authorized to place the books and archives of the
Legation in the hands of its Secretary, and return to the United
States as you desire, without waiting for the arrival of your
successor ; provided that the absence of a Minister of the United
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Russia, XIV. 82.
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 89
States at that time will, in your opinion, be productive of no
detriment to the public interests. A letter of recall, to be pre-
sented on the occasion of your taking leave of the Emperor, is
accordingly herewith transmitted to you, together with an office
copy of the same.
Your despatches to No. 13, inclusive, have been duly received
at this Department.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR SAUNDERS.'
(No. 20.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th June, 1848.
Romulus M. Saunders, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Information has been confidentially received at this Depart-
ment that a powerful effort will shortly be made at Madrid by the
Cubans and their friends in Spain to obtain a reduction of the
duty on American flour imported into Cuba. The present rate
of duty is enormous and amounts to an almost entire prohibition.
Whilst Spanish flour, imported in Spanish vessels, pays a duty
of $2.00 per barrel, American flour imported in American vessels
is subject to a duty of $9.50 per barrel. The Spanish Govern-
ment attempt to justify this extravagant discrimination by statinq^
that it is necessary to protect the wheat growers of the Peninsula
against foreign competition.
You are instructed to use your best endeavors to have this
duty on American flour reduced to something like a reasonable
standard ; the lower, of course, the better. Both our agricultural
and navigating interests will be greatly benefited by such a reduc-
tion, whilst the consumers of flour in the Island of Cuba will
be relieved from an onerous tax. In accomplishing the object
you may act in concert with them and their agents, so far as, in
your judgment, this may be deemed proper and expedient.
For your information, I transmit, herewith, a copy of the
" Havana Mercantile Weekly Report," and " Extra," of the 27th
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Spain, XIV. 253.
90 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ultimo ; showing the difference of duties paid on Spanish and
Foreign Flour in that Island.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. SAUNDERS.'
(No. 21.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th June, 1848.
Sir : By direction of the President, I now call your atten-
tion to the present condition and future prospects of Cuba. The
fate of this Island must ever be deeply interesting to the people
of the United States. We are content that it shall continue to
be a Colony of Spain. Whilst in her possession we have nothing
to apprehend. Besides, we are bound to her by the ties of ancient
friendship, and we sincerely desire to render these perpetual.
But we can never consent that this Island shall become a
Colony of any other European power. In the possession of
Great Britain or any strong naval power, it might pi"ove ruinous
both to our domestic and foreign commerce, and even endanger
the Union of the States. The highest and first duty of every
independent nation is to provide for its own safety; and acting
upon this principle we should be compelled to resist the acquisi-
tion of Cuba by any powerful maritime State with all the means
which Providence has placed at our command.
Cuba is almost within sight of the coast of Florida. Situ-
ated between that State and the Peninsula of Yucatan and pos-
sessing the deep, capacious, and impregnably fortified harbor of
the Havana, if this Island were under the dominion of Great
Britain, she could command both the inlets to the Gulf of Mexico.
She would thus be enabled in time of war effectively to blockade
the mouth of the Mississippi and to deprive all the western States
of this Union, as well as those within the Gulf, teeming as they
are with an industrious and enterprising population, of a foreign
market for their immense productions. But this is not the worst.
She could, also, destroy the commerce by sea between our ports
on the Gulf and our Atlantic ports, — a commerce of nearly as
great a value as the whole of our foreign trade.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Spain, XIV. 256. Printed,
except paragraphs 4-12. inclusive, in H. Ex. Doc. 121, 32 Cong, i Sess. 42.
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 91
Is there any reason to believe that Great Britain desires to
acquire the Island of Cuba?
We know that it has been her uniform policy throughout
her past history to seize upon every valuable commercial point
throughout the world whenever circumstances have placed this
in her power. And what point so valuable as the Island of
Cuba? The United States are the chief commercial rival
of Great Britain. Our tonnage at the present moment is
nearly equal to hers ; and it will be greater within a brief period,
if nothing should occur to arrest our progress. Of what vast
importance would it then be to her to obtain the possession of
an Island from which she could at any time destroy a very large
proportion both of our foreign and coasting trade. Besides, she
. well knows that if Cuba were in our possession, her West India
Islands would be rendered comparatively valueless. From the
extent and fertility of this Island and from the energy and in-
dustry of our people, we should soon be able to supply the mar-
kets of the world with tropical productions at a cheaper rate
than these could be raised in any of her possessions.
The disposition of Great Britain to extend her dominion
over the most important commercial positions of the globe has
been clearly manifested on a recent occasion. Tempted by the
weakness and disunion of the Central American States, and act-
ing under the mask of a protector to the King and Kingdom
of the Mosquitos, — a miserable, degraded, and paltry tribe of
Indians, — -she is endeavoring to acquire permanent possession
of the entire coast of the Caribbean Sea from Cape Honduras
to Escuda de Veragua. She would thus exclude from that sea
the whole of Honduras South of Cape Honduras, the entire
States of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and the New Granadian
Province of Veragua. And this in express violation of her
Treaty with Spain, of the 14th July, 1786, by which she ac-
knowledged the sovereignty of the King of Spain over the
country of the Mosquitos and agreed to evacuate it within the
period of six months.
I might add, that Great Britain, from a simple permission
by Spain under the Treaties of 1783 and 1786 to cut and carry
away log-wood, mahogany, and other woods, and also the
natural productions of the earth, within certain defined limits,
has, by successive encroachments, established the British Colony
of the Belize. This permission was also accompanied by the
most solemn acknoAA'ledgment on the part of the British Govern-
92 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ment, that all the lands within these limits " belong of right to
the Crown of Spain."
Should Great Britain succeed in her attempts, under the
pretext of being the protector of the King and Kingdom of the
Mosquitos, she will acquire dominion over the whole Coast of
the Caribbean Sea from the mouth of the Rio Honda at the
Northern extremity of the Belize to the Escuda de Veragua in
New Granada, with the exception of that part of the Coast be-
tween the Southern extremity of the Belize and Cape Honduras.
She has already taken forcible possession of the harbor of
San Juan de Nicaragua, probably the best harbor along the
whole coast. Her purpose, doubtless, is to obtain the control
over the communication between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
by the route of the Lake Nicaragua.
The northern boundary of the Belize is only about two
hundred miles from the western extremity of Cuba; and if she
could acquire the sovereignty over this Island, in addition to
what she has already accomplished and is now struggling to
obtain along the Coasts of the Caribbean Sea, our commerce on
that sea, as well as in the Gulf, would be placed at her mercy.
It must be admitted that Great Britain has a much more
plausible pretext for acquiring possession of the Island of Cuba
than she had, as the assumed protector of the Kingdom of Mos-
quito, for seizing upon the Coasts of the Caribbean Sea. The
foreign debt of Spain, according to Macgregor and McCulloch,
amounted in January, 1842, to £65,000,000 sterling. The former
author observes, that " the expenditure of Spain exceeds her
interest without paying a real towards the interest of the foreign
debt:" and the latter asserts with justice that "a large amount
of this debt is due to the English ; and the interest on it has not
been paid for a lengthened period." ^
Lord George Bentinck in a debate on the subject of the
Spanish debt, in the House of Commons, on the 7th July, 1847,
with the best means of obtaining information, stated with confi-
dence the amount of the debt due by Spain to British subjects, on
which no interest was paid, to be £46,000,000 sterling, — say
$230,000,000.^ In his speech. Lord Bentinck attempted to prove
both the right and the duty of Great Britain to go to w;ar with
' Macgregor's Com. Regulations, vol. 3, p. 89, title Spain ; McCulloch's
Gazetteer, p. 45.
' Hansard, vol. 93, p. 285. Vide Niles' Register, vol. 72, p. 387.
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 93
Spain for the recovery of this debt, if the object could not other-
wise be accomphshed; and he significantly referred to the rev-
enues of the Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico as furnishing ample
means not only for the payment of the interest, but for the liqui-
dation of the principal. Lord Palmerston, in reply, admitted the
right of the British Government to wage war against Spain for
the recovery of this debt; but denied its expediency, under the
then existing circumstances. He concluded his remarks, how-
ever, by stating : " But this is a question of expediency, and
not a question of power; therefore, let no foreign country who
has done wrong to British subjects deceive itself by a false im-
pression either that the British nation or the British Pariiament
will forever remain patient under the wrong; or that, if called
upon to enforce the rights of the people of England, the Govern-
ment of England will not have ample power and means at its com-
mand to obtain justice for them."
Lord George Bentinck was so well satisfied with the speech
of Lord Palmerston that he withdrew his motion for an address
to Her Majesty to take such steps as she might deem advisable
" to secure for the British holders of unpaid Spanish Bonds
redress from the Government of Spain," observing : " After
the tone taken by my noble friend, I am sure there will be nothing
left to be wished for by the Spanish Bondholders. Li the lan-
guage of my noble friend, coupled with the course he has adopted
upon former occasions as regards the payment of British subjects
by Portugal and the South American States, the British holders
of Spanish Bonds have full security that he will in other cases
exercise the same energy when the proper time arrives to have
it exercised, in the case of other subjects of the Crown. Such an
intimation has been given in the tone and language of my noble
friend to the Spanish nation; and I doubt not they will set
themselves to work with very little loss of time to do justice to
the foreign creditors of Spain."
At the present moment, it is not improbable that a rupture
between Great Britain and Spain, may be impending. The
Spanish Government, whether with justice or not we have not
yet the means of judging, have adopted the very strong and
unusual measure of sending Sir Henry Bulwer, Her Britannic
Majesty's Minister, his passports, and ordering him to quit the
Kingdom within forty-eight hours. Should hostilities result
from this proceeding, no doubt can be entertained that Great
Britain would immediately seize upon Cuba. In any event, it is
94 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
almost certain that upon the occurrence of the first favorable
opportunity she will endeavor to obtain a cession of this Island
for the ostensible purpose of discharging the debts due to her
subjects from the Spanish Government. And it may here be
observed that these are rapidly accumulating by the addition of
the accruing interest.
But let me present another view of the subject. If Cuba
were annexed to the United States, we should not only be re-
lieved from the apprehensions which we can never cease to feel
for our own safety and the security of our commerce whilst it
shall remain in its present condition, but human foresight cannot
anticipate the beneficial consequences which would result to every
portion of our Union. This can never become a local question.
T. With suitable fortifications at the Tortugas, and in pos-
session of the strongly fortified harbor of Havana as a naval
station on the opposite Coast of Cuba, we could command the
outlet of the Gulf of Mexico between the Peninsula of Florida
and that Island. This would afford ample security both to the
foreign and coasting trade of the Western and Southern States
which seek a market for their surplus productions through the
Ports on the Gulf.
2. Under the Government of the United States, Cuba would
become the richest and most fertile Island of the same extent
throughout the world. According to Macgregor's Commercial
regulations and his Commercial Statistics, " In 1830, of the
468,523 caballerias of 32 English acres of land, which compose
the whole territory, 38,276 were under sugar, coffee, tobacco,
garden, and fruit cultivation, and 9,734 in grazing grounds and
in unfelled woods belonging to sugar and coffee estates." Tt
thus appears that in 1830 less than one-twelfth of the whole
Island was under cultivation. The same author says, " we Kave
no accounts of the present extent of cultivation in Cuba ; but by
comparing the value of the exportable produce of 1830 with that
of 1842, and by various estimates, we consider it probable that
the lands under sugar, coffee, tobacco, and gardens, may fairly
be estimated at 54,000 caballerias, or 1.728,000 acres." Ac-
cording to this estimate, between one-eighth and one-ninth, only,
of the whole Island was under cultivation in 1842. The author
proceeds, — " If we compare this extent with the remaining vast
areas of the fertile soil of Cuba which are still uncultivated, and
the produce which the whole Island at present yields, it can
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 95
scarcely be an exaggeration to say, that Europe might draw, as
much Coffee and Sugar from Cuba alone as the quantity already
consumed."
Mr. Macgregor states the aggregate population of Cuba, in
the year 1841, to have been only 1,007,624; but from the data
which have just been presented, it may be fairly inferred that
the Island of Cuba is capable of sustaining in comfort a popula-
tion of ten millions of inhabitants.
Were Cuba a portion of the United States, it would be
difficult to estimate the amount of breadstuffs, rice, cotton, and
other agricultural, as well as manufacturing and mechanical
productions — of lumber, of the products of our fisheries, and
of other articles, which would find a market in that Island, in
exchange for their coffee, sugar, tobacco, and other productions.
This would go on, increasing with the increase of its population
and the development of its resources ; and all portions of the
Union would be benefited by the trade.
Desirable, however, as the possession of this Island may be
to the United States, we would not acquire it except by the free
consent of Spain. Any acquisition not sanctioned by justice
and honor would be too dearly purchased. Whilst such is the
determination of the President, it is supposed that the present
relations between Cuba and Spain might incline the Spanish
Government to cede the Island to the United States, upon the
payment of a fair and full consideration. We have received
information from various sources, both official and unofficial,
that among the Creoles of Cuba there has long existed a deep-
rooted hostility to Spanish dominion. The revolutions which are
rapidly succeeding each other throughout the world have inspired
the Cubans with an ardent and irrepressible desire to achieve their
independence. Indeed, we are informed by the Consul of the
United States at the Havana that " there appears every probabil-
ity that the Island will soon be in a State of civil war." He also
states, that " efforts are now being made to raise money for that
purpose in the United States, and there will be attempts to induce
a few of the volunteer regiments now in Mexico to obtain their
discharge and join in the Revolution."
I need scarcely inform you that the Government of the
United States has had no agency whatever in exciting the spirit
of disaffection among the Cubans. Very far from it. A short
time after we received this information from our Consul, I ad-
dressed a despatch to him, of which I transmit you a copy, dated
96 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
on the 9th Instant, from which you will perceive that I have
warned him to keep a watchful guard both upon his words and
actions, so as to avoid even the least suspicion that he had en-
couraged the Cubans to rise in insurrection against the Spanish
Government. I stated, also, that the relations between Spain
and the United States had long been of the most friendly char-
acter; and both honor and duty required that we should take no
part in the struggle which he seemed to think was impending.
I informed him that it would certainly " become the duty of
this Government to use all proper means to prevent any of our
volunteer regiments, now in Mexico, from violating the neutrality
of the country by joining in the proposed civil war of the Cubans
against Spain."
Since the date of my despatch to him, this duty has been
performed. The Secretary of War, by command of the Presi-
dent, on the day following, (June loth), addressed an order to
our commanding general in Mexico, and also to the officer having
charge of the embarkation of our troops at Vera Cruz, (of which
I transmit you a copy,) directing each of them " to use all proper
measures to counteract any such plan, if one should be on foot; "
and instructing them " to give orders that the transports, on
which the troops may embark, proceed directly to the United
States, and in no event to touch at any place in Cuba."
The Consul in his despatch to me, also, stated that " if the
revolution is attempted and succeeds, immediate application
would be made to the United States for annexation," &c. ; but
he did not seem to think that it could be successful, and probably
might not be undertaken without the aid of American troops.
To this portion of the despatch I replied, knowing the ardent
desire of the Cubans to be annexed to our Union, that I thought
it would not be " difficult to predict that an unsuccessful rising
would delay, if it should not defeat, the annexation of the Island
to the United States," and I assured him that the aid of our
volunteer troops could not be obtained.
Thus you will perceive with what scrupulous fidelity we have
performed the duties of neutrality and friendship towards Spain.
It is our anxious hope that a rising may not be attempted in
Cuba; but if this should unfortunately occur, the Government
of the United States will have performed their whole duty
towards a friendly Power.
Should the Government of Spain feel disposed to part with
the Island of Cuba, the question, what should we ofifer for it,
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 97
would then arise. In deciding this question, it will be important
to ascertain —
1. What nett revenue it yields, at the present moment, to
the Royal Treasury, after deducting all the expenditure incurred
on its account; and
2. What nett revenue would it yield to the Government of
the United States in its present condition ?
The first inquiry I have no means of answering with ac-
curacy. McCulloch, in his Gazetteer, states that " the whole
revenues of the Island, at an average of the five years ending
with 1837, amounted to $8,945,581 per year;" and it is stated
in Hunt's Merchant's Magazine for October, 1845, that the
revenue for the year 1844 amounted to $10,490,252,871/2. Since
1844, we have no information on the subject in the Department,
upon which reliance can be placed.
Mr. Calderon informs me that the Spanish Treasury at
Madrid have never received from Cuba, in any one year, a sum
exceeding $2,000,000. In answer to an inquiry, how the re-
mainder of the revenue was expended, he stated that it was
appropriated to defray the expense of its Colonial Government,
and to pay and support the troops and maintain the vessels of
war necessary for its defence and security. It will occur to you,
that if Spain should cede Cuba to the United States, she would
at once relieve herself from a great part if not the whole of this
civil, military, and naval expenditure. In this view of the
subject, it would seem that the sum of $50,000,000 would be an
ample pecuniary indemnity to Spain for the loss of the Island.
2. What nett revenue would it yield to the Government of
the United States at the present moment?
In estimating the amount of this revenue, we must mainly
rely upon two sources, — duties on imports, and the proceeds of
the public lands.
Of the average revenue of $8,945,581 for the five years
ending with 1837, McCulloch states, that " the maritime duties
formed 61 per cent.; the internal taxes 22^ per cent.; the
ecclesiastical deductions ij4 per cent.; the personal deductions
2^ per cent. ; the miscellaneous revenues 2j^ per cent. ; and the
casual revenues loM per cent." Now it is manifest that if Cuba
were in the possession of the United States, the people would be
relieved from the greater part, if not the whole, of these contri-
butions, with the exception of the maritime duties. Besides, a
considerable proportion of these maritime duties are levied upon
Vol. VIII— 7
98 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
exports, which the Constitution of the United States would
forbid.
But the important inquiry on this branch of the subject is,
what amount of duties could we collect in the Island; and this
must depend upon the amount of the imports. This we can
ascertain for many years, up till 1844, inclusive, from the tables
published annually by the Intendente of the Island. The fol-
lowing tabular statement, extracted from Hunt's Magazine, is
doubtless correct.
Years Imports. Exports.
1840 $24, 700, 1 89. 3 1 >^ $25,94i,783-37>^
1841 25,081,408.50 26,774,614.5654
1842 24,637,527.25 26,684,701.00
1843 23,422,096.43^ 25,029,792.621^
1844 25,056,231.06,14 25,426,591.18%
Admitting that these imports have increased to $26,000,000
since 1844, and estimating the average rate of our duties under
the existing Tariff at 25 per cent., — which the Secretary of the
Treasury informs me is correct, within a small fraction, — the
revenue from imports would amount to $6,500,000. But from
this sum must be deducted that portion of it which arises from
duties on productions of the United States imported into Cuba.
The total value of these during the year ending the 30th June,
1846, according to the books of our Custom-House, was
$4,713,966. Estimating for their increased value, at the Custom-
Houses in Cuba, in consequence of freight and other charges, it
would approximate the truth to state that one-fifth of the imports
into Cuba consists of American productions. Then in order to
shew what revenue we would derive from imports into Cuba, we
must deduct one-fifth from $6,500,000, and the balance remain-
ing, $5,200,000, would be the amount.
It may be remarked, however, that our acquisition of the
Island would, doubtless, considerably increase the annual mili-
tary and naval expenditures of the United States.
But these calculations all refer to Cuba in its present condi-
tion. Were it a possession of the United States, its population
and industry, and consequently its exports, would rapidly increase
and produce proportionally increased imports. Indeed, it is
highly probable that during the very first year, the duties would
amoimt to a sum not less than $6,000,000.
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 99
In regard to the quantity of public lands still remaining in
Cuba, the Department does not possess accurate information.
From all that we have learned, it is believed that the Crown
of Spain has already granted by far the greater portion of the
whole territory of the Island to individuals. We need not, there-
fore, calculate upon deriving much revenue from this source.
Upon the whole, the President would not hesitate to stipulate
for the payment of one hundred millions of dollars, in convenient
instalments, for a cession of the Island of Cuba, if it could not
be procured for a less sum.
The apprehensions which existed for many years after the
origin of this Government, that the extension of our federal
system would endanger the Union, seem to have passed away.
Experience has proved that this system of confederated Repub-
lics, under which the Federal Government has charge of the
interests common to the whole, whilst local Governments watch
over the concerns of the respective States, is capable of almost
indefinite extension, with increasing strength. This, however,
is always subject to the qualification that the mass of the popula-
tion must be of our own race, or must have been educated in
the school of civil and religious liberty. With this qualification,
the more we increase the number of confederated States, the
greater will be the strength and security of tlie Union; because
the more dependent for their mutual interests will the several
parts be upon the whole and the whole upon the several parts.
It is true that of the 418,291 white inhabitants which Cuba
contained in 1841, a very large proportion is of the Spanish race.
Still many of our citizens have settled on the Island, and some
of them are large holders of property. Under our Government
it would speedily be Americanised, — as Louisiana has been.
Within the boundaries of such a federal system alone can a
trade exempt from duties and absolutely free be enjoyed. With
the possession of Cuba, we should have, throughout the Union,
a free trade on a more extended scale than any which the world
has ever witnessed, — arousing an energy and activity of competi-
tion which would result in a most rapid improvement in all that
contributes to the welfare and happiness of the human race.
What State would forego the advantages of this vast free trade
with all her sisters, and place herself in lonely isolation!
But the acquisition of Cuba would greatly strengthen our
bond of Union. Its possession would secure to all the States
within the valley of the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico free
100 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
access to the ocean; but this security could only be preserved
whilst the ship-building and navigating States of the Atlantic
shall furnish a navy sufficient to keep open the outlets from the
Gulf to the Ocean. Cuba, justly appreciating the advantages of
annexation, is now ready to rush into our arms. Once admitted,
she would be entirely dependent for her prosperity, and even
existence, upon her connexion with the Union ; whilst the rapidly
increasing trade between her and the other States would shed its
benefits and its blessings over the whole. Such a state of mutual
dependence, resulting from the very nature of things, the world
has never witnessed. This is what will insure the perpetuity of
our Union.
With all these considerations in view, the President believes
that the crisis has arrived when an effort should be made to pur-
chase the Island of Cuba from Spain, and he has determined to
intrust you with the performance of this most delicate and im-
portant duty. The attempt should be made, in the first instance,
in a confidential conversation with the Spanish Minister for
Foreign Affairs. A written offer might produce an absolute
refusal in writing, which would embarrass us, hereafter, in the
acquisition of the Island. Besides, from the incessant changes
in the Spanish Cabinet and policy, our desire to make the pur-
chase might thus be made known in an official form to Foreign
Governments and arouse their jealousy and active opposition.
Indeed, even if the present Cabinet should think favorably of the
proposition, they might be greatly embarrassed by having it
placed on record; for, in that event, it would almost certainly,
through some channel, reach the opposition, and become the
subject of discussion in the Cortes. Such delicate negotiations,
at least in their incipient stages, ought always to be conducted in
confidential conversation, and with the utmost secrecy and
despatch.
At your interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
you might introduce the subject by referring to the present dis-
tracted condition of Cuba, and the danger which exists that the
population will make an attempt to accomplish a revolution.
This must be well known to the Spanish Government. In order
to convince him of the good faith and friendship towards Spain
with which this Government has acted, you might read to him
the first part of my despatch to General Campbell, and the order
issued by the Secretary of War to the Commanding General in
Mexico, and to the officer having charge of the embarkation of
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 101
our troops at Vera Cruz. You may then touch delicately upon
the danger that Spain may lose Cuba by a revolution in the
Island, or that it may be wrested from her by Great Britain,
should a rupture take place between the two countries, arising
out of the dismissal of Sir Henry Bulwer, and be retained to pay
the Spanish debt due to the British Bond-holders. You might
assure him, that whilst this Government is entirely satisfied that
Cuba shall remain under the dominion of Spain, we should, in
any event, resist its acquisition by any other nation. And,
finally, you might inform him, that under all these circumstances,
the President had arrived at the conclusion that Spain might be
willing to transfer the Island to the United States for a fair and
full consideration. You might cite as a precedent the cession of
Louisiana to this country by Napoleon, under somewhat similar
circumstances, when he was at the zenith of his power and glory.
I have merely presented these topics in their natural order; and
you can fill up the outline from the information communicated in
this despatch, as well as from your own knowledge of the subject.
Should the Minister for Foreign Affairs lend a favorable
ear to your proposition, then the question of the consideration to
be paid would arise ; and you have been furnished with informa-
tion in this despatch which will enable you to discuss that ques-
tion. In justice to Mr. Calderon, I ought here to observe, that
whilst giving me the information before stated, in regard to the
nett amount of revenue from Cuba which reached old Spain, he
had not then, and has not now, the most remote idea of our
intention to make an attempt to purchase the Island.
The President would be willing to stipulate for the payment
of one hundred millions of dollars for the Island, and its de-
pendencies, in ten equal annual instalments. This, however, is
the maximum price; and if Spain should be willing to sell, you
will use your best efforts to purchase it at a rate as much below
that sum as practicable. In case you should be able to conclude
a Treaty, you may adopt as your model, so far as the same may
be applicable, the two Conventions of April 30th, 1803, between
France and the United States, for the sale and purchase of
Louisiana. The Seventh and Eighth Articles of the first of these
Conventions, ought, if possible, to be omitted ; still if this should
be indispensable to the accomplishment of the object, articles
similar to them may be retained.
I transmit you a Full Power to conclude such a Treaty.
You will be careful to make a full and faithful report to this
102 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Department of all the conversations and proceedings on this sub-
ject between yourself and the Spanish Minister for Foreign
Affairs.
Should you succeed in accomplishing the object, you will
associate your name with a most important and beneficial meas-
ure for the glory and prosperity of your country.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Romulus M. Saunders, Esqre.
P. S. — You will send your despatches on the subject of this
despatch by a Special Messenger to our Consul at Liverpool, and
draw upon the Department for the expense, unless you can
transmit them by a trusty person. They may be directed to the
President. You may probably have occasion, in relation to this
subject, to use the cypher of the Legation.
TO MR. VINTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 19th June, 1848.
Hon. Samuel F. Vinton,
Chairman Com. Ways & Means, H. R.
Sir:
In obedience to a request of the Judiciary Committee of the
House of Representatives, I addressed a note on the i6th March,
1846, to the Hon. George Rathburn, Chairman of that Commit-
tee, recommending a re-organization of the State Department.
In that note I expressed the opinion that this Department in its
present defective organization " is wholly inadequate to perform
the duties which it owes to the country." Subsequent experience
has confirmed me in this opinion; but I shall leave to my suc-
cessor, whoever he may be, to recommend such changes as he
may consider necessary.
There is one new Clerkship, however, which I deem indis-
pensable at the present moment : for the purpose of examining
the facts and the principles involved in the private claims of
citizens of the United States upon foreign Governments, in
which the agency of the Department is so often invoked ; and
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 267.
1848] TO MR. VINTON 103
also, in the private claims presented by foreign Governments
against the United States in behalf of their citizens. Many-
claims of the latter description, arising out of the Mexican War,
have been already presented and many more are anticipated.
In my note to the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to
which I have already referred, I observed that " no claim ought
ever to be presented to a foreign government, in the name of the
nation, until it shall have undergone a careful scrutiny, and the
Department shall have ascertained that it presents at least a clear
prima facie case of justice. This is due alike to our National
character and to the cause of justice. For the want of an ade-
quate force to make such examinations, it has been too often
the practice to transmit these private claims to our Legations
abroad, without due consideration, to be there advocated and
urged. The tendency of this practice has been to perplex and
embarrass our diplomatic agents; to involve them in useless and
irritating controversies with those to whom they are accredited ;
to excite prejudice and ill feeling against our citizens; and to
endanger the character of our country for fair dealing with
nations of the world."
It is believed that a person sufficiently acquainted with the
principles of Commercial and International Law to discharge
these important duties could not be procured for a less salary than
$2000.
I would, therefore, respectfully suggest to the Committee
the propriety of making provision, in the Civil Appropriation
Bill, for the employment of an additional Clerk in the State
Department, whose duty it shall be to examine claims of citizens
of the United States against Foreign Governments and claims
of the citizens of Foreign Governments against the United States
and to perform such other duties as the Secretary of State may
designate.
I am, Sir, Respectfully, &c.
James Buchanan.
104 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. WILLIAMS.'
Department of State,
Washington, June 21, 1848.
Hon. Hezekiah Williams,
of the Ho. Reps. U. S.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of the 17th inst., enclosing the depositions of the master and
three of the crew of the American fishing schooner " Ityades,"
of Eastport, Maine, seized in the Bay of Fundy by the British
revenue cutter " Daring " in May last, and taken into the port
of Digby in Nova Scotia, and requesting such intervention on
the part of this Department as the facts represented would seem
to justify, in defence of the rights and interests of the master
and owners of said schooner.
This vessel was doubtless captured under the ist article of
the Treaty of the 20th October, 1818. It was the duty of the
master to appear before the competent court and resist the con-
demnation. If this be done and a clear case of injustice should
be made out in the decision of the competent tribunal, then this
Government would interfere. But it is not competent for the
master to abandon his vessel, leave the case without defence, and
then appeal to this Government to make it an international ques-
tion. In a similar case, we would not recognize such a claim
ourselves. I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MASON.^
Department of State,
Washington, June 23rd, 1848.
Hon : John Y. Mason
Secretary of the Navy.
Sir,
I enclose for your information a copy of a letter, received
this day from Messrs. B. C. Clark & Co., dated " Boston June
^ MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 445. No claim appears
to have been presented in this case to the mixed commission under the claims
convention between the United States and Great Britain of Feb. 8, 1833.
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 78.
1848] TO MR. RANTOUL 105
2ist, 1848," upon the subject of the happy effect produced at
Aux Cayes, Hayti, by the visit of the Sloop of War Saratoga,
and asking that the protection of the Government be also ex-
tended to our Citizens residing at Cape Haytien, Port au Prince,
& Jacmel.
I have the honor to be &c.
James Buchanan.
P. S. I also enclose for your perusal two letters received
from the U. S. Commercial Agents at Port au Prince & Aux
Cayes relating to the present deplorable state of affairs in the
Island of Playti, and the insecurity of the lives & property of
foreign residents.
TO MR. RANTOUL.^
Department of State,
Washington, 23d June, 1848.
Robert Rantoul, Esq.,
Attorney of U. S. for District of Mass., Boston.
Sir:
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Vene-
zuela has addressed a communication to this Department stating
that it had been announced that Mr. Juan Manuel Manrique,
formerly the Venezuelan Minister of Finance and Foreign Rela-
tions, had repaired to this country in quest of succor for the
party in arms against the existing Government of Venezuela,
and expressing the confidence of that Government that the Gov-
ernment of the U. S. would not allow any expedition to be
organized or assistance for the purpose of hostilities against
Venezuela to be obtained, within our territory.
The President consequently directs that you will be vigilant
in detecting any violation of the Act of Congress approved 20th
April, 1818, entitled " An Act in addition to the ' Act for the
punishment of certain crimes against the United States ' and to
repeal the Act therein mentioned," and that if a violation of that
Act by Mr. Manrique or any other person shall come to your
knowledge, you will prosecute the offenders accordingly.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 452.
106 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. PALFREY/
Department of State,
Washington, June 24, 1848.
Hon. John G. Palfrey,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 17th inst.,
in behalf of the Joint Committee on the Library; and in answer
I cannot say that, in my opinion, " the Government derived essen-
tial assistance from the manuscripts of Captain Ingraham in
substantiating their claim to the Oregon Territory."
The manuscript journal of Captain Ingraham's second voy-
age to the Pacific, when he commanded the brig Hope, of Boston,
is now in possession of the Department of State. It consists of
four volumes neatly written and embellished by numerous charts
and other drawings ; and contains many particulars, relative to
the Pacific ocean and the inhabitants of its coasts during the years
1791, 2, and 3.
In my examination of the Oregon question I did not refer
to this Journal. Indeed I had not seen it until after that ques-
tion was finally settled. It is but just, however, to state, that
the History of Oregon and California, by Robert Greenhow,
frequently refers to Ingraham's Journal : and it was from this
history that my information as to the facts in support of our
claim was principally derived. According to my best recollec-
tion, however, the only extract from the Journal in Mr. Green-
how's book (vide page 413) to which I attached any importance
either as strengthening our title or weakening that of Great
Britain, is the letter of Captains Gray and Ingraham to the
Spanish Commandant at Nootka, dated August 3d, 1792. This
letter constituted an item in the mass of testimony proving that
no British settlement had ever been made at Nootka Sound. But
notwithstanding this, Nootka, with Vancouver's Island on which
it is situated, has been assigned to Great Britain, under the
Treaty of Limits of the 15th June, 1846.
I return you the papers which accompanied your letter.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 447.
1848] TO MR. GRINNELL 107
TO U. S. CONSULS.'
Department of State,
Washington, June 26th, 1848.
to the respective consuls of the
United States in Europe.
Sir,
This letter will be handed to you by A. Dudley Mann, Esqre.,
of Washington, who goes abroad, under instructions from this
Department, with the view of collecting particular information
relative to the rules and regulations observed in different Coun-
tries of Europe concerning Emigrants to the United States. I
take pleasure in commending Mr. Mann and the object of his
Mission to your favorable notice, and in requesting that you will
afford him all the facilities in your power, in obtaining the
information desired.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. GRINNELL.^
Department of State,
Waspiington, 26th June, 1848.
Hon. J. Grinnell,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 22d instant, accompanied by one addressed to you by
Matthew Crosby, Esq., of Nantucket, asking for the interposi-
tion of this Government towards recovering reparation from the
Government of Peru for an alleged wrongful seizure by officers
of that Government of a quantity of clothing on board the whale
ship Washington in the harbor of Callao.
It appears from Mr. Crosby's letter that the subject had
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 386.
^ MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 448. This claim was
laid before the mixed commission under the claims convention between the
United States and Peru of Jan. 12, 1863. The umpire disallowed it on the
ground that the seizure of the articles, which were afterwards returned, was
made because of the claimant's failure to comply with customs regulations.
(Moore, International Arbitrations, 11. 1629.)
108 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
been brought to the notice of our Consul and Charge d' Affaires
at Lima. No despatches in regard to it have been received from
either of those officers. From the high character, however,
which they both enjoy for intelHgence and promptness, in mat-
ters of business, Mr. Crosby may be sure that nothing which it
might be proper to do toward obtaining redress will have been
omitted by them. It is presumed that the laws of Peru permit
and require the legality of such seizures to be judicially con-
tested. If this course shall have been pursued, and it shall then
appear that flagrant injustice has been done to the claimants, in-
demnification will be demanded of the Peruvian Government.
Two copies of the protest of the master of the vessel, and of
the account of damages claimed for the seizure, should be com-
municated to this Department, one to be transmitted to the
Charge d'Affaires at Lima, and the other to be retained on our
files for future reference.
I have the honor, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. HOPKINS.'
(No. 5.) Department of State,
Washington, 27th June, 1848.
George W. Hopkins, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Lisbon.
Sir:
Your despatch of the i8th April, (not numbered,) has
been received.
The Department entirely approves of the course pursued by
you in regard to the vexatious treatment to which the masters of
American vessels have been subjected in the ports of Portugal;
and it is to be hoped that your representations on the subject to
the Portuguese Government may be promptly followed by proper
relief. You will continue to exert yourself to have an end put
to these and all other annoyances of which citizens of the United
States have had cause to complain, by remonstrating against
them, and demanding redress in the name of your Government.
Your suggestion in reference to the importance of ordering
our vessels of war to touch at the European ports along the
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Portugal, XIV. 103.
1848] TO MR. ELLSWORTH 109
Atlantic Coast has been communicated to the Navy Department.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. VINTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, June 27, 1848.
Hon. Samuel F. Vinton,
Chairman Com. of Ways & Means,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
Upon the request of Samuel L. Harris, Esq., the agent of
the states of Maine and Massachusetts, I have the honor of
transmitting to you the enclosed documents filed in this Depart-
ment in support of a claim of these states against the Govern-
ment of the U. S. under the 4th article of the Treaty concluded
at Washington on the 9th day of August, 1842, between Great
Britain and the United States, for such action as you may deem
just and equitable.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. ELLSWORTH.^
(No. 14.) Department of State,
Washington, 29th June, 1848.
Henry W. Ellsworth, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Stockholm.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your des-
patches to No. 59, inclusive, and of your private letters of the
2nd February and 23rd March. Numbers 28 and 29 have never
reached the Department. No. 37 is dated the 13th July, and
No. 40, which succeeded it, the loth November of last year,
leaving a gap in your correspondence of nearly four months.
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 450.
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Sweden, XIV. 39-
110 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
In answer to your No. 45, to which you advert in subsequent
despatches, requesting instructions, I may remark, that I still
indulge the hope that, in the conflicting interests which appear to
divide and distract the Diet, in reference to contemplated changes
in the Tariff, no measures will be adopted which may jeopard
the existing commercial relations between the two countries.
In my despatch, No. 12, of the 13th of May, of last year, I
have entered fully upon the subject of our commercial relations
with Sweden and Norway, and furnished you with general in-
structions to guide your conduct. You will omit no occasion to
explain, in the proper quarters, these views and feelings of your
Government.
In regard to the " proviso," of which you have transmitted
a copy in your number 45, under which the spirit of our Treaty
of reciprocity with Sweden would be annulled, and American
vessels would no longer enjoy the rights to which they are
entitled under that Treaty, it can scarcely be anticipated that this
proviso will be adopted by the Diet. Against any such measure
you will protest in the most earnest manner; and distinctly an-
nounce to the Government that its adoption will force the United
States into the abrogation of the subsisting Treaty between the
two countries.
I rely with confidence upon your exertions in regard to a
subject which you so well understand.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 30th June, 1848.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
In answer to your note of the 25th ultimo, I have the honor
to transmit to you a copy of my letter to the Honble. Joseph R.
Ingersoll, Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the
House of Representatives: and to inform you that a bill has
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 184.
1848] TO MR. McKAY 111
already passed that House to secure the faithful execution of our
treaties of extradition with foreign Governments.
I avail myself of this occasion to renev^r to you, Sir, the assur-
ance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. McKAY.'
Department of State,
Washington, ist July, 1848.
Hon. James J. McKay,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
In answer to the enquiry of your correspondent, Mr. W. S.
Ashe, whose letter you have left at this Department, I have to
state, that the two claims upon the Government of Texas to which
he refers are presumed to be those in the cases of the brig Pocket
and the brig Durango. By instructions under date the 22d
July, 1837, Mr. La Branche, the Charge d'Affaires of the U. S.
to that Government; was directed to present them with a demand
for reparation. The Pocket was captured on the 28th March,
1836, by the Texian armed schooner Invincible, taken into Gal-
veston, and, with her cargo, appropriated without trial or con-
demnation by persons claiming to act under the authority of the
Government of Texas. The Durango was seized in Matagorda
bay, on the 22d of March, 1836, by an armed force acting under
the orders of John A. Wharton, Adjutant General of Texas, and
Brown, Commander of the same schooner Invincible.
She was consequently abandoned by her master.
Mr. La Branche's application for redress in these cases was
ultimately successful. On the nth of April, 1838, he concluded
at Houston a formal convention upon the subject, by which the
Government of Texas stipulated to pay to the Government of the
U. S. eleven thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars in satis-
faction of the claims. This convention was duly ratified by both
Governments, and the money was paid and distributed pursuant
to its provisions.
Mr. Ashe's letter to you is herewith returned.
I have the honor, &c.,_
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 453.
112 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. PARKER.'
No. 5. Department of State,
Washington, ist July, 1848.
Peter Parker, Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your de-
spatches to No. 46, inclusive. The Department approves your
interposition in behalf of the two Italian Bishops and the Spanish
Missionary, spoken of in your No. 43, and will, in accordance with
your suggestion, communicate the correspondence growing out
of this affair to our diplomatic representative at Rome.
I regret, though, from your previous communications, I am
not surprised to learn, " that one or other of two alternatives is
inevitable, either tacitly to consent that the treaty become a dead
letter, as far as any of its provisions are at variance with the
prejudices, interests, and policy of the Chinese, or by some demon-
stration to evince to the Imperial Government that treaties are
sacred and must be maintained."
This Government is both able and willing to perform the
duty which it owes to American citizens, by enforcing their just
claims under the treaty against the Government of China : and I
am happy to inform you that, before this can probably reach
Canton, our squadron in the Chinese seas will consist of the
sloops of war the Plymouth and the Preble and the brig Dolphin.
The Ohio seventy- four is now in the Pacific: and the Secretary
of the Navy informs me, that he will immediately send orders
to her to visit China on her return to the United States. Whilst
our squadron cannot act offensively without the authority of
Congress, yet its presence may, and I trust will, enable you to
obtain redress for our injured citizens. The arrival of Mr. Davis,
our new Commissioner, on board of the Plymouth, will present a
favorable occasion for urging our claims. It is earnestly hoped
that the Chinese Government will then feel the necessity of retrac-
ing its steps and executing the treaty in good faith.
As no use is made here of the Chinese versions of the corre-
spondence between the United States Commissioner at Canton
and the Imperial Government, and as their transmission hither by
the overland route through India is attended with heavy postage
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, China, I. 54.
1848] TO MR. STILES 113
charges, it would be well hereafter to omit forwarding tran-
scripts, the preparation of which must necessarily cost you much
additional labor.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. STILES.'
No. 22. Department of State,
Washington, 6th July, 1848.
William H. Stiles, Esqre.,
etc., etc., Vienna.
Sir: —
I wrote to you on the 27th ultimo. I have, since that time,
received your despatch No. 31, of the 31st May, at the close of
which you renew the personal request, made in a former com-
munication, to be permitted to employ the services of an indi-
vidual whose task it would be "to seek and procure for you
information which could not but be considered both extraordinary
and important."
In answer, I have to state, that I have submitted your propo-
sition to the President, who, whilst he justly appreciates the val-
uable information which you have, from time to time, communi-
cated, in regard to the astounding events which are transpiring
in the Austrian Empire, is yet unwilling to grant your request.
There is no precedent for the employment, at the public expense,
of any agent to assist a Charge d'Affaires in the performance of
his duties : and it is not deemed expedient to establish such a
precedent, even on the present occasion. Other Charges on the
Continent of Europe have, also, performed their duty in collecting
and communicating to this Department important information
concerning the political changes which are occurring within the
sphere of their observation. It would be necessary to place them
on the same footing with yourself, and this would go far to ex-
haust the limited fund provided for the contingent expenses of
foreign intercourse.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Austria, I. 52.
Vol. VIII— 8
114 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
MESSAGE, JULY 6, 1848,
OF PRESIDENT POLK.i
To THE Senate and House of Representatives of the United States :
I lay before Congress copies of a treaty of peace, friendship, limits, and
settlement, between the United States and the Mexican republic, the ratifi-
cations of which were duly exchanged at the city of Queretaro, in Mexico,
on the 30th day of May, 1848.
The war in which our country was reluctantly involved, in the necessary
vindication of the national rights and honor, has been thus terminated, and
I congratulate Congress, and our common constituents, upon the restoration
of an honorable peace.
The extensive and valuable territories ceded by Mexico to the United
States constitute indemnity for the past, and the brilliant achievements and
signal successes of our arms will be a guaranty of security for the future,
by convincing all nations that our rights must be respected. The results
of the war with Mexico have given to the United States a national character
abroad which our country never before enjoyed. Our power and our re-
sources have become known, and are respected throughout the world, and
we shall probably be saved from the necessity of engaging in another foreign
war for a long series of years. It is a subject of congratulation that we
have passed through a war of more than two years' duration with the
business of the country uninterrupted, with our resources unexhausted, and
the public credit unimpaired.
I communicate for the information of Congress the accompanying docu-
ments and correspondence relating to the negotiation and ratification of
the treaty.
Before the treaty can be fully executed on the part of the United States,
legislation will be required.
It will be proper to make the necessary appropriations for the payment
of the twelve millions of dollars stipulated by the twelfth article to be paid
to Mexico in four equal annual instalments. Three millions of dollars were
appropriated by the act of March 3, 1847, and that sum was paid to the
Mexican government after the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty.
The fifth article of the treaty provides that, " in order to designate
the boundary line with due precision upon authoritative maps, and to estab-
lish, upon the ground, land marks which shall show the limits of both repub-
lics, as described in the present article, the two governments shall each
appoint a commissioner and a surveyor, who, before the expiration of one
year from the date of the exchange of ratifications of this treaty, shall meet
at the port of San Diego, and proceed to run and mark the said boundary
in its whole course to the mouth of the Rio Bravo del Norte."
It will be necessary that provision should be made by law for the
appointment of a commissioner and surveyor, on the part of the United
States, to act in conjunction with a commissioner and surveyor appointed
by Mexico, in executing the stipulations of this article.
It will be proper, also, to provide by law for the appointment of a
" board of commissioners " to adjudicate and decide upon all claims of our
' S. Ex. Doc. 60, 30 Cong, I Sess. i.
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 115
citizens against the Mexican government, which by the treaty have been
assumed by the United States.
New Mexico and Upper California have been ceded by Mexico to the
United States, and now constitute a part of our country. Embracing nearly
ten degrees of latitude, lying adjacent to the Oregon territory, and extending
from the Pacific ocean to the Rio Grande, a mean distance of nearly a
thousand miles, it would be difficult to estimate the value of these possessions
to the United States. They constitute of themselves a country large enough
for a great empire, and their acquisition is second only in importance to that
of Louisiana in 1803. Rich in mineral and agricultural resources, with a
climate of great salubrity, they embrace the most important ports on the
whole Pacific coast of the continent of North America. The possession
of the ports of San Diego and Monterey and the bay of San Francisco will
enable the United States to command the already valuable and rapidly in-
creasing commerce of the Pacific. The number of our whale ships alone
now employed in that sea exceeds seven hundred, requiring more than twenty
thousand seamen to navigate them, while the capital invested in this par-
ticular branch of commerce is estimated at not less than forty millions of
dollars. The excellent harbors of Upper California will, under our flag,
afford security and repose to our commercial marine, and American mechanics
will soon furnish ready means of ship-building and repair, which are now
so much wanted in that distant sea.
By the acquisition of these possessions, we are brought into immediate
proximity with the west coast of America, from Cape Horn to the Russian
possessions north of Oregon, with the islands of the Pacific ocean, and by
a direct voyage in steamers we will be in less than thirty days of Canton
and other ports of China.
In this vast region, whose rich resources are soon to be developed by
American energy and enterprise, great must be the augmentation of our
commerce, and with it new and profitable demands for mechanic labor in
all its branches, and new and valuable markets for our manufactures and
agricultural products.
While the war has been conducted with great humanity and forbearance,
and with complete success on our part, the peace has been concluded on
terms the most liberal and magnanimous to Mexico. In her hands the terri-
tories now ceded had remained, and it is believed would have continued to
remain, almost unoccupied and of little value to her or to any other nation,
whilst, as a part of our Union, they will be productive of vast benefits to
the United States, to the commercial world, and the general interests of
mankind.
The immediate establishment of territorial governments, and the exten-
sion of our laws over these valuable possessions, are deemed to be not only
important but indispensable to preserve order and the due administration
of justice within their limits, to afford protection to the inhabitants, and
to facilitate the development of the vast resources and wealth which their
acquisition has added to our country.
The war with Mexico having terminated, the power of the Executive
to establish or to continue temporary civil governments over these territories,
which existed under the laws of nations whilst they were regarded as con-
quered provinces in our military occupation, has ceased. By their cession
to the United States, Mexico has no longer any power over them, and, until
116 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Congress shall act, the inhabitants will be without any organized govern-
ment. Should they be left in this condition, confusion and anarchy will be
likely to prevail.
Foreign commerce, to a considerable amount, is now carried on in the
ports of Upper California, which will require to be regulated by our laws.
As soon as our system shall be extended over this commerce, a revenue of
considerable amount will be at once collected, and it is not doubted that it
will be annually increased. For these and other obvious reasons, I deem
it to be my duty, earnestly to recommend the action of Congress on the
subject at the present session.
In organizing governments over these territories, fraught with such vast
advantages to every portion of our Union, I invoke that spirit of concession,
conciliation, and compromise, in your deliberations, in which the Constitution
was framed, in which it should be administered, and which is so indispen-
sable to preserve and perpetuate the harmony and union of the States. We
should never forget that this union of confederated States was established
and cemented by kindred blood, and by the common toils, sufferings, dangers,
and triumphs of all its parts, and has been the ever augmenting source of our
national greatness and of all our blessings.
There has, perhaps, been no period, since the warning so impressively
given to his countrymen by Washington to guard against geographical divis-
ions and sectional parties, which appeals with greater force than the present
to the patriotic, sober-minded, and reflecting of all parties, and of all sections
of our country. Who can calculate the value of our glorious Union? It is
a model and example of free government to all the world, and is the star
of hope and haven of rest to the oppressed of every clime. By its preser-
vation we have been rapidly advanced, as a nation, to a height of strength,
power, and happiness, without a parallel in the history of the world. As
we extend its blessings over new regions, shall we be so unwise as to
endanger its existence by geographical divisions and dissensions?
With a view to encourage the early settlement of these distant posses-
sions, I recommend that liberal grants of the public lands be secured to all
our citizens who have settled, or may in a limited period settle, within
their limits.
In execution of the provisions of the treaty, orders have been issued
to our military and naval forces to evacuate without delay the Mexican prov-
inces, cities, towns, and fortified places in our military occupation, and
which are not embraced in the territories ceded to the United States. The
army is already on its way to the United States. That portion of it, as well
regulars as volunteers, who engaged to serve during the war with Mexico,
will be discharged as soon as they can be transported or marched to con-
venient points in the vicinity of their homes. A part of the regular army
will be employed in New Mexico and Upper California, to afford protection
to the inhabitants and to guard our interests in these territories.
The old army, as it existed before the commencement of the war with
Mexico, especially if authority be given to fill up the rank and file of the
several corps to the maximum number authorized during the war, it is be-
lieved will be a sufficient force to be retained in service during a period of
peace. A few additional officers, in the line and staff of the army, have been
authorized, and these, it is believed, will be necessary in the peace establish-
ment, and should be retained in the service. The number of the general
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 117
officers may be reduced, as vacancies occur by the casualties of the service,
to what it was before the war.
While the people of other countries, who live under forms of government
less free than our own, have been for ages oppressed by taxation, to support
large standing armies in periods of peace, our experience has shown that
such establishments are umiecessary in a republic. Our standing army is
to be found in the bosom of society. It is composed of free citizens, who
are ever ready to take up arms in the service of their country when an
emergency requires it. Our experience in the war just closed fully confirms
the opinion that such an army may be raised upon a few weeks' notice, and
that our citizen soldiers are equal to any troops in the world. No reason,
therefore, is perceived why we should enlarge our land forces and thereby
subject the treasury to an annual charge. Sound policy requires that we
should avoid the creation of a large standing army in a period of peace.
No public exigency requires it. Such armies are not only expensive and
unnecessary, but may become dangerous to liberty.
Besides making the necessary legislative provisions for the execution
of the treaty, and the establishment of territorial governments in the ceded
country, we have, upon the restoration of peace, other important duties to
perform. Among these I regard none as more important than the adoption
of proper measures for the speedy extinguishment of the national debt. It
is against sound policy and the genius of our institutions, that a public debt
should be permitted to exist a day longer than the means of the treasury
will enable the government to pay it off. We should adhere to the wise
policy laid down by President Washington, of " avoiding the accumulation
of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exer-
tions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars have
occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden we ourselves
ought to bear."
At the commencement of the present administration, the public debt
amounted to seventeen millions seven hundred and eighty-eight thousand
seven hundred and ninety-nine dollars and sixty-two cents. In consequence
of the war with Mexico, it has been necessarily increased, and now amounts
to sixty-five millions seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand four hundred
and fifty dollars and forty-one cents, including the stock and treasury notes
which may yet be issued under the act of January 28, 1847, and the sixteen
million loan recently negotiated, under the act of March 31, 1848.
In addition to the amount of the debt, the treaty stipulates that twelve
millions of dollars shall be paid to Mexico, in four equal annual instalments
of three millions each, the first of which will fall due on the 30th day of
May, 1849. The treaty also stipulates that the United States shall " assume
and pay" to our own citizens "the claims already liquidated and decided
against the Mexican republic," and ■" all claims not heretofore decided against
the Mexican government," " to an amount not exceeding three and a quarter
millions of dollars." The " liquidated " claims of citizens of the United States
against Mexico, as decided by the joint board of commissioners under the
convention between the United States and Mexico of the nth of April, 1839,
amounted to two millions and twenty-six thousand one hundred and thirty-
nine dollars and sixty-eight cents. This sum was payable in twenty equal
annual instalments. Three of them have been paid to the claimants by the
Mexican government, and two by the United States— leaving to be paid of
118 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
the principal of the liquidated amount assumed by the United States the sum
of one million five hundred and nineteen thousand six hundred and four
dollars and seventy-six cents, together with the interest thereon. These
several amounts of " liquidated " and unliquidated claims assumed by the
United States, it is believed, may be paid as they fall due, out of the accruing
revenue, without the issue of stock or the creation of any additional public
debt.
I cannot too strongly recommend to Congress the importance of husband-
ing all our national resources, of limiting the public expenditures to neces-
sary objects, and of applying all the surplus at any time in the treasury to
the redemption of the debt. I recommend that authority be vested in the
Executive by law to anticipate the period of reimbursement of such portion
of the debt as may not be now redeemable, and to purchase it at par, or at
the premium which it may command in the market, in all cases in which that
authority has not already been granted. A premium has been obtained by
the government on much the larger portion of the loans ; and if, when the
government becomes a purchaser of its own stock, it shall command a
premium in the market, it will be sound policy to pay it, rather than to pay
the semi-annual interest upon it. The interest upon the debt, if the out-
standing treasury notes shall be funded, from the end of the last fiscal year
until it shall fall due and be redeemable, will be very nearly equal to the
principal, which must itself be ultimately paid.
Without changing or modifying the present tariff of duties, so great
has been the increase of our commerce under its benign operation, that the
revenue derived from that source, and from the sales of the public lands,
will, it is confidently believed, enable the government to discharge annually
several millions of the debt, and at the same time possess the means of
meeting necessary appropriations for all other proper objects. Unless Con-
gress shall authorize largely increased expenditures, for objects not of
absolute necessity, the whole public debt existing before the Mexican war,
and that created during its continuance, may be paid off without any increase
of taxation on the people long before it falls due.
Upon the restoration of peace, we should adopt a policy suited to a state
of peace. In doing this, the earliest practicable payment of the public debt
should be a cardinal principle of action. Profiting by the experience of the
past, we should avoid the errors into which the country was betrayed shortly
after the close of the war with Great Britain in 1815. In a few years after
that period, a broad and latitudinous construction of the powers of the
federal government unfortunately received but too much countenance.
Though the country was burdened with a heavy public debt, large and in
some instances unnecessary and extravagant expenditures were authorized
by Congress. The consequence was, that the payment of the debt was post-
poned for more than twenty years ; and even then it was only accomplished
by the stern will and unbending policy of President Jackson, who made its
payment a leading measure of his administration. He resisted the attempts
which were made to divert the public money from that great object, and
apply it in wasteful and extravagant expenditures for other objects; some
of them of more than doubtful constitutional authority and expediency.
If the government of the United States shall observe a proper economy
in its expenditures, and be confined in its action to the conduct of our foreign
relations, and to the few general objects of its care enumerated in the Con-
1848] TO MR. MARTIN 119
stitution, leaving all municipal and local legislation to the States, our great-
ness as a nation, in moral and physical power, and in wealth and resources,
cannot be calculated.
By pursuing this policy, oppressive measures operating unequally and
unjustly upon sections and classes will be avoided, and the people, having
no cause of complaint, will pursue their own interests, under the blessings
of equal laws and the protection of a just and paternal government. By
abstaining from the exercise of all powers not clearly conferred, the current
of our glorious Union, now numbering thirty States, will be strengthened
as we grow in age and increase in population, and our future destiny will
be without a parallel or example in the history of nations.
James K. Polk.
Washington, July 6, 1848.
TO MR. MARTIN.'
(No. 4.) Department of State,
Washington, 7th July, 1848.
Jacob L. Martin, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Rome.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your despatch, No. i, dated
at Paris on the ist May. It is presumed that you have already
reached Rome, and entered upon the duties of your new and inter-
esting mission.
I transmit, herewith, an extract of a despatch, dated at
Canton, on the 20th of March, from the Revd. Peter Parker, then
in charge of the U. S. Legation in China; which, with the accom-
panying correspondence, (copy of which is also sent,) will
acquaint you with the circumstances to which they relate, con-
nected with the release of two Italian Bishops and a Spanish
Missionary, who had been arrested by the Chinese Government,
in the Province of Hoo-Pih, and conveyed as prisoners to the
City of Canton.
These documents are communicated for your own informa-
tion, and to enable you, if you should deem this proper, to make
the facts known to the Papal Government. The conduct of Mr.
Parker, on the occasion, evinces an enlightened humanity, and has
received the cordial approbation of the President.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Papal States, I. 7.
120 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. SAUNDERS.'
(No. 22.) Department of State,
Washington, 7th July, 1848.
Sir: With reference to the instruction to you of the 17th
ultimo. No. 21, I will thank you to substitute the following para-
graph for that beginning with the words " In regard to the public
lands of Cuba."
In regard to the quantity of public lands still remaining in
Cuba, the Department does not possess accurate information.
From all that we have learned, it is believed that the Crown of
Spain has already granted by far the greater portion of the whole
territory of the Island to individuals. We need not, therefore,
calculate upon deriving much revenue from this source.
I am. Sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
Romulus M. Saunders, Esqre.
TO MR. WALKER.^
Department of State,
Washington, 7th July, 1848.
Hon. R. J. Walker,
Secretary of the Treasury.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 3d inst., requesting a copy of the communication ad-
dressed by you to Major General W. O. Butler, authorizing him
to draw on the Treasury Department for the three millions of
dollars appropriated by the act of the 3d March, 1847; ^^^' ^^^°'
requesting to be informed if official intelligence has been received
at this Department of the exchange of the ratifications of the
Treaty of Peace with Mexico.
A transcript of your letter to Gen. Butler, under date the
23d February last, is accordingly herewith communicated. I
have received official intelligence that the ratifications of the
Treaty of Peace with the Mexican Republic were exchanged in
the city of Queretaro on the 30th of May last.
I have the honor, &c., James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Spain, XIV. 279; H. Ex. Doc.
121, 32 Cong, I Sess. 49.
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 455.
1848] TO MISS LANE 121
TO MR. WESTCOTT.'
Department of State,
Washington, July 7, 1848.
Hon. J. D. Westcott,
Senate Chamber.
Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. R. D. Fontane's
letter of the 30th of May last, addressed to yourself, requesting a
passport for Mr. Thomas Ugarte, of Havana, the son of Mr.
Antoine Ugarte, who claims to be a citizen of the U. S. by virtue
of the Florida treaty of 22d February, 1819.
Upon a consideration of the facts stated in this letter, it does
not appear that Mr. Thomas Ugarte is a citizen of the United
States; and, therefore, he cannot receive a passport.
Regretting that I cannot comply with Mr. Fontane's request,
I remain, Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MISS LANE.^
Washington, 8 July, 1848.
My dear Harriet/
I suppose you will now within a week or ten days return to
the exhibition ; & we shall all be happy to see you. If you should
not have good company all the way through, I could meet you in
Baltimore without inconvenience almost any evening leaving here
in the cars at 5 o'clock p.m. You would arrive in Baltimore,
probably a little before my arrival ; but whoever might accompany
you to Baltimore could take you to Barnum's until my arrival.
If you should adopt this course, inform me certainly of the day
you will leave Lancaster, so that there may be no mistake.
We have no news here which would interest you. Ever}'-
thing has been quiet since you left. The Pleasontons & others
often inquire of your health.
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 458.
" Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, I. 540.
122 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
I am glad to learn that Mary has turned out to be " a grand
housekeeper." You could not have given me any more agreeable
information. If she had proved to be idle & extravagant in
youth, the promise of her age would have been poverty & depend-
ence. There is no spectacle more agreeable to me than that of
a young married woman properly sensible of the important duties
of her station & acting upon those high principles which add
lustre to the female character. Give her my kindest love; with
my best respect to Mr. Baker.
Remember me affectionately to James ^ & the family, &
believe me to be yours as ever,
James Buchanan.
Miss Lane.
TO MR. GRINNELL.^
Department of State,
Washington, nth July, 1848.
Hon. Joseph Grinnell,
of the Com. on Commerce, H. of R.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your note of yesterday,
together with the Memorial of Henry Leef and the accompany-
ing document.
You request my views " as to the liability of the Government
to pay citizens for the illegal acts of its officers : " and I am very
clearly of opinion that no such legal liability exists. If an officer
of the Government, acting against law and without instructions,
does an injury to an individual, the latter must look to the per-
sonal responsibility of the wrong doer for redress. The Govern-
ment, in such a case, would be no more bound by the acts of its
officer, than a principal would be by the acts of an Attorney
who had exceeded his authority. If the rule were otherwise, it
would be in the power of officers to embarrass the Treasury; and
in many instances, a strong temptation might be presented to
them to act in this manner.
'James Buchanan Henry, Mr. Buchanan's nephew.
= MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 268.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 123
Such is undoubtedly the general rule, but very strong and
peculiar cases may present exceptions. It is, however, for the
legislative branch of the Government to decide in its discretion
whether under all the circumstances the case of Henry Leef be
of this character. I am Sir &c.
James Buchanan.
P. S. The memorial and statement which accompanied your
statement are herewith returned.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
[July 17, 1848.J
To THE President of the United States.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolu-
tion of the House of Representatives of the loth Inst, requesting
the President to communicate to that House " the best and most
reliable information in his possession relating to the proper limits
and boundaries of New Mexico and California, with the popula-
tion of each, respectively, and particularly copies of the maps
referred to in the late Treaty between Mexico and the United
States," has the honor to lay before the President a copy of
Distumell's map of the United Mexican States published at New
York in 1847. This is the only map referred to in the treaty
between the United States and Mexico, and was the one used in
negotiating that Treaty, as will appear from the certificate of the
Commissioners, a copy of which is appended hereto. This map
contains the latest information in the possession of the Depart-
ment relating to " the proper limits and boundaries " of New
Mexico & the Californias. It may here be observed, however,
that on this map that part of New Mexico on this side of the Rio
Grande is embraced within the limits of what is denominated
Santa Fe.
The only separate map of New Mexico of which I am aware
is that contained in the Atlas to Thompson's edition of the
^MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 269; H. Ex. Doc. 70,
30 Cong. I Sess. 7-8. In the manuscript record book, into which this report
was copied, no date is given ; but this imperfection is removed by the printed
document, in which the date is given. See message of President Polk, July
24, 1848, infra.
124 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Geographical and Historical Dictionary of America and the West
Indies by Col. Don Antonio de Alcedo, published at London in
1812, a work of the highest authority. The Department has a
copy of this work and the accompanying Atlas, with the excep-
tion of the Map of New Mexico, which was taken from it by your
direction for Mr. Slidell's use and transmitted to him with his
instructions. This map it is presumed is now with the Archives
of the United States Legation at the city of Mexico. There is
also a copy of Thompson's Alcedo belonging to the Library of
Congress, but I am informed that it is without the Atlas.
M. Dufflot de Morfras, in his work entitled " Exploration du
territoire de FOregon, des Californies &c," published at Paris in
1844, in speaking of the Geography of Upper California, states
that " this magnificent province extends from the 32d to the 42d
degree of North latitude; it is bounded on the North by the
Oregon territory, on the South by Ancient (or Lower) Cali-
fornia, on the East by the Rocky Mountains, and on the West by
the Pacific Ocean."
It is believed that no census of the population of New Mexico
and the Calif ornias has ever been taken, and but little accurate
information on this subject has been published.
According to Gregg's Commerce of the Prairies, published
at New York in 1844, the entire population of New Mexico,
including the Pueblo Indians, does not exceed seventy thousand
souls.
According to the estimate of John Parrott, Esquire, our late
Consul at Mazatlan, a gentleman whose opportunities were favor-
able for obtaining information, the population of Upper Cali-
fornia was estimated, in 1845, at 15,000 Whites, 4,000 domesti-
cated Indians, and 20,000 other Indians, making an aggregate
of 39,000 souls. The population of Lower California, in 1845,
consisted of 2,000 whites, 2,000 domesticated Indians, and 7,000
other Indians, making an aggregate of 11,000 souls.
Thomas O. Larkin, Esq., our late Consul at Monterey, agrees
with Mr. Parrott in estimating the White population of Upper
California in 1845 at 15,000 souls. In regard to the number of
Indians he has made no report.
In compliance with a request to Colonel Fremont, he has
furnished me with an estimate of the White and Indian popula-
tion of the Californias; and from his well known ability and
superior means of information, this is entitled to the highest con-
sideration. He observes, that, " in that portion of the territory
1848] TO MR. VAUX 125
popularly known as Upper California, being the occupied part
lying between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast, the entire popula-
tion, all castes included, may be fairly estimated at 50,000 for the
close of the year 1847." Of this there were of Spanish Whites
and mixed bloods about 12,000, and of Americans, English,
French, &c., 4,000, making an aggregate of 16,000 souls. The
Indians within these limits he estimates at 34,000, of which 4,000
are domesticated.
In Upper California east of the Sierra Nevada, Colonel
Fremont states that the only white inhabitants are a settlement
of Mormons on the Great Salt Lake, amounting to about 3,000.
He cannot furnish an estimate with any approach to certainty
of the number of wandering and unsettled Indians in that exten-
sive region.
Colonel Fremont estimates the population of Lower Cali-
fornia at 2,000 of White and mixed bloods, 2,000 of domesticated
Indians, and 6,000 of wild Indians, making an aggregate of
10,000 souls.
All which is respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
Department of State, Washington, July 17, 1848.
TO MR. VAUX ET AL.'
Department of State,
Washington, 17th July, 1848.
Richard Vaux & Robert Tyler, Esquires.
Gentlemen : I have received your note and the accom-
panying package for Mr. Martin. With every disposition to serve
you, and with the warmest admiration for the character of the
illustrious Pope, I regret to say that, without violating a rule of
the Department, I cannot transmit the proceedings of the meeting
held in January last, in Philadelphia, to Rome, to be presented
to the Pope by our Charge d' Affaires. You will perceive at once
that if the proceedings of public meetings of our fellow citizens
be transmitted by the Department to our Diplomatic agents to
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 462. Robert Tyler
was a son of President Tyler by his first wife, and a warm personal and
political friend of Mr. Buchanan.
1£6 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
be presented to foreign Governments in one case, this must be
done in all; and the practice might subject our Government to
serious inconvenience, if not injury.
I am happy, however, to inform you that I have promised
to give the Courier's passport for the steamer from Boston of the
26th July to the Rev. Mr. O'Donnell, of St. Augustine's church,
Philadelphia, who will go directly to Rome; and this will afford
you an excellent opportunity of transmitting the proceedings to
the Pope.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.^
TO MR. DODGE.
(Unofficial.) Washington, i8th July, 1848.
Hon. Henry Dodge,
&c., &c.
My dear Sir :
I have received your note of the 13th inst., together with the
letters of Judge Irwin and Mr. Catlin. Although it does not
pertain to my ofificial duty to decide the question which they have
propounded, yet it affords me pleasure, in compliance with your
verbal request, to give you my opinion on the subject.
The question is whether the laws of the territory of Wis-
consin still remain in force in that portion of it now beyond the
limits of the state of Wisconsin. I am very clearly of opinion
that these laws are still in force over the territory not embraced
within the limits of the State. It cannot be supposed that Con-
gress, by admitting the state of Wisconsin into the Union, in-
tended to deprive the citizens of the U. S. beyond its limits of the
protection of existing laws ; and there is nothing in their legis-
lation from which any such inference can be drawn.
' S. Ex. Doc. 20, 31 Cong. 2 Sess. 7, contains a letter from Mr. George W.
Sanders to Mr. Buchanan, dated Washington, July 17, 1848, relating to an
offer by the Hudson's Bay Company to sell to the United States certain
possessions. Mr. Sanders' letter begins as follows : " In reply to the inquiries
contained in your communication of present date, I beg leave respectfully
to state," but the following note appears on the same page : " The communi-
cation from Mr. Buchanan here referred to is not to be found in the
department."
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 466.
1848] TO M. BOURBOULON 127
The difficult question is, what officers still remain to carry
these laws into execution? It is clear to my mind that all the
local officers residing in counties without the state line, such as
Judges of Probate, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and Constables,
may exercise their appropriate functions as heretofore. Whether
the general officers, such as Governor, Secretary, and Judges,
appointed for the whole of the former territory, are authorized to
perform their duties within what remains of it, presents a question
of greater difficulty, on which I express no opinion. Whatever
may be the correct decision of this question, immediate legisla-
tion is required — because it is very certain that Congress will
never consent to maintain the machinery provided for the govern-
ment of the entire territory merely for the purpose of governing
the twenty-five hundred or three thousand inhabitants who reside
beyond the limits of the state.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO M. BOURBOULON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 19th July, 1848.
Mr. a. Boukboulon,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of
the nth instant, enclosing a copy of a decree passed by the
National Assembly of France, in reply to the Joint Resolution of
Congress, of the 13th April last, congratulating the French People
on the success of their late Revolution; and am, Sir, with high
consideration.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 119.
128 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. MANGUM.'
Department of State,
Washington, 19th July, 1848.
Hon. Willie P. Mangum,
Senate Chamber.
Sir:
In compliance with the request contained in your note of
this day, I hasten to transmit to you a copy of a letter addressed
by me, on the 2d March last, to the Hon. J. J. McKay, then Chair-
man of the Committee of Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives on the subject of the " Amistad case." The
decided opinion which I expressed in that letter, in favor of the
claim, has undergone no change ; and I am firmly convinced that
good policy requires its immediate adjustment.
The President, in his annual message to Congress of Decem-
ber last, has recommended, in the strongest terms, that " an
appropriation be made, to be paid to the Spanish Government for
the purpose of distribution among the claimants in the Amistad
case."
I also refer you, for information on this subject, to a Report
No. 753, (June 24, 1846,) made by the Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Yours respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BIDLACK.^
(No. 20.) Department of State,
Washington, 20th July, 1848.
To B. A. BiDLACK, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir :
The Treaty between the United States and New Granada
signed by yourself on the part of your own government having
been duly ratified and proclaimed by the President, I transmit
copies thereof. Permit me to congratulate you upon the asso-
^ MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 465.
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Colombia, XV. 117.
1848] TO MR. HUTTER 129
ciation of your name with this instrument. It has been most
favorably received by the pubHc, and, I doubt not, will be of great
and lasting advantage to both countries.
Your despatches to No. 54 inclusive have been received.
The whole amount paid to Corcoran and Riggs, on the draft to
which you refer in your No. 52, was nine hundred and fifty-four
dollars and thirty-one cents.
I am. Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. HUTTER.'
Private.
Washington, 22 July 1848.
My dear Sir/
I hasten to answer yours of the 20th August. Among the
prominent candidates for Governor, I should scarcely know how
to choose between Plumer, Black, & Bigler, were the question left
to my decision. If the Democracy of Lancaster County prefer
any one of these three I should be entirely satisfied, though I
could never interfere in his favor as against either of the other
two.
As the editor of an able & independent Democratic Journal
you ought, on this important occasion, to pursue the course which
you deem best calculated to secure the nomination of the most
worthy candidate & the triumph of the good old cause. Act
upon your own judgment, & provided this be done with the
energy & effort necessary to success, I shall be the last man to
censure your conduct.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Edwin Wilson
Hutter, after editing various newspapers in Pennsylvania, took up his abode
in Lancaster, and was private secretary to Mr. Buchanan when the latter
was Secretary of State. He afterwards became a clergyman, and was for
some years the pastor of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran church in
Philadelphia. He was a firm adherent of the government of the United
States during the Civil War. (Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biog-
raphy, in. 33S.)
Vol. VIII— 9
130 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
I never see the Lancasterian, nor do I care to see it.
With my kindest regards for Mrs. Hutter, I remain
Very respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
E. W. Hutter, Esquire.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 1 6.) Department of State^
Washington, 24th July, 1848.
A. J. DONELSON, ESQRE.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I must write you briefly, as this is the last hour for the
Steamer of the 26th instant.
Your despatch No. 91, of the 30th ultimo, has been received;
and, also, a despatch of the 3rd instant from Mr. Graebe.
The latter furnishes a copy, in translation, of the Act of the
German Parliament at Frankfort, creating a Provisional Execu-
tive Department for all the German States ; and informs us that
the Arch-Duke John, of Austria, has been elected Administrator
of the Empire.
Under these circumstances, the President authorises you to
proceed to Frankfort, and there, as the Diplomatic Representa-
tive of the United States, recognise the Provisional Government
of the new German Confederation; provided you shall find such
a Government in successful operation.
The President has observed, with the deepest interest, the
efforts of the German States and People to establish an efficient
Federal Government for all Germany ; and he will hail with un-
alloyed pleasure the accomplishment of this great event. The
sympathies of the American people have ever been warmly en-
listed in all that can contribute to the welfare and power of Ger-
many. Our best wishes attend the progress of the Germans to
the final establishment of a Confederacy, which shall secure the
liberty and prosperity of the people, without unnecessarily abridg-
ing the powers of the Sovereign States, of which it is composed.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 124.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 131
It is under such a system that we have preserved public order,
maintained private rights, and enjoyed unexampled liberty and
prosperity. I wish I had time to expatiate on this interesting
subject.
When at Frankfort, you will use your best efforts to promote
our commercial interests, and to effect a reduction of duty upon
the importation of our important agricultural and manufacturing
productions.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 24th July, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the
Resolution of the Senate dated on the 24th of April, requesting
the President to furnish to that Body " any correspondence in
the Department of State with the American Charge d' Affaires
in Portugal in relation to the claim of the owners of the Ship
Miles, of Warren, in the State of Rhode Island, upon the Govern-
ment of Portugal, for payment of a cargo of oil taken by the
officers and applied to the uses of that Government. Also copies
of any correspondence between our Charge and the Minister of
the Portuguese Government relating to the claim for and the
payment of said cargo, together with such papers as are in the
Department, substantiating the claim " — has the honor to lay be-
fore the President copies of all the papers on file in the Depart-
ment of State which are called for by the Resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
To the President of the United States.
^MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 270. This report was
transmitted by the President to the Senate, July 31, 1848, and was printed,
with the accompanying papers, in S. Ex. Doc. 64, 30 Cong, i Sess.
132 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON NEW MEXICO AND CALIFORNIA.^
[July 24, 1848.]
To THE House of Representatives of the United States :
In answer to the resolutions of the House of Representatives of the
loth instant, requesting information in relation to New Mexico and Cali-
fornia, I communicate herewith reports from the Secretary of State,'' the
Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Secretary of the
Navy, with the documents which accompany the same. These reports and
documents contain information upon the several points of inquiry embraced
by the resolutions. " The proper limits and boundaries of New Mexico and
California " are delineated on the map referred to in the late treaty with
Mexico, an authentic copy of which is herewith transmitted ; and all the
additional information upon that subject, and, also, the most reliable infor-
mation in respect to the population of these respective Provinces which is
in the possession of the Executive will be found in the accompanying report
of the Secretary of State.
The resolutions request information in regard to the existence of civil
governments in New Mexico and California ; their " form and character ; "
by " whom instituted ; " by " what authority ; " and how they are " main-
tained and supported."
In my message of December 22, 1846, in answer to a resolution of the
House of Representatives calling for information " in relation to the estab-
lishment or organization of civil government in any portion of the territory
of Mexico which has been or might be taken possession of by the Army
or Navy of the United States," I communicated the orders which had been
given to the officers of our Army and Navy, and stated the general authority
upon which temporary military governments had been established over the
conquered portion of Mexico then in our military occupation.
The temporary governments authorized were instituted by virtue of the
rights of war. The power to declare war against a foreign country, and to
prosecute it according to the general laws of war, as sanctioned by civilized
nations, it will not be questioned, exists under our Constitution. When
Congress has declared that war exists with a foreign nation, " the general
laws of war apply to our situation ; " and it becomes the duty of the Presi-
dent, as the constitutional " Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy
of the United States," to prosecute it.
In prosecuting a foreign war thus duly declared by Congress, we have
the right, by " conquest and military occupation," to acquire possession of
the territories of the enemy, and, during the war, to '' exercise the fullest
rights of sovereignty over it." The sovereignty of the enemy is in such case
" suspended," and his laws can " no longer be rightfully enforced " over the
conquered territory, " or be obligatory upon the inhabitants who remain
and submit to the conqueror. By the surrender the inhabitants pass under
a temporary allegiance " to the conqueror, and are " bound by such laws, and
such only, as " he may choose to recognize and impose. " From the nature
^ H. Ex. Doc. 70, 30 Cong, i Sess.
' See report, July 17, 1848, supra.
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 133
of the case, no other laws could be obligatory upon them; for where there
is no protection, or allegiance, or sovereignty, there can be no claim to
obedience." These are well-established principles of the laws of war, as
recognized and practised by civilized nations ; and they have been sanctioned
by the highest judicial tribunal of our own country.
The orders and instructions issued to the officers of our Army and
Navy, applicable to such portions of the Mexican territory as had been or
might be conquered by our arms, were in strict conformity to these prin-
ciples. They were, indeed, ameliorations of the rigors of war, upon which
we might have insisted. They substituted for the harshness of military
rule something of the mildness of civil government, and were not only the
exercise of no excess of power, but were a relaxation in favor of the peace-
able inhabitants of the conquered territory who had submitted to our author-
ity, and were alike politic and humane.
It is from the same source of authority that we derive the unquestioned
right, after the war has been declared by Congress, to blockade the ports
and coasts of the enemy, to capture his towns, cities, and provinces, and
to levy contributions upon him for the support of our Army. Of the same
character with these is the right to subject to our temporary military govern-
ment the conquered territories of our enemy. They are all belligerent rights,
and their exercise is as essential to the successful prosecution of a foreign
war as the right to fight battles.
New Mexico and Upper California were among the territories con-
quered and occupied by our forces, and such temporary governments were
established over them. They were established by the officers of our Army
and Navy in command, in pursuance of the orders and instructions accom-
panying my message to the House of Representatives of December 22, 1846.
In their form and detail, as at first established, they exceeded, in some
respects, as was stated in that message, the authority which had been given;
and instructions for the correction of the error were issued in despatches
from the War and Navy Departments of the nth of January, 1847, copies
of which are herewith transmitted. They have been maintained and sup-
ported out of the military exactions and contributions levied upon the
enemy, and no part of the expense has been paid out of the Treasury of the
United States.
In the routine of duty some of the officers of the Army and Navy who
first established temporary governments in California and New Mexico have
been succeeded in command by other officers, upon whom like duties de-
volved; and the agents employed or designated by them to conduct the
temporary governments have also, in some instances, been superseded by
others. Such appointments for temporary civil duty, during our military
occupation, were made by the officers in command in the conquered terri-
tories, respectively.
On the conclusion and exchange of ratifications of a treaty of peace with
Mexico, which was proclaimed on the 4th instant, these temporary govern-
ments necessarily ceased to exist. In the instruction to establish a temporary
government over New Mexico, no distinction was made between that and
the other Provinces of Mexico which might be conquered and held in our
military occupation.
134 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
The Province of New Mexico, according to its ancient boundaries as
claimed by Mexico, lies on both sides of the Rio Grande. That part of it on
the east of that river was in dispute when the war between the United States
and Mexico commenced. Texas, by a successful revolution in April, 1836,
achieved, and subsequently maintained, her independence. By an act of the
Congress of Texas, passed in December, 1836, her western boundary was
declared to be the Rio Grande, from its mouth to its source, and thence due
north to the forty-second degree of north latitude. Though the Republic
of Texas, by many acts of sovereignty which she asserted and exercised,
some of which were stated in my annual message of December, 1846, had
established her clear title to the country west of the Nueces, and bordering
upon that part of the Rio Grande which lies below the Province of New
Mexico, she had never conquered, or reduced to actual possession, and
brought under her government and laws, that part of New Mexico lying east
of the Rio Grande, which she claimed to be within her limits. On the
breaking out of the war we found Mexico in possession of this disputed
territory. As our Army approached Santa Fe (the capital of New Mexico)
it was found to be held by a governor under Mexican authority, with an
armed force collected to resist our advance. The inhabitants were Mexicans,
acknowledging allegiance to Mexico. The boundary in dispute was the
line between the two countries engaged in actual war, and the settlement of
it of necessity depended on a treaty of peace. Finding the Mexican authori-
ties and people in possession, our forces conquered them, and extended
military rule over them and the territory which they actually occupied, in
lieu of the sovereignty which was displaced. It was not possible to disturb
or change the practical boundary line, in the midst of the war, when no
negotiation for its adjustment could be opened, and when Texas was not
present, by her constituted authorities, to establish and maintain government
over a hostile Mexican population who acknowledged no allegiance to her.
There was, therefore, no alternative left but to establish and maintain mili-
tary rule during the war over the conquered people in the disputed territory,
who had submitted to our arms, or to forbear the exercise of our belligerent
rights, and leave them in a state of anarchy and without control.
Whether the country in dispute rightfully belonged to Mexico or to
Texas, it was our right in the first case, and our duty as well as our right
in the latter, to conquer and hold it. Whilst this territory was in our pos-
session as conquerors, with a population hostile to the United States, which
more than once broke out in open insurrection, it was our unquestionable
duty to continue our military occupation of it until the conclusion of the
war, and to establish over it a military government, necessary for our own
security as well as for the protection of the conquered people.
By the joint resolution of Congress of March i, 1845, "for aimexing
Texas to the United States," the "adjustment of all questions of boundary
which may arise with other governments " was reserved to this Government.
When the conquest of New Mexico was consummated by our arms, the
question of boundary remained still unadjusted. Until the exchange of the
ratifications of the late treaty. New Mexico never became an undisputed
portion of the United States, and it would therefore have been premature
to deliver over to Texas that portion of it, on the east side of the Rio
Grande, to which she asserted a claim. However just the right of Texas
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 135
may have been to it, that right had never been reduced into her possession,
and it was contested by Mexico.
By the cession of the whole of New Mexico, on both sides of the Rio
Grande, to the United States, the question of undisputed boundary, so far as
Mexico is concerned, has been settled; leaving the question as to the true
limits of Texas, in New Mexico, to be adjusted between that State and the
United States.
Under the circumstances existing during the pendency of the war, and
while the whole of New Mexico, as claimed by our enemy, was in our mili-
tary occupation, I was not unmindful of the right of Texas to that portion
of it which she claimed to be within her limits. In answer to a letter
from the governor of Texas, dated on the 4th of January, 1847, the Secretary
of State, by my direction, informed him, in a letter of the 12th of February,
1847,^ that in the President's annual message of December, 1846, " You have
already perceived that New Mexico is at present in the temporary occupation
of the troops of the United States, and the government over it is military
in its character. It is merely such a government as must exist under the
laws of nations and of war, to preserve order and protect the rights of the
inhabitants, and will cease on the conclusion of a treaty of peace with
Mexico. Nothing, therefore, can be more certain than that this temporary
government, resulting from necessity, can never injuriously affect the right
which the President believes to be justly asserted by Texas to the whole
territory on this side of the Rio Grande, whenever the Mexican claim to it
shall have been extinguished by treaty. But this is a subject which more
properly belongs to the legislative than the executive branch of the
Government."
The result of the whole is, that Texas had asserted a right to that part
of New Mexico east of the Rio Grande which is believed, under the acts of
Congress for the annexation and admission of Texas into the Union as a
State, and under the Constitution and laws of Texas, to be well founded ; but
this right had never been reduced to her actual possession and occupancy.
The General Government, possessing exclusively the war-making power, had
the right to take military possession of this disputed territory, and until the
title to it was perfected by a treaty of peace, it was their duty to hold it,
and to establish a temporary military government over it, for the preserva-
tion of the conquest itself, the safety of our Army, and the security of the
conquered inhabitants.
The resolutions further request information whether any persons have
been tried and condemned for " treason against the United States in that
part of New Mexico lying east of the Rio Grande, since the same has been
in the occupancy of our Army," and if so, before " what tribunal," and " by
what authority of law such tribunal was established." It appears that after
the territory in question was " in the occupancy of our Army," some of the
conquered Mexican inhabitants, who had at first submitted to our authority,
broke out in open insurrection, murdering our soldiers and citizens, and
committing other atrocious crimes. Some of the principal offenders who were
apprehended were tried and condemned by a tribunal invested with civil and
criminal jurisdiction, which had been established in the conquered country
^ See letter of Mr. Buchanan to Governor Henderson, Feb. 12, 1847, supra.
136 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
by the military officer in command. That the offenders deserved the punish-
ment inflicted upon them, there is no reason to doubt; and the error in the
proceedings against them consisted in designating and describing their crimes
as " treason against the United States." This error was pointed out, and its
recurrence thereby prevented, by the Secretary of War in a despatch to the
officer in command in New Mexico, dated on the 26th of June, 1847, a copy
of which, together with copies of all communications relating to the subject
which have been received at the War Department, is herewith transmitted.
The resolutions call for information in relation to the quantity of the
public lands acquired within the ceded territory, and " how much of the
same is within the boundaries of Texas as defined by the act of the Congress
of the Republic of Texas of the igth day of December, 1836." No means
of making an accurate estimate on the subject is in the possession of the
executive department. The information which is possessed will be found
in the accompanying report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
The country ceded to the United States lying west of the Rio Grande,
and to which Texas has no title, is estimated by the commissioner of the
General Land Office to contain 526,078 square miles, or 336,689,920 acres.
The period since the exchange of ratifications of the treaty has been
too short to enable the Government to have access to or to procure abstracts
or copies of the land titles issued by Spain or by the Republic of Mexico.
Steps will be taken to procure this information at the earliest practicable
period. It is estimated, as appears from the accompanying report of the
Secretary of the Treasury, that much the larger portion of the land within
the territories ceded remains vacant and unappropriated, and will be subject
to be disposed of by the United States. Indeed, a very inconsiderable por-
tion of the land embraced in the cession, it is believed, has been disposed
of or granted either by Spain or Mexico.
What amount of money the United States may be able to realize from
the sales of these vacant lands must be uncertain ; but it is confidently believed
that, with prudent management, after making liberal grants to emigrants
and settlers, it will exceed the cost of the war and all the expenses to
which we have been subjected in acquiring it.
The resolutions also call for " the evidence, or any part thereof, that the
■ extensive and valuable territories ceded by Mexico to the United States
constitute indemnity for the past.' "
The immense value of the ceded country does not consist alone in the
amount of money for which the public lands may be sold. If not a dollar
could be realized from the sale of these lands, the cession of the jurisdiction
over the country, and the fact that it has become a part of our Union, and
can not be made subject to any European power, constitute ample "indemnity
for the past " in the immense value and advantages which its acquisition
must give to the commercial, navigating, manufacturing, and agricultural
interests of our country.
The value of the public lands embraced within the limits of the ceded
territory, great as that value may be, is far less important to the people of
the United States than the sovereignty over the country. Most of our States
contain no public lands owned by the United States, and yet the sovereignty
and jurisdiction over them is of incalculable importance to the nation. In
the State of New York the United States is the owner of no public lands,
1848] TO MR. CARVALLO 137
and yet two-thirds of our whole revenue is collected at the great port of
that State, and within her limits is found about one-seventh of our entire
population. Although none of the future cities on our coast of California
may ever rival the city of New York in wealth, population, and business,
yet that important cities will grow up on the magnificent harbors of that
coast, with a rapidly increasing commerce and population, and yielding a
large revenue, would seem to be certain. By the possession of the safe
and capacious harbors on the Californian coast, we shall have great advan-
tages in securing the rich commerce of the East, and shall thus obtain
for our products new and increased markets, and greatly enlarge our coasting
and foreign trade, as well as augment our tonnage and revenue.
These great advantages, far more than the simple value of the public
lands in the ceded territory, " constitute our indemnity for the past."
James K. Polk.
Washington, July 24, 1848.
TO MR. CARVALLO.'
Department of State,
Washington, July 25, 1848.
Sir : In a note under date the 27th of April, last, I had the
honor to inform you that the President had directed the papers
relating to the pending claim on the Chilean Government in the
case of the Macedonian to be referred to Ransom H. Gillett, Esq.,
the Solicitor of the Treasury, for his report. This he has accord-
ingly rendered to this Department, and a copy of it is herewith
communicated. The testimony on both sides appears to have
been maturely and impartially weighed by Mr. Gillett. The
conclusion at which he arrives is that sixty-nine thousand six
hundred dollars of the value of the silver seized in the valley of
Sitana belonged to citizens of the United States. In this opinion
the President entirely concurs, and consequently hopes that the
Chilean Government will at once make provision for the payment
of the principal sum with interest from the date of the seizure.
If, as is presumed to be the case, you are authorized to enter
into stipulations upon the subject, I shall be happy to receive
your proposals at an early day. With a view, however, to re-
move all cause of misunderstanding between our two govern-
ments, which have so many motives for cherishing mutual good
will, it is desirable that the few other claims of citizens of the
United States on the government of Chile should be included in
'MSS. Department of State, Notes to Chilean Legation, VI. 8; S. Ex.
Doc. 58, 3S Cong, i Sess. 333. For the arbitration of this case, see Moore,
International Arbitrations, II. 1449 et seq.
138 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
the arrangement. I should therefore be gratified to learn that
your powers also extend to them.
I avail myself of this occasion, sir, to offer to you renewed
assurances of my very high consideration.
James Buchanan.
Senor Don Manuel Carvallo, &c., &c., &c.
TO MR. CAMPBELL.^
Dept. of State,
26 July, 1848.
Robert B. Campbell Esqr.
U. S. Consul, Havana.
Sir:
Your letters dated 18 May and 17th & i8th of this month
have been received. I have to thank you for much valuable
information which they contain.
In reply to the several enquiries made by you under date the
i8th inst., I have to state, —
1. A native of the Island of Cuba, who has been naturalized
in the U. S., retains his rights as an American citizen, upon his
return to that Island, at least until he has manifested, by un-
equivocal acts, his intention to become again a Spanish subject.
2. It is very clear that a foreigner, who has merely declared
his intention to become an American citizen, without having
carried that intention into effect, is not an American citizen.
3. Without deciding the question whether an American citi-
zen, by taking out a letter of domiciliation in Cuba, has forfeited
his right of citizenship, I think that whilst he remains in the
Island enjoying the privileges which such a letter confers, this
Government is not under any obligation to protect him as an
American citizen. This would seem to be clear, because, in order
to obtain such letter, he must have promised under oath fidelity
to her Catholic Majesty, and to the laws, " renouncing all privi-
lege, right, and protection that he might claim as a foreigner,
promising not to maintain any dependence, relation, or subjection
to the country of his birth," &c. &c.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obt. Servant,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 473.
1848] TO MR. CAMPBELL 139
P. S. A Duplicate of an important despatch, addressed to
you under date the 9th of June, is enclosed herewith. It was
transmitted by me to Mr. Wood, at New York, to be forwarded
to you by the earliest opportunity. Under date 10 June, he
acknowledged receipt of it, and stated, that it had been placed
in the letter bag- of the Steamer " Guadalquivir," to sail for Ha-
vana on the 12 following. As you make no reference to it, I
am apprehensive it may not have been received. If so, I will
thank you to use all diligence to ascertain its fate, and obtain
possession of it.
TO MR. CAMPBELL.'
Dept. of State, 27 July 1848.
R. B. Campbell Esq.
U. S. Consul, Havana.
SlR^
Your letter of the 7th inst. referring to the instructions
of this Dept. in the case of John Lytic, " a free citizen of the
U. S.," sold into bondage in the Island of Cuba, & announcing
that through your interposition he had been restored to freedom,
& sent by you to New York, has been received. Of his safe
arrival at that place I have since been informed. By your faith-
ful exertions, to accomplish so laudable an object, you have
entitled yourself to the thanks of every friend of humanity; to
which I, with pleasure, add the acknowledgments of the Govt,
for the fidelity with which you have executed your instructions,
& vindicated its character. I am happy in the reflection that
the circumstances to which you refer, & which you seem to think
would have justified the very extreme measures you contemplated,
in case this individual was not given up, did not occur; and in
reply to your enquiry on that subject, I have to state, that such
a proceeding, on your part, could not have been approved by the
President, because it would have been the exercise of the war
making power, which belongs exclusively to Congress.
In regard to the account stated by you with John Lytle,
I am not able to perceive any objection to it ; and as he appears
to have entrusted the management of his affairs to discreet &
intelligent friends, I have no motive to interfere with it.
I am Sir &c.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 475.
140 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO THE CHEVALIER MARTUSCELLI.i
Department of State,
Washington, 27th July, 1848.
The Chevalier Martuscelli,
&c., &c., New York City.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your notes, from the City
of New York, of the 31st May last and the 22nd Instant, both
of which have been brought to the notice of the President.
Whilst the President has observed with deep interest the
progress of events in Italy, yet, acting in accordance with the
long established policy of the United States, this Government
has carefully abstained from taking any part in the intestine
struggles which now agitate that country. Our policy in regard
to all foreign nations is peace, friendship, and neutrality, leaving
to each to choose that form of Government which it may deem
best adapted to promote the happiness and prosperity of its people.
The President, I need not say, desires to preserve the most
amicable relations with the Government of His Majesty, the King
of The Two Sicilies.
In answer to the inquiry contained in your note of the 22nd
Instant, I have the honor to inform you that this Government
has not recognized the Independence of Sicily, nor has it yet
taken the subject into consideration.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer to you the assurances
of my distinguished consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
(No. 33.) Department OF State,
Washington, 28th July, 1848.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
The President has watched, with much solicitude, the prog-
ress of the bill in the House of Commons to repeal the British
navigation laws. At this late day, and after the subject has
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Italian States Legation, VI. 106.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 361.
1848] TO MR. MASON 141
been exhausted by the most powerful intellects of the age, any
attempt on my part to prove their injustice and impolicy would
be a work of supererogation. It is my confident belief, however,
that the removal of the restrictions upon trade which these
laws impose would essentially promote the welfare both of Great
Britain and the United States. Commerce and navigation, re-
lieved from the fetters which have so long restrained them,
would bound forward with invigorated energy. Mutual benefits
and blessings would thus be conferred upon the people of both
countries, and the peace and friendship now so happily subsisting
between the kindred nations would be rendered perpetual.
The President has instructed me to express his cordial appro-
bation of your past efforts to secure the repeal of these laws, and
his desire that you shall continue to use all honorable means,
consistent with your position as a foreign Minister, to accomplish
this most desirable object.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MASON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 28th July, 1848.
Hon. John Y. Mason,
Secretary of the Navy.
Sir:
For your information I have the honor to transmit, herewith,
extracts from despatches from N. Niles, Esq., Charge d' Affaires
of the U. S. in Sardinia, dated respectively the i6th ult., and
the 2d inst., on the subject of the privilege granted by the Sar-
dinian Government, of a naval depot at Spezzia, for the use of
our public vessels in the Mediterranean.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 470.
142 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. RAY ET AL.'
Deft, of State,
28 July, 1848.
Messrs. Charles B. Ray, Wm. P. Powell, Charles L.
Reason, James McC. Smith, Committee, &c., &c., &c.
I have received your note of the 22d inst., requesting copies
of the correspondence in this Dept. in relation to the case of
John Lytle, who has been rescued from the condition of slavery
in which he was unjustly held in the Island of Cuba, through the
agency of our Consul at the Havana. It has been unusual to
publish instructions to our foreign Agents ; and I can see no good
reason why an exception to the general rule should be made on
the present occasion.
I have to return you my acknowledgments for the expression
of your gratitude " for the ready & energetic action of the Dept.
on this interesting occasion." Your kindness overrates my
desert. Had I acted otherwise than I have done, I should have
justly exposed myself to severe censure. When informed by a
benevolent friend that a free individual of my own country, no
matter of what colour, was held in bondage in a foreign land,
the first dictate of duty as well as humanity was, to adopt the
means necessary for his rescue. This I did with hearty good
will; and I rejoice that the efficient efiforts of our Consul, sus-
tained' as they were by the praiseworthy conduct of the Captain
General of Cuba, were crowned with success.
I am respectfully
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON A TREATY WITH PRUSSIA.'
[July 28, 1848.]
To THE Senate of the United States :
I have received from the Senate the " convention for the mutual delivery
of criminals, fugitives from justice, in certain cases, concluded on the 29th
of January, 184S, between the United States, on the one part, and Prussia
and other States of the German Confederation, on the other part," witK a
copy of their resolution of the 21st of June last, advising and consenting
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 476.
^ Senate Executive Journal, VII. 462-464.
1848] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 143
to its ratification, with an amendment extending the period for the exchange
of ratifications until the 28th of September, 1848.
I have taken this subject into serious and deliberate consideration, and
regret that I can not ratify this convention, in conformity with the advice of
the Senate, without violating my convictions of duty. Having arrived at this
conclusion, I deem it proper and respectful, considering the peculiar circum-
stances of the present case, and the intimate relations which the Constitu-
tion has established between the President and Senate, to make known to
you the reasons which influence me to come to this determination.
On the i6th of December, 1845, I communicated this convention to the
Senate for its consideration, at the same time stating my objections to the
third article. I deemed this to be a more proper and respectful course
toward the Senate, as well as toward Prussia and the other parties to it,
than if I had withheld it and disapproved it altogether. Had the Senate
concurred with me in opinion and rejected the third article, then the con-
vention thus amended would have conformed to our treaties of extradition
with Great Britain and France.
But the Senate did not act upon it within the period limited for the
exchange of ratifications. From this I concluded that they had concurred
with me in opinion in regard to the third article, and had, for this and other
reasons, deemed it proper to take no proceedings upon the convention. After
this date, therefore, I considered the affair as terminated.
Upon the presumption that this was the fact, new negotiations upon the
subject were commenced, and several conferences were held between the
Secretary of State and the Prussian minister. These resulted in a protocol
signed at the Department of State on the 27th of April, 1847, in which the
Secretary proposed either that the two Governments might agree to extend
the time for the exchange of ratifications and thus revive the convention,
provided the Prussian Government would previously intimate its consent
to the omission of the third article, or he " expressed his willingness imme-
diately to conclude with Mr. Gerolt a new convention, if he possessed the
requisite powers from his Government, embracing all the provisions contained
in that of the 29th January, 1845, with the exception of the third article.
To this Mr. Gerolt observed that he had no powers to conclude such a
convention, but would submit the propositions of Mr. Buchanan to the
Prussian Governmeni for further instructions."
Mr. Gerolt has never yet communicated in writing to the Department
of State the answer of his Government to these propositions ; but the Secre-
tary of State, a few months after the date of the protocol, learned from
him, in conversation, that they insisted upon the third article of the conven-
tion as a sine qua non. Thus the second negotiation had finally terminated
by a disagreement between the parties, when, more than a year afterwards,
on the 2ist June, 1848, the Senate took the original convention into consider-
ation and ratified it, retaining the third article.
After the second negotiation with the Prussian Government, in which
the objections to the third article were stated, as they had been previously
in my message of the i6th December, 1845, a strong additional difficulty was
interposed to the ratification of the convention; but I might overcome this
difficulty if my objections to the third article had not grown stronger by
further reflection. For a statement of them in detail I refer you to the
144 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
accompanying memorandum, prepared by the Secretary of State by my
direction.'
I can not believe that the sovereign States of this Union, whose adminis-
tration of justice vifould be almost exclusively affected by such a convention,
will ever be satisfied with a treaty of extradition under which if a German
subject should commit murder or any other high crime in New York or New
Orleans, and could succeed in escaping to his own country, he would thereby
be protected from trial and punishment under the jurisdiction of our State
laws which he had violated. It is true, as has been stated, that the German
States, acting upon a principle springing from the doctrine of perpetual
allegiance, still assert the jurisdiction of trying and punishing their subjects
for crimes committed in the United States or any other portion of the world.
It must, however, be manifest that individuals throughout our extended
country would rarely, if ever, follow criminals to Germany, with the neces-
sary testimony, for the purpose of prosecuting them to conviction before
German courts for crimes committed in the United States.
On the other hand, the Constitution and laws of the United States, as
well as of the several States, would render it impossible that crimes com-
mitted by our citizens in Germany could be tried and punished in any
portion of this Union.
But if no other reason existed for withholding my ratification from
this treaty, the great change which has recently occurred in the organization
of the Government of the German States would be sufficient. By the last
advices we learn that the German Parliament, at Frankfort, have already
established a federal provisional Executive for all the States of Germany,
and have elected the Archduke John of Austria to be " Administrator of the
Empire." One of the attributes of this Executive is " to represent the
Confederation in its relations with foreign nations, and to appoint diplomatic
agents, ministers, and consuls." Indeed, our minister at Berlin has already
suggested the propriety of his transfer to Frankfort. In case this conven-
tion with nineteen of the thirty-nine German States should be ratified, this
could amount to nothing more than a proposition on the part of the Senate
and President to these nineteen States who were originally parties to the
convention to negotiate anew on the subject of extradition. In the mean-
time a central German Government has been provisionally established, which
extinguishes the right of these separate parties to enter into negotiations
with foreign Governments on subjects of general interest to the whole.
Admitting such a treaty as that which has been ratified by the Senate
to be desirable, the obvious course would now be to negotiate with the
General Government of Germany. A treaty concluded with it would embrace
all the thirty-nine States of Germany, and its authority being coextensive
with the Empire, fugitives from justice found in any of these States would
be surrendered up on the requisition of our minister at Frankfort. This
would be more convenient and effectual than to address such separate requisi-
tions to each of the nineteen German States with which the convention was
concluded.
' The substance of the rnemorandum is embodied in this message. See,
also, the message of Dec. i6, 1845, supra.
1848] TO MR. HOPKINS 145
I communicate herewith, for the information of the Senate, copies of a
despatch from our minister at Berlin, and a communication from our consul
at Darmstadt.
James K. Polk.
Washington, July 28, 1848.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON THE INSTRUCTIONS TO MESSRS. SEVIER AND CLIFFORD.'
[July 28, 1848.]
To THE House of Representatives of the United States :
In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the
17th instant, requesting the President " to communicate (if not inconsistent
with the public interests) copies of all instructions given to the Hon. Am-
brose H. Sevier and Nathan Clifford, commissioners appointed to conduct
negotiations for the ratification of the treaty lately concluded between the
United States and the Republic of Mexico," I have to state that, in my opin-
ion, it would be " inconsistent with the public interests " to give publicity
to these instructions at the present time.
I avail myself of this occasion to observe that, as a general rule, applicable
to all our important negotiations with foreign powers, it could not fail to be
prejudicial to the public interest to publish the instructions to our ministers
until some time had elapsed after the conclusion of such negotiations.
In the present case the object of the mission of our commissioners to
Mexico has been accomplished. The treaty, as amended by the Senate of
the United States, has been ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged,
and the treaty has been proclaimed as the supreme law of the land. No
contingency occurred which made it either necessary or proper for our
commissioners to enter upon any negotiations with the Mexican Government
further than to urge upon that Government the ratification of the treaty in
its amended form.
James K. Polk.
Washington, July 28, 1848.
TO MR. HOPKINS.^
(No. 6.) Department of State,
Washington, 29th July, 1848.
George W. Hopkins, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Lisbon.
Sir:
On the day my last despatch to you, of the 27th ultimo, was
mailed, I received information from the Secretary of the Navy,
' H. Ex. Doc. 75, 30 Cong, i Sess.
''MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Portugal, XIV. 104.
Vol. VIII— 10
146 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
to whom I had referred your despatch No. 7, of the 29th of May,
to the effect that orders had been given to the Commander of our
Squadron in the Mediterranean to take an early occasion to direct
one of the ships under his command to touch at the port of
Lisbon.
Your despatch No. 8, of the 29th ultimo, was received here
on the 24th instant.
By a Resolution of the Senate, dated the 24th April, the
correspondence and papers in the case of the claim of the owners
of the Ship " Miles " have been called for. The answer to this
call is now ready, and will be communicated with the documents
in a few days. Among the papers proposed to be sent on the
occasion, was a letter (with enclosures,) from Mr. H. G. O.
Colby to the Department, dated 20th July, 1843; ^ copy of which
was transmitted to Mr. Rencher, in a despatch of the 18th Oc-
tober, of that year, numbered 2. The original of Mr. Colby's
letter, and its enclosures, not being found on file in the Depart-
ment, are presumed to have been withdrawn, or transmitted to
your Legation; in which latter event you will be good enough
to return them hither, to be placed on file, and used, if occasion
should require, retaining the copies in the Legation. A knowl-
edge of the fact of the Senate's call for information respecting
this case will be useful to you in any communications you may
have to make upon the subject to the Portuguese Minister of
Foreign Affairs.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. NILES.'
(No. 4.) Department of State,
Washington, 29th July, 1848.
Nathaniel Niles, Esqr.,
&c., Szc, Turin.
Sir:
I wrote to you on the 28th ultimo, and I have to acknowl-
edge the receipt since then of your despatches, Nos. 3, 4, and 5.
Extracts have been made from the two last, and communicated
to the Secretary of the Navy, on the subject of the permission
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Italy, I. 55.
1848] TO MR. SAUNDERS 147
granted by Sardinia to establish a Naval Depot at Spezzia, for
the use of our public ships.
I had the pleasure yesterday to receive Mr. Mossi in the
character of Charge d' Affaires of Sardinia.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. SAUNDERS.'
(No. 21 [23].) Department of State,
Washington, 29th July, 1848.
Romulus M. Saunders, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your despatch of the 12th
ultimo, numbered 34, and that of the 27th ultimo, numbered 35.
I received, by the same mail which brought the latter, a letter
from Mr. Sawyer, dated the 6th instant, announcing his arrival
in London, and his determination to proceed immediately to
Madrid. It is supposed that, before this reaches you, he will
have entered upon the duties of Secretary of Legation.
In regard to the Cemetery at Barcelona, the President is of
opinion that he cannot lawfully apply the fund for the " contin-
gent expenses of foreign intercourse " towards its improvement.
The object, however, is laudable; and should the other Govern-
ments mentioned have furnished to their Consuls the allotted
amounts, there is no doubt that Congress, at its next Session,
would enable me to transmit to our Consul the 1000 francs appor-
tioned to this Government. It may be necessary to obtain a
general authority from Congress upon the subject; and I should
be glad to learn at how many places in Spain it might become
necessary to ask our aid in improving Cemeteries for American
Citizens.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Spain, XIV. 254.
148 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO THE PRESIDENT/
Department of State,
Washington, 31st July, 1848.
To the President of the United States.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the Reso-
Kition of the Senate of the 28th Inst., requesting the President to
communicate to that Body, " in confidence, if not inconsistent
with the public interest, what steps, if any, have been taken by
the Executive to extinguish the rights of the Hudson Bay and
Puget Sound Land Company, within the Territory of Oregon,
and such communications, if any, which may have been received
from the British Government in relation to this subject," — has
the honor to report to the President the accompanying copies
of papers, in answer to the resolution above cited.
Respectfully submitted.
Tames Buchanan.
TO MR. WALKER.'
Department of State,
Washington, 31st July, 1848.
Hon. R. J. Walker,
Secretary of the Treasury.
Sir:
I have the honor to communicate, for the purpose of being
placed on file in the Treasury Department, a copy of despatch
No. 15, under date the 2d inst., addressed to this Department by
Mr. Clifford, U. S. Commissioner in Mexico, relative to the pay-
ment to the Mexican Government of the three millions of dollars
pursuant to the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 3d
March, 1847, entitled "An act making further appropriation
to bring the existing war with Mexico to a speedy and honorable
conclusion." The original papers which accompanied the des-
patch are also herewith communicated.
I have the honor, &c.,
James Buchanan.
^MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 271. This report was
communicated by President Polk to the Senate, July 31, 1848. (Senate
Executive Journal, VII. 466.)
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 471.
1848] TO MISS LANE 149
TO MR. BUTLER.'
Department of State,
Washington, 2d August, 1848.
Benjamin F. Butler, Esq.,
Attorney of U. S. for Southern District
of New York— N. Y. City.
Sir:
I have heard nothing for some time of the case of Metz-
ger. Will you be good enough to inform me when it will prob-
ably be decided by the Supreme Court of New York? I am very
anxious to have it finally determined by the Supreme Court of
the U. S. at an early period of their next session, in case the
decision of your Supreme Court should affirm that of Judge
Edmonds.
Mr. Poussin, the French Minister, has arrived in this city,
and from the great interest felt by his Government in the question,
I have no doubt he will embrace an early opportunity to ascertain
what is its present condition.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MISS LANE.^
Washington 2 August, 1848.
My dear Harriet/
I have this moment received your letter of the 30th ultimo
& hasten to give it an answer. I regret very much that you are
not pleased with Rockaway. You went there for the benefit of
your health, under the advice of physicians, & I should be very
sorry you should leave it without giving sea bathing a fair trial.
It is entirely out of the question for me to accompany you
on a tour to West Point, Niagara, Boston, &c. If I should be
able to leave Washington at all, I cannot go to any place from
which I could not immediately return in case of necessity. I re-
quire rest & quiet. Besides, under existing circumstances which
I need not explain, I could not visit the States of New York &
Massachusetts, unless it might be to pass through them quietly
^MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 473.
-Buchanan Papers, private collection. Printed, with some inaccuracies,
in Curtis's Buchanan, I. 541.
150 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
& rapidly. It is possible, if the weather should be suitable,
towards the close of August that I may go to Saratoga for a few
days ; but my movements are altogether uncertain.
I am much gratified that you have acquitted yourself so
handsomely, as to obtain medals & premiums; & under other cir-
cumstances, I should cheerfully accompany you on your travels.
It is possible that I may take you to West Point.
Miss Hetty is gradually but slowly recovering. Please to
remember me very kindly to Mrs. Bache, Mrs. Walker, & the
ladies, and believe me to be
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 17.) Department of State,
Washington, 3rd August, 1848.
A. J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I transmit you, herewith, two printed copies of the Presi-
dent's message and my memorandum on the subject of the Con-
vention of Extradition with Prussia and the other German States.
These documents will sufficiently explain themselves.
The Convention was most unexpectedly taken up, and, in
the hurry of business, suddenly acted upon by the Senate ; and no
doubt is entertained that the views presented by the President in
his message will receive the approbation of the members of that
Body.
The President desires that you shall make the necessary
explanations to the Prussian Government, and assure them, in
the strongest terms, of his continued desire to cultivate the most
friendly relations with Prussia. He felt constrained to with-
hold his ratification from the Convention, because it introduced
a new principle into our Treaties of Extradition, to which
he could not, under an imperative sense of duty, give his
approbation.
I ought to observe that the President, in his message, has
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 126.
1848] TO THE SENATE 151
committed a mistake in stating, that " Mr. Gerolt has never yet
communicated in writing to the Department of State the answer
of his Government to these propositions," &c. This mistake
originated in the Department of State. The fact is, that Baron
Gerolt did, in a note of the 20th May, 1847, communicate to this
Department that the Prussian, and other German Governments,
could not abandon the Third Article of the Convention. This
mistake, as soon as it was discovered, was made known to the
Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Relations of the Senate.
I think you may calculate, with much confidence, that, in the
course of the next week, you will be appointed Envoy Extra-
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Germanic Confed-
eration. It is not intended, by this appointment, to annul your
present Commission. On the contrary, you will remain Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Prussia, until it
shall be ascertained that the Prussian Government has been
definitively deprived of the power to enter into negotiations with
Powers beyond the limits of Germany. This course is due to
the sincere respect which the President entertains for the Prus-
sian Government, and his desire to act towards it in the most
kind and deferential manner.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO THE SENATE.'
[August 3, 1848.]
To THE Senate of the United States.
The Secretary of State has the honor to transmit to the
Senate, in compliance with a Resolution adopted by it on the
29th ultimo, " a copy of the Joint Report of the Commissioners
under the Treaty of Washington, of August 9, 1842, together
with a copy of the report of the American Commissioner trans-
mitting the same to the State Department."
James Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington, 3rd August, 1848.
^MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 272; S. Ex. Doc. 71,
30 Cong. I Sess. i.
152 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO A. LINCOLN ET AL.'
Department of State,
Washington, 5th August, 1848.
Messrs. A. Lincoln and James H. Thomas,
House of Representatives.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of yesterday, requesting copies, in English, of the Conventions
entered into by Santa Anna with Texas, and referred to in
his letter to President Jackson which is published in Senate
document No. 84, 2d Session, 24th Congress. In reply, I have
the honor to inform you that it is not in the power of this
Department to comply with your request. The Clerk who had
charge of the business at the time states that Santa Anna's letter
to President Jackson was never on file in the Department except
for the purpose of being translated; that it was returned to the
President when the translation was completed, and that he has
no recollection of having seen the copies of the treaties referred
to in the letter.
I have the honor, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DONELSON.^
(No. 18.) Department of State,
Washington, 7th August, 1848.
A. J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c., Berlin.
Sir:
The President has this day nominated you to the Senate as
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Fed-
eral Government of Germany; and no doubt is entertained that
your nomination will be confirmed before the termination of the
Session. This will end on the 14th instant.
In making this nomination, the President does not intend that
you shall remove your residence from Berlin to Frankfort. Dur-
ing the transition state of Germany from separate and indepen-
dent Sovereignties to a Federal Union, the Prussian Mission will
' MSS. Department of State, 36 Domestic Letters, 474.
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 127.
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 153
remain upon its present footing; and there is no intention to
withdraw it, unless the power of Prussia to negotiate with
foreign Governments shall be abolished by the definitive Con-
stitution of Germany. This determination, on the part of the
President, is due to the respect which he entertains for the Prus-
sian Government, and his sincere desire to perpetuate the friendly
relations which have been maintained between Prussia and the
United States ever since the termination of our Revolutionary
War. Before you leave Berlin for Frankfort, where the public
interest now demands your presence, you will take care to present
the views of the President on this subject to the Prussian Minis-
ter for Foreign Affairs. After the final establishment of the
Germanic Constitution, should it still be necessaiy to preserve
diplomatic relations with Prussia, the President will then decide
whether you shall remain in your present position, or be per-
manently transferred to Frankfort. In the mean time your
necessary personal expenses, of which you will keep an account,
in travelling to and from Frankfort, and whilst you shall find
it necessary to remain there, will be paid out of the fund to
defray the contingent expenses of foreign intercourse.
I shall send your Commission to Frankfort; presuming
that when it shall arrive you will be in that city. With it, I shall
transmit you instructions. In the mean time, it is important that
you should watch carefully the progress of the Bill to establish a
uniform Tariff for Germany, and use your best endeavors to have
their transit duties abolished, and the duties on our important
articles of export fixed at a reasonable rate. For this purpose,
you can avail yourself of the information and services of Messrs.
Mann and Graebe, which I have no doubt they will cheerfully
render, should they be in Frankfort. We already owe much
to the great ability and persevering vigilance of the former,
whilst we are indebted to the latter for a regular and faithful
account of the proceedings of the German Parliament, with
observations evincing strong practical good sense. His despatch
of the loth July was communicated to the Senate with your
nomination; and I desire that you should make this fact known
to him.
Should you have reached Frankfort upon the arrival of this
Despatch, you will immediately address a note to the Prussian
Minister for Foreign Affairs, embodying the views of the Presi-
dent in reference to your continuance as Minister to Prussia.
As you will represent your country both at Berlin and
154 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Frankfort, it would be highly acceptable to the President if the
two Governments established in these cities should be repre-
sented by Baron Gerolt at Washington.
My two last despatches to you were dated on the 24th ultimo
and 3rd instant. I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatches Nos. 92 and 93, of the 5th and 8th ultimo.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CLIFFORD.'
(No. 2.) Department of State,
Washington, 7th August, 1848.
To N. Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
The despatches from your Legation to No. 19, inclusive,
have been received.
The President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, has appointed you Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary to the Mexican Republic. I herewith transmit
your Commission with a sealed letter of credence to the Presi-
dent of that Republic and an open copy of the same. You will
communicate the copy to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with a
r.ote requesting him to inform you when you may present the
original to the President in person. After you shall have been
received by the Mexican Government under your new commis-
sion, the President is willing that you shall visit the United States
in compliance with the request contained in your number 16.
The time of your departure from Mexico is left to your own
discretion, in view of the important interests entrusted to your
charge. You will present Mr. Walsh to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs as Charge d'Affaires ad interim.
The President knows that you will absent yourself from
your post no longer than may be consistent with your duty, to
make " suitable provision for the permanent comfort and happi-
ness of your family." There has been, as you ai-e aware, no
period in the history of our relations with Mexico when it was
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 100.
1848] TO MR. CLIFFORD 155
more important than at the present moment to have our country
ably represented at the capital of that Republic. The irritation
of feeling arising out of the late and to the Mexicans disastrous
war ought to be soothed; the machinations of foreign govern-
ments injurious to the United States ought to be counteracted,
and the Mexican Government ought to be persuaded to abandon
their absurd and unreasonable tariff. These are important ob-
jects of your mission, requiring your personal attention. If
you can succeed in accomplishing them, you mil acquire and
deserve the gratitude of your country.
In the present distracted state of Mexico, the Department
will expect to learn regularly the progress of events from your
Legation, and you will enjoin the performance of this duty on
Mr. Walsh during your absence.
Your despatch No. 14, of the 27th June, was not received
from Senor Arrangoiz until the 3d instant. On the same day
he called at the Department, presented his credentials, and in-
formed me of the object of his mission. He said it was the desire
of the Mexican Government that the United States should furnish
to Mexico three or four thousand troops, to be employed, in the
first place, against the Indians of Yucatan, and, if need be, against
the Indians of other portions of Mexico. In case of necessity,
they would, also, be employed to sustain the present govern-
ment against the revolutionists. He proposes that they should
receive from Mexico the same pay and rations as troops of the
United States, and in all other respects should be placed on the
same footing, and is willing that the next instalment of three
millions under the Treaty due on the 30th May, 1849, should be
applied to this purpose.
His verbal propositions have been submitted to the President
in Cabinet Council, and after full consideration they were decided
to be impracticable. Such an arrangement, in order to bind
Mexico, must assume the form of a Treaty and be submitted to
the Senate; and it is very certain that two-thirds of that body
would not at present advise and consent to its ratification. But
even if their concurrence were probable, there is not now time
before the close of the session, (Monday the 14th instant) to have
the question discussed and decided by that body.
The President himself, as you are aware, does not possess
the power to employ the army beyond the limits of the United
States, in aid of a foreign country, without the sanction of the
Treaty-making or war-making power; and it is morally certain
156 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
that neither the one nor the other could be obtained under
existing circumstances.
Besides, to employ the army in this manner would be con-
trary to our established policy not to interfere in the domestic
concerns of foreign nations, and this ought not to be violated
unless under extraordinary circumstances.
Even if all other difficulties could be overcome. Congress
would have to raise additional troops for the purpose. The
present army of the United States, since the discharge of the
ten regiments and the volunteers, is barely sufficient for the
necessary service at home.
I have this morning had a conversation with Seiior Arran-
goiz, and communicated to him these views of the President on
the subject of his mission. He appeared to be satisfied that it
was impossible to accomplish the object during the present ses-
sion of Congress ; but he expressed a hope that something might
be done at the next session in case the situation of Mexico should
then require our aid.
The President and the people of the United States sincerely
desire to maintain the most amicable relations with Mexico.
They cordially wish that the present government may be able
to sustain itself against its enemies, and they deprecate the success
of Paredes. This would again commence the unfortunate career
of revolution which Mexico has so long pursued with such disas-
trous consequences, and I fear would end in dismemberment and
total anarchy. The pacific and eminently patriotic character of
President Herrera affords a sure pledge for the prosperity of
Mexico, should he be able to retain his power, and all our feelings
are enlisted in his favor. It is therefore with painful reluctance
that the President feels himself constrained to decline his request,
at least for the present. You are instructed to explain in the
most friendly manner the reasons of this refusal, and make them
as acceptable as possible. It is hoped from the news received
this morning of the defeat of Paredes and the capture and execu-
tion of Jarauta, that Mexico may not require foreign aid.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
1848] TO MR. SHIELDS 157
TO MR. SHIELDS.'
(No. 26.) Department of State,
Washington, 7th August, 1848.
To B. G. Shields, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I transmit a copy of two communications addressed to thi.s
Department, one by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vene-
zuela, under date the 6th of May, last, and the other by Mr.
Crampton, Her Britannick Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Wash-
ington, under date the 29th June. The view which I have taken
of the first of these communications will appear from my answer
to Mr. Acevedo's note, a transcript of which is also enclosed.
You will perceive that I have not acknowledged either the general
charges preferred against you, or the expunging of the passage
in the note to which he refers, to be true in point of fact. In
regard to the latter I certainly could have taken no other course,
for you have yourself been silent upon the subject. It is pre-
sumed, however, that the incident may have been correctly stated.
If so, I regret that you should have so far placed yourself in the
power of Mr. Acevedo as to have afforded him occasion to make
the representation.
The plain duty of diplomatic agents of the United States is
scrupulously to abstain from interfering in the domestic politics
of the countries where they reside. This duty is specially incum-
bent on those who are accredited to governments mutable in form
and in the persons by whom they are administered. By taking
any open part in the domestic affairs of such a foreign country,
they must sooner or later render themselves obnoxious to the
Executive authority, which cannot fail to impair their usefulness.
It is probable that Mr. Acevedo may have exaggerated the
more general charges against you contained in his note. If,
however, there should have been any ground for them, it would
be a matter for just regret. There certainly can be no doubt that
your future conduct will afford no occasion to repeat them,
whatever may be the party or the persons in authority in
Venezuela.
Mr. Acevedo, it appears, has communicated to Mr. Wilson,
the British Charge d'Affaires at Caracas, that you had informed
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Venezuela, I. 72.
158 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
him that your " Government is convinced that England was at
the bottom of the resistance opposed by Mexico to the just de-
mands of the United States, and that but for her intrigues there
would have been no war between the two countries, for which
in point of fact she is entirely responsible; that the government
of the United States has recently obtained documentary evidence
of the fact, and that it is determined to watch and frustrate the
intrigues and designs of England against the independence and
prosperity of the Spanish American States." If you communi-
cated such information to Mr. Acevedo, it was not only highly
impolitic, considering that his known feelings in regard to your-
self rendered it morally certain it would be made known to Mr.
Wilson, but it was incorrect in point of fact. This Government
possesses no such documentary or other evidence of the alleged
interference on the part of Great Britain. On the contrary, we
have reason to believe, whatever may have been our conjectures
before the. commencement of the war with Mexico, that the Brit-
ish Government exerted itself to bring about a Treaty of Peace.
It is true that we shall ever watch with a jealous eye the
movements of Great Britain as well as those of all other European
powers on this continent. We have reason to be dissatisfied with
her conduct on the Mosquito Coast under the pretext of being
the protector of the King and Kingdom of the Mosquitos, and
especially with her capture of the port of St. Juan de Nicaragua.
We have sent a Charge d'Affaires to Guatemala who has been
instructed to collect and communicate to the Department full
and accurate information on this subject. When we receive his
report, the President will determine what measures it may be
proper to adopt for the purpose of defeating her designs.
Under these circumstances, our true policy requires that we
should be prudent and cautious as well as firm and decided. If
we have complaints to make, these ought to be made to the
British Government, and not through our diplomatic agents to
the functionaries of other Governments having no direct interest
in the question.
I have no doubt that Mr. Acevedo's statements have been
exaggerated throughout, and shall await your explanations with
much interest.
From anything I have said in this despatch, you will not infer
that you are not to keep a watchful eye upon the intrigues of the
British government in Venezuela, if any such exist, and com-
municate full information of them to the Department.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
1848] TO THE VENEZUELAN MINISTER 159
TO THE VENEZUELAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN
AFFAIRS/
Department of State,
Washington, 7th August, 1848.
To His Excellency, The Minister for Foreign Affairs
OF THE Republic of Venezuela.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has had the honor to receive two copies of the note addressed
to him, under date the 6th of May, last, by His Excellency the
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela, one
of them through General Herran, the Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of New Gran^ada, accred-
ited to this Government, and the other through Mr. F. Corvaia.
This note has been laid before the President, who has directed
the Undersigned to reply to the same. Its account of recent
events in Venezuela has been read with painful interest. The
comparative exemption of that Republic from those convulsions
which have done so much towards hindering the progress of other
Spanish American States was enough to inspire hopes that her
prosperity might not be thwarted or retarded by similar causes.
The Undersigned will not say that the circumstances mentioned
by the Minister for Foreign Affairs should dissipate those hopes,
but the fact that civil war exists in a neighboring and friendly
Republic, whatever may be its origin or purposes, will always
be deplored by the United States, who desire that all nations
living under free governments should be tranquil at home and at
peace with the rest of the world.
After concluding his narrative, the Minister for Foreign
Affairs says it had been announced that Seiior Juan Manuel Man-
rique, formerly Minister for Foreign Relations of Venezuela,
had gone to the United States in quest of assistance for the
insurgents in that Republic, and requests that this government
would not suffer any expedition to be organized or any assistance
to be obtained in this country for the purpose of carrying on hos-
tilities against the existing government of Venezuela. The Min-
ister for Foreign Affairs is aware that as the government of the
United States is founded on law, none of its authorities can do
any act which the law does not direct or allow. There is, how-
'MSS. Department of State, Communications to Foreign Sovereigns
and States, III. 75.
160 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ever, a law of the United States which is believed to be adequate
to the objects desired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The
special attention of the Attorneys of the United States at those
points where ofifences against this law were most likely to be
committed has accordingly been called to its execution, as will
appear from the Circular to those officers, a copy of which is
enclosed.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs closes his communication
with a complaint against Mr. Shields, the Charge d' Affaires of
the United States at Caracas, for indulging in partiality towards
the adversaries of the Executive of Venezuela, and specifies an
expression in a note addressed to him by Mr. Shields as having
been so offensive that the latter felt himself obliged to suppress it.
This complaint has given the President much pain. In
transacting the business of his mission, Mr. Shields had displayed
intelligence and industry amply sufficient to justify those favor-
able anticipations which led to his appointment. If he has taken
any part in the local politics of Venezuela, the Minister for
Foreign Affairs may be assured that he has not acted in conform-
ity to instructions from this government, which can never approve
of such a course in its diplomatic agents abroad, as it would
not be tolerated in the representatives of other countries in the
United States. In stating, however, that Mr. Shields arrived in
Venezuela when the Executive Power of that Republic was in
the hands of persons by whom it is now opposed, and with whom
he necessarily contracted friendships, the Minister for Foreign
Affairs affords an explanation if not a justification for the bias
on the part of that gentleman of which he complains. The Presi-
dent, however, is confident that he has not intentionally performed
any act which he supposed to be incompatible with his whole duty,
in the discharge of which he has been actuated by an exemplaiy
zeal, and that if through inadvertence he should have been in-
discreet, he has no doubt his conduct for the future will be
entirely satisfactory to the Venezuelan Government. This De-
partment has accordingly addressed an instruction to him upon
the subject.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to
His Excellency the assurance of his most distinguished
consideration.
James Buchanan.
1848] FROM MR. RUSH 161
TO MR. ABELL.'
Department of State,
Washington, 8th August, 1848.
RoLLiN Abell, Esq.,
Boston.
Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th
instant, upon the subject of the claim on the Chilean Government
in the case of the brig Warrior. The amount allowed by that
Government for the detention of the vessel was $15,000, payable
with interest in seven annual instalments. These have all been
paid.
The indemnification was claimed by, and the first instalment
was paid to, Thomas T. Bloodgood, of New- York, Administra-
tor of Thomas Bloodgood, deceased, as the sole owner of the
" Warrior." The subsequent instalments have been paid to that
gentleman and the Revd. William Patton, upon an agreement
between them, filed in the Department, by which the former ad-
mitted that the latter had an equitable right to one moiety of the
amount allowed.
I am. Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
FROM MR. RUSH.^
Private. Paris August 8. 1848.
Dear Sir,
An incident has occurred here giving me much concern, which I must
ask leave to explain to you in this unofficial letter, that as well the President
as yourself may personally know what I have done in regard to it; and
also other friends in the government whom I value.
The newspapers some time ago apprized me that our national Demo-
cratic convention had passed certain congratulatory Resolutions which I was
to deliver to the National Assembly here. I had the hope that they might
not reach me. They did, however, but never until about ten days ago,
through Mr. Hallett of Boston, and I enclose a copy of the answer I wrote
him.
It wiU be seen that I felt compelled to decline delivering them; and
greatly pained should I be if it could be thought that in this act I have
^MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, I.
''Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Vol. VIII— 11
162 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
wanted a proper respect or right feeling for the party in our country of which
I am one. But how could I, the minister of the United States, deliver these
Resolutions, being, as they are, exclusively of a party nature — however good
as such?
Would the National Assembly of this great country receive in pfoper
form any thing of the kind from a source less than our whole nation?
Could the National Assembly respond to such Resolutions, which, be-
sides coming from a body representing only one party in the United States,
ceased to exist immediately after it had passed the Resolutions?
When I have presented any thing proceeding from the President or
yourself, our whole nation has spoken. I have known where I stood.
But if I had become the channel of presenting these Resolutions, directly
or indirectly, would not the dignity of our democratic convention have been
compromised, supposing the National Assembly to have declined receiving
or answering them ; or not to have answered them as might have been
wished? Were these risks to have been run?
I sincerely hope that our friends may not complain of my course.
With all that I see and know here, I have the deep conviction that for me
to have presented the Resolutions in any way, either to the National Assem-
bly or Executive government, would have been an injudicious step all round;
I mean as well for me, as Minister, as for our National convention.
The recent successes of the Austrians in Italy have created much
anxiety here. England has not yet acknowledged this Republic, though
other states are now beginning to do so ; but Mr. De Beaumont was yester-
day appointed minister to London (not ambassador) and will go there
immediately — perhaps to-day or to-morrow ! So I was told at a party where
I was last night, and where there were some prominent members of the
Assembly. De Beaumont is a member. The present government in France
does not at all desire war ; and the new minister, who is among that class
of the French rather well disposed towards England, and only a Republican
of the day after, goes over the channel thus speedily to join England in
friendly counsels with Austria and Sardinia for peace on terms that both
countries might accept, and thus save Europe from a general war. This is
what I hear from a source I deem pretty good, though I have not as yet
heard it from this government direct.
It is now confidently expected that the new constitution will be reported
to the Assembly next week, by the Bureaus.
I will write you an official communication soon on the tobacco question,
which I trust you will feel sure I have not forgotten, but on the contrary
have had constantly in my mind.
I pray you, my dear Sir, to believe me always very sincerely and
respectfully
Yours
Richard Rush.
Hon : James Buchanan.
1848] TO MR. CLIFFORD 163
TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.'
[August 12, 1848.]
To THE House of Representatives of the United States :
The Secretary of State, in answer to the Resolution of the
House of Representatives of the 21st of December, last, which
is in the following words : " Resolved, That the Secretary of
State report to this House the state of the claims of Aaron Leg-
gett on the Government of Mexico, decided under the Convention
of the nth April, 1839, and such action as may have been had
and the papers relating thereto in the Department of State, since
the report upon them of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in
August, 1842, referring them for further consideration to the
Executive branch of the Government " — has the honor to com-
municate the papers mentioned in the subjoined list, which contain
all the information on the subject of the Resolution in the pos-
session of this Department.
From these documents it will appear that Mr. Leggett's
claims are in the same condition they were at the date of the
report in relation to them to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
in August, 1842.
Respectfully communicated.
James Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington, 12th August, 1848.
TO MR. CLIFFORD.^
(No. 4.) Department OF State,
Washington, 15th August, 1848.
To Nathan Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
In your despatch No. 18, you inquire, are articles imported
previously or subsequently to the exchange of the ratifications
of the Treaty, but which have been transported out of the State
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 273; H. Ex. Doc. 83,
30 Cong. I Sess. i.
"MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 105.
164 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
in which they were, liable to or exempt from the operation of the
local revenue system of the country?
The third article of the Treaty stipulates that immediately
after its ratification by both parties, the Government of the
United States shall despatch orders for the delivery of the Mexi-
can Custom Houses to such persons as the Mexican Government
may authorise to receive them. But it was foreseen that duties
on imports might be collected in these ports by the United States
after the ratification of the Treaty by both parties and before the
delivery of the Custom Houses to the Mexican authorities.
Which party was to receive the benefit of these duties? The
third article of the Treaty very properly answers, the Mexican
Government. It would have been unjust that they should be
injured in consequence of the delay which it was foreseen might
occur between the final conclusion of peace and the surrender
of the Custom Houses. But in addition to these duties, the
Treaty liberally surrenders to the Mexican Government "all
bonds and evidences of debt for duties on importations and
exportations not yet fallen due " at the time of the delivery of the
Custom Houses to the Mexican authorities.
In this state of the case, what would be equal and exact
justice between the parties in regard to the disposition of the
goods imported into Mexico previously to the surrender of the
Custom Houses? These ought to be placed on precisely the
same footing as though they were imported and had paid duties
under the Mexican tariff. In accordance with this principle,
the first clause of the nineteenth article provides that all imports
previously to the restoration of the Custom Houses shall be
exempt from confiscation, even " although the importation of the
same be prohibited by the Mexican tariff." This covers the case
of tobacco and other prohibited articles.
But goods thus imported before the restoration of the Cus-
tom Houses might remain at the port of importation, or they
might have been removed to some " place in the interior whilst
such place was in the occupation of the forces of the United
States." The Treaty explicitly provides for both cases.
I. The third clause of the nineteenth article declares that
such goods as may then remain at the place of importation shall,
during their continuance there, and upon their leaving that place
for the interior, " be exempt from all duty, tax, or impost of every
kind, under whatsoever title or denomination. Nor shall they be
there subjected to any charge whatsoever upon the sale thereof."
1848] TO MR. CLIFFORD 165
2. In case any such goods had been removed from the port
of importation to a place " in the occupation of the forces of the
United States," the fourth clause of the 19th Article of the
Treaty provides that they " shall, during their continuance there-
in, be exempt from all tax upon the sale or consumption thereof,
and from every kind of impost or contribution, under whatsoever
title or denomination."
In all cases, hoAvever, where goods thus imported are re-
moved from the place of importation or from the place where
they may be foimd, to another place in Mexico, " they shall, upon
their introduction into such place, or upon their sale or consump-
tion there, be subject to the same duties which, under the Mexican
laws, they would be required to pay in such cases if they had
been imported in time of peace through the maritime Custom
Houses, and had there paid the duties conformably with the
Mexican tariff."
It appears to me that this plain provision of the Treaty
answers both your questions. Goods imported into Vera Cruz
before the 30th May, last, and transported to the City of Mexico,
after its evacuation by our troops, are not " exempt from the in-
ternal revenue system of the Federal District." And the same
rale applies, a fortiori^ to goods imported into Vera Cruz after
the 30th May, last, and before the restoration of the Custom
Houses.
The second clause of the nineteenth Article of the Treaty,
and the twentieth article, provide for a contingency which has
never occurred. They stipulate for goods imported between the
time that might elapse from the restoration of the Custom Houses
and the third of April, 1848, the termination of the sixty days
after the signature of the Treaty.
The Treaty provides, then, for three cases, i. At the place
of importation the goods may be freely sold without tax or duty,
and if removed thence, they are equally exempt from tax or duty
on their removal.
2. If they had been removed to any place in the interior,
"whilst such place was in the occupation of the forces of the
United States," there they may be freely sold without tax or duty.
3. But all goods whatever which may be removed, either
from the port of importation or from places which had been
occupied by the forces of the United States, to other places, are
liable to pay the same taxes and duties upon their introduction
into these places as goods imported under the Mexican laws.
166 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
I transmit a copy of a private letter of yesterday, addressed
to me by John Parrott, Esquire, United States Consul for Mazat-
lan, who is now in this City. It is understood that Mr. Parrott
has a quantity of tobacco at Vera Cruz which was imported pre-
viously to the restoration of the Custom House there to the Mexi-
can authorities, and he has been informed that they object to its
removal into the interior. I am very clearly of opinion that the
Treaty authorises him to transport his tobacco, as is his purpose,
to the City of Mexico. The nineteenth article embraces all mer-
chandise imported previously to the restoration of the Custom
Houses, " although the importation of the same be prohibited by
the Mexican Tariff." The United States would have acted an
unjust part towards the importers in admitting merchandise pro-
hibited by the Mexican Tariff, and receiving duties upon it, had
they failed to make such provisions in its favor as those contained
in the nineteenth article of the Treaty.
Copies of the communication of Commodore Jones and of
the two notes of the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs to
yourself, dated the 6th and loth July, last, respectively, the two
last complaining of violations of the 3d and 4th articles of the
Treaty, will be referred to the Secretaries of War and of the
Navy. It is to be regretted, however, that you did not at once
obtain the necessary information yourself from Commodore
Jones and our Consul at Tampico, and make a satisfactory
arrangement of these small affairs with the Mexican Government.
Your reference of these notes to the Department and the inten-
tion which you announce of not answering them until you shall
be possessed of the views of your Government, unless you should
change your purpose, may produce great delay. It is our wish
to execute the Treaty in its letter and spirit, and if anything has
been omitted by our agents at Mazatlan or at Tampico which the
Treaty requires, this ought to be corrected. It would seem that
the sum of forty-two thousand seven hundred and twenty-one
dollars, eighty-seven and a half cents, which Commodore Jones
was ready to pay over, was a large amount of duties collected at
Mazatlan for so short a period as that which intervened from
the 30th May to the 17th June, 1848.
I would make one or two suggestions to you. The Mexi-
cans are captious and verbose writers, and if you get into a dis-
cussion with them on any subject, it will have no end. Accom-
plish, therefore, as much as possible by conversation. Indeed,
this is a good rule in diplomatic intercourse.
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 167
Again, I would advise you to consult your own excellent
judgment in all cases which may arise, and not delay your action
awaiting instructions from the Department, unless in cases of
serious doubt and difficulty.
I have this moment received the letter from the Secretary of
War under date of . This will enable you to explain
the want of punctuality on our part which there is reason to
apprehend in making the payments required by the third article
of the Treaty.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 19.) Department of State.
Washington, 15th August, 1848.
To Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
Appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to the Federal Government of Germany,
Frankf ort-on-the-Main .
Sir:
The President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, having appointed you Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Federal Government
of Germany, I transmit, herewith, —
1st. Your Commission ; and
2nd. A Letter of Credence, addressed to the Arch-Duke
John, with an office copy of the same, which you will deliver to
the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government,
upon asking, through him, an audience of the Arch-Duke, for the
purpose of presenting the original.
The President has manifested his high appreciation of your
zeal and abilities by conferring upon you this important appoint-
ment. Whilst it is our established policy never to interfere in
the domestic concerns of foreign nations, we cannot view with
indifference the efforts now in progress to unite all the German
States in a more intimate Federal Union. We cordially wish
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 127.
168 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
that these efforts may result in the establishment of a Constitu-
tion for all Germany which will render the Nation great and
powerful, and will secure to every German citizen the blessings
of liberty and order. We cannot, however, close our eyes to the
difficulties which the German Parliament will have to encounter
in their progress. These, it is presumed, will chiefly arise from
the reluctance of the Sovereigns of the several States to surren-
der to the Federal Government such a portion of their separate
powers and prerogatives as may be necessary to accomplish the
great objects for which the German people are now contending.
But we rely much upon their patient and persevering character
lo overcome this and all other difficulties.
Upon the delivery of your Letter of Credence to the Arch-
Duke John, you will make such remarks as may be dictated by
your own good judgment and discretion, and by your knowledge
of the lively interest which the President feels in all that concerns
the power, prosperity, and liberty of Germany. A very large
portion of our own population, as you know, consists of Germans
and their descendants ; and they are distinguished for the sound
good sense, the patient industry, and the firm integrity which
belong to them in their father-land. We have no more useful
citizens.
For the principles which have ever guided this Government
in recognizing the independence of foreign Governments, and in
abstaining from all interference in the domestic concerns of
foreign nations, I would refer you to my despatch to Mr. Rush,
of the 31st March last, with a copy of which you have already
been furnished. You will be particularly careful in your conduct
at Frankfort to avoid giving any just cause of offence to the
Prussian Government ; with which it is our sincere desire to main-
tain the most friendly relations. Your position, in this respect,
will be the more delicate, and will require the greater circum-
spection, from the fact that you will represent your country both
at Berlin and at Frankfort.
The most important object of your mission will be, to obtain
such an adjustment of the German Tariff as will admit our
important productions into German ports at a reasonable rate
of duty. Our existing Tariff, as you are aware, is exclusively
a revenue Tariff. No higher duties are levied upon imports than
are necessary to supply the wants of the Government. It is
our sincere desire to extend our trade with Germany upon prin-
ciples of the m.ost liberal and equal reciprocity. The interest of
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 169
both Nations, I am persuaded, will be essentially promoted by
such a policy; whilst the intercourse thus established between
them would essentially promote mutual feelings of friendship and
good will. The Kingdom of Hanover and the Grand Duchies
of Oldenburg and Mecklenburg-Schwerin, actuated by these
principles, have already, to a considerable extent, entered into
just and liberal commercial stipulations with the United States.
I now enclose to you a copy of our Treaty with Hanover, and
of the accession to it of Oldenburg and Mecklenburg-Schwerin ;
and trust that the German Parliament may not do less in their
Tariiif for Germany than has already been done by these three
States. Besides, it would be exceedingly inconvenient to have
one rule adopted in regard to importations and transit duties in
these States, extending as they do so great a distance along the
North Sea and the Baltic, and another rule for the remaining
States of Germany. This argument may be urged with great
force.
It appears to me that the collection of transit duties through-
out the different States of Germany would be inconsistent with
the nature of a Federal Government for the whole. It would be
contrary to all our ideas in this Country to collect such duties
on goods passing in any direction in and through the States
of this Union. Such duties are annoying, are injurious to trade,
and ought to be abolished. When foreign goods have once paid
the proper duties of import, and fairly entered any of the
ports of Germany, they ought to be permitted to circulate freely
throughout the Empire. Any other policy would be repugnant
to the idea of a Federal Union.
For your own information, I transmit a memorandum, pre-
pared at the Treasury Department, of the rates of duty imposed
under our present Tariff on the principal articles of merchandise
imported from Germany.
My last despatch to you was dated on the 7th instant, and
numbered 18.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
170 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. BIDLACK/
(No. 21.) Department of State,
Washington, i6th August, 1848.
To B. A. BiDLACK, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
The Government of Venezuela having assumed its propor-
tion of the claim of John D. Danels on the late Republic of
Colombia for the seizure, by authorities of that Republic, of his
vessels the "Iris" and "Diligence" and their cargoes, you will
take an early opportunity to apply to the Government of New
Granada for its share of the indemnification due in the same
case. The accompanying copy of the agreement upon the sub-
ject between the claimant and the Minister for Foreign Affairs
of Venezuela will acquaint you with the particulars of the adjust-
ment on the part of that government. The long period which
has elapsed since the seizure was made, the circumstances attend-
ing it and the patience with which the injured party has waited
for redress, should lead to a prompt recognition and payment
of the liability of New Granada.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. SHIELDS.'
(No. 27.) Department of State,
Washington, i6th August, 1848.
To B. G. Shields, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 65, inclusive, have been received.
At the instance of Mr. Robert M. McLane of the House of Repre-
sentatives, a friend of Commodore Danels, I have to request that
you will hold, subject to the orders of the Commodore, the certifi-
cates of stock which you have received from the Government of
Venezuela in satisfaction of that part of his claim on the late
Republic of Colombia which that government has assumed. Any
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Colombia, XV. 118.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Venezuela, I. 75.
1848] TO MR. BUTLER 171
interest which may have been paid upon the stock you will like-
wise hold subject to the Commodore's order.
The Department understands that it is his intention to pro-
ceed himself from Caracas to Bogota and Quito for the purpose
of aiding Messrs. Bidlack and Livingston in effecting an adjust-
ment of the residue of the claim with the Governments of New
Granada and Ecuador, respectively. There are papers on the
files of your Legation which will be useful for this purpose. You
will consequently cause him to be provided with copies of these.
I am, .Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BUTLER.'
Department of State,
Washington, i6th Aug., 1848.
Benjamin F. Butler, Esq.
U. S. Attorney for the Southern Dist.
of N. Y. — New York city.
Sir:
I have received your letter of the 4th instant. I am ex-
ceedingly anxious to have the case of Metzger finally decided
by the Supreme Court of the U. S. at their next term. From
your letter of February 8, I had supposed there could be no
doubt we should be able to accomplish this object. It is due to
the French Government, which has taken an unusual interest in
this case, as well as to the important principles of constitutional
law involved in it, that it should be decided by the Supreme
Court. Should the decision be favorable, Metzger may yet be
arrested. The passage . of the late Act concerning extradition
ought not in any degree to interfere with the prosecution of the
case to a final result.
The decision of Judge Edmonds, after what Mr. Justice
McLean said in delivering the opinion of the Court in this case,
(5 Howard, 188,) produced no httle astonishment in this city.
I am. Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 7.
172 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. RUSH.'
(No. 23.) Department of State,
Washington, i8th Aug., 1848.
Richard Rush, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, an autograph
letter of the President of the United States, written in answer to
a Hke communication (accompanied by a note from the French
Minister of Foreign Affairs) addressed to him by General
Cavaignac, the President of the Council and Chief of the Execu-
tive Power of the French Republic. An office copy of it is en-
closed for the use of your Legation. Translations of General
Cavaignac's and Mr. Bastide's letters, the originals of which were
delivered by Major Poussin upon the occasion of his audience of
presentation, are also sent.
You will take an early occasion after the receipt of this
despatch to ascertain at the office of Foreign Affairs at what
time and in what manner it will be most agreeable to General
Cavaignac to receive the letter of the President, and will conform
to his wishes on the subject.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CLIFFORD.'
(No. 5.) Department of State,
Washington, i8th August, 1848.
To Nathan Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
The Bill for the appointment of a Commissioner and Sur-
veyor to run and mark the boundary line under the 5th article
of the Treaty with Mexico, after having passed the Senate, was
lost in the House for want of time and amidst the pressure of
business which always attends the close of a session. Congress
will, beyond question, pass this Bill very early in December, next,
and it is the desire of the President to carry into execution this
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, France, XV. 75.
"MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. no.
1848] TO MR. CLIFFORD 173
article of the Treaty with the least possible delay. In the mean
time, you are instructed to make this explanation to the Mexican
Minister for Foreign Affairs, and it would be advisable for the
Mexican Government at once to appoint their Commissioner and
Surveyor. A knowledge of the fact would hasten the action
of Congress. You might, also, ascertain at what season of the
year it would be most proper to commence the survey, and when
the Commissioner and Surveyor on the part of Mexico can be
at San Diego. The Civil and Diplomatic Act approved on the
I2th instant contains the following provision : " For the expenses
of running and marking the boundary line between the United
States and Mexico, and paying the salaries of the officers of the
Commission, a sum not exceeding fifty thousand dollars."
This appropriation was doubtless made with a view to carry
into effect the Act which failed in the House; but it is far from
being certain that the President may not, under the Treaty, nomi-
nate a Commissioner and Surveyor to the Senate on their meet-
ing in December. Should this course be deemed proper, these
officers may be appointed during the first week of the session,
and the appropriation may be applied to cover their expenses.
The British Government have objected to that clause of the
late Treaty by which it is declared that " the boundary line be-
tween the two Republics shall commence in the Gulf of Mexico,
three leagues " [instead of one] " from land, opposite the mouth
of the Rio Grande." To this I shall answer civilly, that the
stipulation can only afifect the rights of Mexico and the United
States, and for this reason third parties can have no just cause
of complaint.
I am. Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
P. S. The Bill providing for the appointment of a Board of
Commissioners to adjust claims of citizens of the United States
on Mexico also failed in the House of Representatives for the
same reasons as that for the establishment of the Boundary
Commission.
174 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO GENERAL LANE.'
Department of State,
Washington, i8th Aug., 1848.
Gen. Joseph Lane,
Evansville, Indiana.
Sir:
The President having appointed you Governor of the terri-
tory of Oregon, I have the honor herewith to enclose your
commission. I also enclose a duly certified copy of the " Act to
establish the Territorial Government of Oregon."
This communication will be delivered to you by Joseph L.
Meek, Esq., who has been appointed Marshal of the District of
Oregon. It is his purpose to proceed to Oregon without delay;
and the Secretary of War will provide him the necessary escort
for his safe passage. The President is exceedingly anxious
that you should accompany him, if this be possible. The present
condition of Oregon demands your presence ; and he well knows
that you are willing to make any sacrifices of personal conveni-
ence and comfort for the good of your country.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CRAMPTON.^
Department of State,
Washington, 19th Augt., 1848.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, a copy of a
letter addressed to this Department by the Secretary of the
Treasury on the i8th instant, requesting that permission be
solicited, through you, Sir, from the British Government, to
transfer from the Ocean to the Lakes, z'ia the river St. Lawrence,
two small schooners, to replace the steamers the " Jefferson "
and the " Dallas," lately withdrawn from the revenue service on
Lakes Erie and Ontario.
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 8.
'MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 186.
1848] TO MR. CRAMPTON 175
From the promptitude with which you exerted your good
offices in the case of the steamers, I feel no hesitation in bespeak-
ing them again on this occasion ; and am, Sir, with high consid-
eration, your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 19th Augt., 1848.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive your note of the 30th April
last, objecting, on behalf of the British Government, to that
clause in the fifth article of the late treaty between Mexico and
the United States, by which it is declared, that " the boundary
line between the two Republics shall commence in the Gulf of
Mexico three leagues from land," instead of one league from
land, which you observe " is acknowledged by international law
and practice as the extent of territorial jurisdiction over the sea
that washes the coasts of States."
In answer, I have to state, that the stipulation in the treaty
can only affect the rights of Mexico and the United States. If
for their mutual convenience it has been deemed proper to enter
into such an arrangement, third parties can have no just cause
of complaint. The Government of the United States never
intended by this stipulation to question the rights which Great
Britain or any other Power may possess under the law of nations.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you. Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
^MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 185.
176 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. CAUSTEN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 19th August, 1848.
James PI. Causten, Esq.,
Washington.
Sir:
Your letter of the 17th inst., relative to the claim on the
late Republic of Texas in the case of the schooner Mary Eliza-
beth, has been received. Since the admission of that Republic
into this Union, the Government of the U. S. has been absolved
from all obligations to prosecute the claims against the Texan
Government for which its interposition had previously been
invoked. It has consequently held the papers relating to such
claims subject to the orders of the parties interested. If, there-
fore, Mr. J. P. Powers, the claimant in the case of the Mary
Elizabeth, should desire the documents relative to that claim,
those on file in this Department can be surrendered at once, and
the Department will give an order for the delivery, to any
authorised agent of his, of those which were sent to the Legation
in Texas. The latter are believed to be either in the Custom
House at Galvezton, or in the office of the Secretary of State
of Texas.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DAVIS.
No. 2. Department of State,
Washington, 21st. Augt., 1848.
John W. Davis, Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I hasten to transmit to you, herewith, an authenticated
copy of a law passed a few days before the close of the recent
session of Congress, entitled " An Act to carry into effect certain
provisions in the treaties between the United States and China,
and the Ottoman Porte, giving certain judicial powers to Min-
isters and Consuls of the United States in those countries."
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 9.
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, China, I. 56.
1848] TO MR. MARCY 177
I meant to have accompanied this copy with some observations
which might prove useful to yourself, and to the other func-
tionaries in China upon whom additional authority is devolved,
in the exercise of your new duties ; but time will not allow this,
at present, and I must defer the proposed task another week.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MARCY.'
Department of State,
Washington, 21st Aug., 1848.
Hon. W. L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
Sir:
I have the honor to communicate, for the information of
the War Department, a copy of translations of two notes under
date the 6th and loth ultimo, respectively, addressed by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mexican Republic to Mr.
Clifford, the U. S. Minister at Mexico, the first complaining
that the restoration of the Custom House at Mazatlan to the
Mexican authorities was not attended with the formalities re-
quired by the 3d Article of the Treaty of Peace, and the second
officer in command of our forces at Tampico had refused to give
up the vessels belonging to the nation which served as a guard
to the Maritime Custom House there, and vessels which were
taken on our occupation of that port.
The letter from the War Department of the i6th inst. has
been received, and a transcript of it has been forwarded to Mr.
Clifford.
I have the honor, &c.,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, g. A similar letter,
except the last paragraph, was sent on the same day to the Hon. John Y.
Mason, Secretary of the Navy; id. 10.
Vol. VIII— 12
178 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. SANFORD.'
Washington, August 21, 1848.
Dear Sir: I have just received yours of the 12th instant,
in which you submit to me the following paragraph, and ask
whether it contains an accurate version of the conversation be-
tween us, concerning my Berks county letter, on the occasion to
which you refer:
Happening to meet Mr. Buchanan at the President's levee, on Friday
evening, I called his attention to this letter, and asked him if he intended
to be understood as claiming that the population of a Territory, in an
unorganized capacity, had the right to control the question of slavery in
such Territory. He declared that no such idea had ever been maintained
by him ; that the construction put upon his language by Mr. Yancey was a
perversion of its plain and obvious meaning; that, in his opinion, the inhab-
itants of a Territory, as such, had no political rights, [although they possessed
all the private rights of American citizens;] that they had no power whatever
over the subject of slavery; and they could neither interdict nor estabhsh
it, except when assembled in convention to form a State constitution. He
further authorized and requested me to make any public use of these
declarations that I might think proper, to correct any impression which
Mr. Yancey's construction of his language in the Berks letter might have
made.
With the addition which I have inserted between brackets,
this statement is substantially and almost literally correct,
according to my recollection.
In my letter to Berks county of 25th August, 1847, I ^^^
said, " under the Missouri compromise slavery was forever
prohibited north of the parallel of 36° 30', and south of the
parallel the question was left to be decided by the people." What
people? Undoubtedly the people of the Territory assembled in
convention to form a State constitution and ask admission into
the Union ; and not the first adventurers or " first comers " who
might happen to arrive in the Territory, assembled in public
meeting. If a doubt on this subject could possibly exist, it is
removed by the next succeeding sentence of my letter. I pro-
ceeded to state : " Congress, on the admission of Texas, adopted
the same rule," etc. And what was this rule? "The Joint
Resolution for annexing Texas to the United States," approved
March i, 1845, answers the question in the following words:
" And such States as may be formed out of that portion of said
Territory lying south of 36° 30' north latitude, commonly known
^ Cong. Globe, 34 Cong, i Sess. XXXHI., Appendix, 1250.
1848] TO MISS LANE 179
as the Missouri compromise line, shall be admitted into the
Union, with or without slavery, as the people of each State asking
admission may desire." Such was the description of the people
to whom I referred in my Berks county letter.
Any other construction of the letter would render it essen-
tially inconsistent with itself. Having urged the adoption of
the Missouri Compromise, the inference is irresistible that Con-
gress, in my opinion, possesses the power to legislate upon the
subject of slavery in the Territories. What an absurdity would
it then be, if, whilst asserting this sovereign power in Congress,
which power from its nature must be exclusive, I should, in the
very same breath, also claim this identical power " for the
population of a Territory in an unorganized capacity!"
In conclusion, I desire to reiterate and reaffirm every senti-
ment contained in my Berks county letter. I cling to the
Missouri compromise with greater tenacity than ever, and yet
firmly believe that it will be adopted by Congress.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
T. Sanford, Esq.
TO MISS LANE.'
Washington 22 August 1848.
My dear Harriet/
I have this moment received your letter of the 20th Instant.
I answered your former letter very soon after it was received &
am sorry that my answer miscarried.
I expect sister Maria here to-day or to-morrow and of course
?■ At this moment I was interrupted by the agreeable
infonnation that she had arrived & I have just seen her. It is
now four years since I enjoyed that pleasure. How long she
will remain I do not know; but it will be impossible to leave
before her departure. She will remain until James * shall receive
his appointment in the Revenue Cutter service which was kindly
promised him by Mr. Walker, but which cannot be conferred
until after the President's return, who is not expected until this
day week the 29th Instant. From present appearances, I shall
"Buchanan Papers, private collection; Curtis's Buchanan, I. 541.
'' Perhaps Mrs. Yates ; but the word is not completed in the original..
'James Buchanan Yates.
180 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
not be able to leave Washington before the first of September.
I cannot, therefore, promise positively to visit Rockaway.
I hope you are enjoying yourself, & may be benefited in
your health by the sea bathing.
Should I go to New York I may take you as far as West
Point. I presume the season will be too late for the Saratoga
Springs.
Give my kindest regards to Mrs. Bache & the ladies, &
believe me to be ever yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
P. S. My former letter was directed to Rockaway, Long
Island, New York.
TO MR. PLEASONTON.^
Department of State,
23d August, 1848.
Stephen Pleasonton, Esq.
Fifth Auditor Treasury U. S.
Sir:
By the provisions of a recent act of Congress entitled " an
act supplementary to ' an act to authorize the Secretary of State
to liquidate certain claims therein mentioned,' passed the i8th
of April, 1814," the Secretary of State is directed to examine,
according to principles of equity and justice, the claim of Joseph
de la Francia for advances made for the use and benefit of the
U. S., prior to and since the taking of that portion of the late
province of West Florida described in the said act (approved
i8th April, 1814) as included within the limits of the state of
Louisiana, or the Mississippi Territory, by the United States.
In order that this Department may be the better enabled to
fulfil the duty thus devolved upon it, I have the honor to request
that you will communicate to me all the information in the pos-
session of your office likely to contribute to a full understanding
of the merits of this claim of Joseph de la Francia upon the
U. S., accompanied by such observations or remarks as you may
judge requisite to illustrate the subject.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
^ MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 10.
1848] TO MR. TEN EYCK 181
TO MR. BILLE.'
Department of State,
Washington, 24th August, 1848.
Mr. Steen Bille,
&c. &c., Philadelphia.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of the 22nd Instant, communicating, under instructions, a copy
of a despatch from your Government, dated at Copenhagen on
the 24th ultimo.
These communications will be laid before the President
upon his return to the Seat of Government; and, in the mean
time, I seize the occasion to express to you my profound regret
that an}^ circumstances should have unexpectedly arisen to retard
or jeopard the negotiations for peace, and return to harmony,
of which this Government had been led to regard the armistice,
lately entered into by the respective Governments of Denmark
and Prussia, as the certain harbinger.
I am. Sir, with great consideration,
Your obedient servant
James Buchanan.
TO MR. TEN EYCK.^
(No. 7.) Department of State,
Washington, 28th August, 1848.
To Anthony Ten Eyck, Esquire
&c. &c. &c.
Sir,
Your despatches to No. 35, inclusive, have been received.
You often complain that you have not been promptly furnished
with full instructions upon points which seem to you to require
them. I have two answers to give to these complaints.
I. From your despatch of the 25th May, 1847, as well as
from information derived from another source, I expected daily
to be informed of your resignation. Under these circumstances,
I deemed it advisable to await the departure of your successor
from the United States and give him full instructions in regard
to the objects of his mission.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Danish Legation, VI. 20.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Hawaii, II. i.
182 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
2d. Whilst expecting your return, I felt reluctant to express
my disapprobation of any portion of your conduct as the Repre-
sentative of your Country.
One principal object of your mission, as appears from your
original instructions, dated loth September, 1845, was to
negotiate a Treaty with the Hawaiian Government upon the
basis of their Treaties with Great Britain and France, although
you were not limited to their provisions. A copy of the Treaty
with Great Britain was furnished you as a guide. Although you
doubtless had it in your power to negotiate such a Treaty upon
your first arrival ; yet you submitted to the Hawaiian Government
the projet of a Treaty to which, as I intimated to you in my
despatch of the i8th June, 1847, they would not accede, because
it trenched " too much on their rights as an independent nation; "
and such proved to be the fact. By the same Despatch you were
again instructed to conclude a Treaty similar to that with Great
Britain, if a better could not be obtained ; and in opposition to
your opinion, I expressed the belief, after re-examining the
subject, that such a Treaty " could not fail to prove advantageous
to our interests." It now appears from your Despatches of the
15th February and 4th May last that it is doubtful whether the
Hawaiian Government will conclude such a Treaty with the
United States ; and the opportunity may have been lost of placing
us on the same footing with Great Britain and France.
Your efforts to secure the just claims of American citizens
to lands in the Hawaiian Islands were laudable in themselves,
and in these efforts you ought still to persist ; but they ought not
to have delayed or prevented you from concluding a Treaty in
obedience to your instructions.
The President has learned with regret and astonishment
the probable refusal of the Hawaiian Government to conclude a
Treaty with the United States upon the terms of their Treaty
with Great Britain. He entertains the hope that this may not be
their final determination. If it should, he will be compelled to
consider it as evidence of a want of friendly feeling towards this
Government. We desire no advantages over these nations ; but
equal and exact justice requires that we should be placed upon
the same footing. This we have a right to expect. Should they
afterwards consent to annul or modify these Treaties, the
Hawaiian Government have no reason to doubt that we would
act towards them in the same liberal spirit.
You might, should this become necessary, limit the duration
1848] TO MR. TEN EYCK 183
of the Treaty to a term of years, as has been usual in our treaties
with other nations, but to continue thereafter until one or the
other party shall give a year's notice of its intention to termi-
nate it.
You appear not fully to have understood your powers and
duties under the law of nations in regard to claims of American
citizens on Foreign Governments. I cannot explain these more
clearly than by extracting a few sentences from a letter dated
on the nth November, 1847, and addressed by this Department
to Vice President Dallas, in answer to an application made by
him in behalf of an American citizen. The extract follows: —
" It has been the practice of this Department to confine its
official action in the recovery of indemnity from foreign Govern-
ments to tortious acts committed under their authority against
the persons and property of our Citizens. In the case of viola-
tion of contract, the rule has been not to interfere, unless under
very peculiar circumstances, and then only to instruct our
diplomatic agents abroad to use their good offices in behalf of
American citizens, with the Governments to which they are
accredited. The distinction between claims arising from torts
and from contracts is, I believe, recognised by all nations, and
the reasons for this distinction will readily occur to your own
mind." This letter was carefully considered and adopted by
the President and the entire Cabinet. I might add, that if this
were not the rule. Governments and especially our Government,
would be involved in endless difficulties. Our citizens go abroad
over the whole world and enter into contracts with all foreign
Governments. In doing this they must estimate the character
of those with whom they contract, and assume the risk of their
ability and will to execute their contracts. Upon a different
principle, it would become the duty of the Government of one
country to enforce the payment of loans made by its citizens
and subjects to the Government of another country. This might
prove exceedingly inconvenient to some of the States of this
Union as well as to other Sovereign States.
In regard to the jurisdiction of the Courts of Independent
Nations over American citizens resident within their limits, it
became necessary for me, on the ist February, 1848, to address a
note to Mr. Osma, the Minister from Peru, which also received
the sanction of the President and Cabinet. From it I make
the followdng extract. " Citizens of the United States whilst
residing in Peru are subject to its laws and the Treaties existing
184 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
between the parties, and are amenable to its Courts of Justice for
any crimes or offences which they may commit. It is the
province of the Judiciary to construe and administer the laws,
and if this be done promptly and impartially towards American
citizens and with a just regard to their rights, they have no cause
of complaint. In such cases they have no right to appeal for
redress to the diplomatic representative of their country, nor
ought he to regard their complaints. It is only where justice
has been denied or unreasonably delayed by the Courts of
Justice of foreign countries, where these are used as instruments
to oppress American citizens or to deprive them of their just
rights, that they are warranted in appealing to their government
to interpose." All these are ancient and well established prin-
ciples of public law; and the quotations are made merely to
shew that they have received the formal sanction of this
Government.
A public Minister resident abroad can always render im-
portant services unofficially to his countrymen in cases of con-
tracts with foreign Governments. From the peculiar condition
of the Sandwich Islands, the number of American residents, the
feebleness of the Government, and the want of knowledge upon
the part of its native functionaries, interpositions of this char-
acter are oftener necessary than with long established Govern-
ments. And from the great distance, it is your duty to act in
such cases, upon your own judgment and discretion, without
first consulting this Department. Upon these occasions you can
probably accomplish more in private conversations than in any
other manner; but in order to render your aid effectual you
should cultivate the most friendly personal relations with the
King and all his high officers. This truth being so obvious, .1
was surprised to learn that you had acted as agent or counsel
for Ladd & Company in conducting their proceedings against the
Government, which could not fail to bring you into direct collision
with the Hawaiian authorities. I could not have anticipated
this after you had been informed, in your original instructions,
that " one great cause of the difficulties between Mr. Brown and
the Hawaiian authorities arose from his conduct as an attorney
in defending James Gray, an American Seaman, before a
Hawaiian Court, on a charge for assault and battery. It was
highly improper for a diplomatic Representative of the United
States to practice lazv in the Courts of the country to which
he was accredited, and in the opinion of the President is zuholly
1848] TO MR. TEN EYCK 185
inconsistent zvith the Diplomatic character." From all that I
have said, you will not be surprised to learn that the President
of the United States does not deem it proper to interfere officially
for the purpose of redressing the alleged grievances of your
clients Messrs. Ladd & Company. Their claim arises purely from
contract, and results from a denial on their part of the right
of the Hawaiian Government to levy upon property owned or
claimed by them, towards satisfying a debt to that government
judicially acknowledged to be due. This denial is based upon
the ground that pursuant to a contract entered into at Brussels
on the 17th of May, 1843, the alleged parties to which were
the Hawaiian Government, the Belgian Colonization Company,
and Ladd and Company, the last named party conveyed to the
Company certain property and privileges at the Islands, posses-
sion of which, however, they [Ladd & Co.] were to retain until
the Belgian Company was ready to receive it, pursuant to the
terms of the contract. Ladd and Company contend that by this
stipulation the Hawaiian Government engaged to maintain them
in possession of the property in any event and against any other
claimants, even ordinary creditors. This, however, that govern-
ment denies, and having itself been a creditor of the firm, it
seized and sold on execution a part of the property referred to.
Soon after your arrival at the Islands, however, the Hawaiian
government was induced to refer all its matters in dispute with
Ladd & Co. to arbitrators, who entered into an elaborate investi-
gation of their case, in the course of which many witnesses were
examined in their behalf. The trial, with occasional interrup-
tions, extended over several months, but before the case on the
part of the Government had been opened, Ladd & Co. withdrew
from the arbitration, on the alleged grounds of a want of means
to prosecute it further, and of the captious course of the Attor-
ney on the part of that government. To the first of these, the
Hawaiian government has replied, that it offered, upon proper
security, to advance the means necessary to carry on the arbitra-
tion. Mr. Ricord, the Attorney on the part of the Hawaiian
Government, sometimes, without doubt, unduly urged the rights
of his client, but this disposition appears to have been properly
checked by the arbitrators. Certain it is, however, that these
creditors who are now the parties in interest might have had it
finally decided, had they thought proper, by a board of respectable
arbitrators. Whether the claim be just or unjust on the part of
Messrs. Ladd & Company, who are now prosecuting it for their
creditors, I shall not express an opinion.
186 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
But if the claim were never so just, if it had been a case in
which this Government were bound officially to interfere, and if
the amount due to the claimants had been acknowledged by the
Hawaiian Government, the President could not employ the naval
force of the United States to enforce its payment without the
authority of an Act of Congress. The war making power alone
can authorize such a measure. The President, therefore, regrets
that you should have so far mistaken your powers as to have
called upon Commander Du Pont of the Cyane in September last
and " inquired of him whether he would consider any directions
or instructions from me [youj in my [your] official capacity as
at all obligatory upon him in case I [you] should find it necessary
to use the force under his command to compel compliance with
any demands I [you] should think proper to make on this [the
Hawaiian] Government." Commander Du Pont very properly
replied in the negative ; and informed you that under his general
instructions he should feel bound to cultivate the most friendly
relations with all the Officials of this [the Hawaiian] Gov-
ernment.
From the whole tenor of your Despatch, it is evident, that
had he consented, you might have involved your country in an
act of war against the Sandwich Islands. You expressly say,
that you had intended to make demands upon the Hawaiian
Government for reparation and indemnity for some of our
citizens whose rights and liberties had been invaded in a most
gross and illegal manner, provided you should obtain his assist-
ance ivith the force under his command, in case any demands
were not complied ivith and you should find it necessary and
expedient to call upon him.
You must for some reason have taken up the idea that the
Hawaiian Government was not to be treated as an independent
Government by the United States ; and yet I am not aware of
any thing peculiar in the relations between the two countries
which would justify us in discriminating between that and other
nations whose independence we have recognized. Mr. Calhoun,
in a note addressed to Messrs. Richards & Haalitio, the Hawaiian
Commissioners, dated on the 6th July, 1844, informed them
that " the President regarded his message to Congress of the 31st
December, 1842, the proceedings of the House of Representatives
thereon, and the appropriation made for the compensation of a
Commissioner of the United States who was subsequently ap-
pointed to reside in the islands, as a full recognition, on the part
1848] TO MR. TEN EYCK 187
of the United States, of the independence of the Hawaiian
Government." Besides, the letter of President Polk to the King
which you bore with you, dated on the loth September, 1845,
treated him as an independent sovereign.
This Government, having thus pledged itself to accord to
that of the Hawaiian Islands the rights and privileges of a
sovereign State, cannot in honor or justice demand from it any
thing which, under like circumstances, it would not demand from
the most powerful nations. I can discover nothing which would
justify this Government in objecting to the decisions of the
Hawaiian Courts in ordinary cases arising under the municipal
laws of the Country, or in dictating the policy which that Govern-
ment should pursue upon any domestic subject, and especially that
of the tenure of real estate by resident foreigners.
If the ordinary privileges of a sovereign state are to be
allowed to the Hawaiian Government, it will be difficult justly
to question its unqualified right to prescribe the rules by which
real estate is to be held in the Islands. It is the policy of most
governments to withhold from aliens fee simple titles to lands.
This policy is based upon the ground that it is expedient for the
exclusive ownership of the soil of a country to be vested in
those who owe allegiance to its government. If, as you repre-
sent, citizens of the United States have improved lands and
other real property in the Islands under the impression that their
titles thereto were perfect, that their government would concur
with them in this opinion and would require the Hawaiian
Government to conform thereto, they certainly are mistaken.
Their rights must be measured by the laws and customs of the
Islands as expounded by the Judicial tribunals. If they have
been mistaken in regard to these laws and customs, it is a mis-
fortune which you will use your best efforts to remedy, i. By
exerting all your influence to procure the legislation necessary
to render their titles vahd: and 2, if this cannot be accomplished,
to procure indemnity for them to the value of any improvements
which they may have made upon the lands. This Government
would have reason to expect such a proof of friendship to the
United States and such an act of justice towards the claimants.
Still you will be careful in your representations upon this subject
to avoid the appearance of dictating to the Hawaiian Govern-
ment what course they should pursue. Earnest persuasion
proceeding from the Representative of the United States will be
much more powerful in accomplishing the object than a per-
188 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
emptory demand, accompanied by a threat, which the Hawaiian
Government must well know would not be justified by the law
of Nations, nor enforced by the President and Congress. I do
not consider it necessary to enter upon the proceedings in the
action for a libel brought by Peter A. Brinsmade, who seems to
have been the active partner of the firm of Ladd & Co., against
James Jackson Jarvis, the Editor of the Polynesian. Upon the
question whether the plaintiff was entitled to have a jury drawn
and empanelled to try the cause, there seems to have been an
unsearchable latitude of testimonjr and discussion permitted by
the Court. Had Mr. Brinsmade formally discontinued tihe
action on the 5th May, 1846, the time appointed for the hearing
of this question, the proceedings must then have terminated. It
is probable that he may have thought he had done so, when after
reading his protest he withdrew from the Court, " and begged
to allow himself to be defaulted if such was the Judge's deci-
sion." To what decision of the Judge he referred upon which
this default was to take effect, does not clearly appear. At all
events, the Judge proceeded to hear testimony as well as a very
long argument of the defendant's Counsel on the question
whether the plaintiff was entitled to a Jury. In the progress of
the investigation, several American citizens were called as wit-
nesses, and refusing to testify were committed for this contempt.
Under these circumstances, I do not think they are entitled to
call upon the Government to demand redress from the Hawaiian
Government. They had no right to question the authority of
the Court of an independent Country before whom they were
subpoenaed ; and a witness is everywhere liable to punishment for
refusing to testify. If this were not the case, Courts of Justice
would become a mere mockery.
You now have the General views of the Department upon
the questions presented by your despatches. That they do not
harmonize with your own, I deeply regret. Our recognition of
the independence of the Sandwich Islands was deliberate and
unreserved, and was bestowed with a knowledge of the past
history and existing state of those Islands ample to warrant the
measure. We were aware that ministers of the gospel from the
United States had for a considerable period been sedulously and
successfully employed in raising the natives from barbarism by
teaching them the truths of Christianity, by making their lan-
guage a written one, and by translating into it the holy scriptures
and such works, religious, moral, and political, as were adapted
1848] TO MR. TEN EYCK 189
to their capacity and calculated to enable them so to discharge
their duties here as to have reason to hope for a higher destiny
hereafter. We were aware that physicians from the United
States had been called thither to heal their sick, mechanics to
exercise their various trades, and merchants to minister to those
wa.nts of the natives which their rising condition in the scale of
humanity had already created and would progressively increase.
We were also aware that the Hawaiian havens were thronged
by our whalemen in quest of refreshments and recreation from
their toil, and that this was a great incentive to the industry of
the population and an important source of revenue to the Govern-
ment. All these presented motives for sympathy and good will
on the part of that government towards the United States, too
strong to justify any apprehension that we should not have a
proper influence in its Councils, or that it would disregard our
rights and interests. For these reasons, it is my conviction that
if in a conciliatory spirit you would devote your efforts to
acquire a just and honorable influence over the Hawaiian
authorities, you might accomplish the object. Such a result
would be highly advantageous to both countries. You might
thus by your counsel and advice render the Hawaiian Govern-
ment as well as the citizens of your own country important
services. We ardently desire that the Hawaiian Islands may
maintain their independence. It would be highly injurious to
our interests, if, tempted by their weakness, they should be seized
by Great Britain or PYance: more especially so since our recent
acquisitions from Mexico on the Pacific Ocean.
It may be true that the King has selected as his ministers
naturalized foreigners who are covetous, selfish, and cunning,
and who seek to gratify their propensities to his detriment. If
such be the case, he deserves pity. But what could be the
motives which would actuate even such men to provoke our just
resentment or to defy our power, I am at a loss to conceive.
Having been the first to welcome the Hawaiian Islands into the
community of Nations, it is our true policy, weak and feeble as
they are, to treat them vrath as much kindness and forbearance
as may be consistent with the maintenance of our own just
rights. Such is the opinion of the President. I would barely
remark in regard to your appointment of Mr. Brinsmade as
bearer of Despatches to the United States, that you ought to be
careful not to make such appointments, with a promise of pay,
unless in cases of great importance and pressing necessity. The
190 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
occasions are very rare, indeed, in which this Department or
our foreign Ministers find it necessary to employ paid bearers
of Despatches. There are so many Americans abroad who
would desire to return home at the expense of the Government,
that the Department is compelled to be strict upon this subject.
The Secretaries of War and the Navy, with very great reluctance,
united with me in paying Mr. Brinsmade's expenses.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 29th Augt., 1848.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
With reference to the note which, under instructions from
your Government, you addressed to this Department on the 22d
of July, 1847, relating to embarrassments which had arisen in
consequence of the representative of the United States in China
not having power to exercise any judicial authority over the
citizens of the United States resident in that Empire, and ex-
pressing the confidence of Her Majesty's Government that the
Government of the United States will see the expediency of
establishing in China some tribunals competent to take cog-
nizance of complaints against American citizens, in the same
manner that the British tribunals there would take cognizance
of complaints which might be made by United States citizens
against British subjects, I have the honor to transmit to yon
printed copies of an act passed at the recent session of Congress
" to carry into effect certain provisions in the treaties between
the United States and China and the Ottoman Porte, giving
certain judicial powers to Ministers and Consuls of the United
States in those countries,"' whereby authority has been vested in
those functionaries to remedy the evil to which you have invited
attention.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance
of my distinguished consideration.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 186.
1848] TO MR. SPRAGUE
TO MR. HEMPSTEAD.
191
Department of State,
Washington, Aug: 29th, 1848.
Sir: I have received your letter of the 29th Ulto: and
have to thank you for the information it contains. You will
please give your attention to all matters of interest transpiring
at or near your Consulate, and report them promptly to the
Department. I have to request, that in conformity with your
General Instructions, your despatches may be regularly
numbered.
I am. Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
C. Hempstead Esqri;.
U. S. Consul, Belize.
TO MR. SPRAGUE.^
Department of State,
Washington, Aug. 29th, 1848.
Horatio J. Sprague, Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Gibraltar.
Sir,
I have received your despatch No. 2, in which you state,
that, "the Austrian Consulship General at Gibraltar being
vacant, you have been solicited from Austria to accept it." In
reply to your request " to be favored with the wishes of the
President and the instructions of this Department " on the
subject, I have to state that such acceptance would be in violation
of the 9th Section of the ist Art: of the Constitution of the
U. States, which provides that " no person holding any ofifice
of profit or trust under them shall, without the consent of
Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any
kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
^MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 393; H. Ex.
15oc. 75, 31 Cong. I Sess. 312.
^MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 393.
192 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 30th Augt., 1848.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to communicate to you, herewith, printed
copies of an act passed at the late session of Congress, entitled
" An Act for giving effect to certain treaty stipulations between
this and foreign Governments, for the apprehension and delivery
up of certain offenders," the provisions of which, it is hoped,
Avill much facilitate the apprehension, commitment, and sur-
render of certain criminals, fugitives from the justice of their
own countries, who may hereafter seek an asylum in the United
States.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you, Sir,
the assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DURANT ET AL.^
(Circular.) Department of State,
Washington, 30th August, 1848.
Sir: Without any information upon the subject except
that which is derived from the public journals, there is good
reason to apprehend that certain citizens of the U. S. are now
engaged in preparing a military expedition for the invasion of
Mexico. Their object, it seems, is to revolutionize the Northern
states of that Republic, and to establish what they denominate
the Republic of the .Sierra Madre.
Such an attempt to excite, aid, and assist a rebellion against
the Mexican Government would be a flagrant violation of our
national obligations. If American citizens can engage in such
enterprises with impunity, then the commerce and peace of the
country are placed at the mercy of adventurers who may issue
from the U. States for the purpose of making war against
foreign Governments. These remarks apply to our intercourse
with all nations ; but under existing circumstances they are more
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 187.
^MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 14.
1848] TO MR. DURANT 193
peculiarly applicable to the Mexican Republic than to any other
country. In the fifth article of our late Treaty of Peace with
the Mexican Republic, it is expressly provided that " The
boundary line established by this article shall be religiously
respected by each of the two Republics, and no change shall ever
be made therein, except by the express and free consent of both
nations, lawfully given by the General Government of each
in conformity with its own Constitution " — and the President, in
a message to the Senate of the U. S. of the 8th instant, has
declared that " the late Treaty of Peace with Mexico has been
and will be faithfully observed on our part."
The Congress of the U. S. have done their duty to enforce
in good faith our international obligations. They commenced
this good work so early as June, 1794, adopting and enforcing
the principles of Washington's celebrated proclamation of neu-
trality of the year preceding. They passed several acts subse-
quently upon the same subject : and finally, on the 20th April,
1818, they passed the " Act in addition to the ' Act for the
punishment of certain crimes against the U. States,' and to repeal
the Acts therein mentioned." This act has repealed all former
laws to enforce our neutral obligations and has embodied all the
provisions which were deemed necessary for this purpose. It
will be found in " the U. S. Statutes at Large," vol. 3, page 447,
and in the " Laws of the U. States," vol. 6, page 320 : and to this
Act I invite your special attention. If faithfully executed, it
will be found amply sufficient to prevent or to crush the proposed
expedition against the Mexican states North of the Sierra Madre.
You will observe that among other provisions it is declared
[Section I.] to be a misdemeanor, punishable with severe
penalties, for any citizen of the U. S., within the territory or
jurisdiction thereof, to " accept and exercise a commission to
serve a foreign prince, state, colony, district, or people, in war,
by land or by sea, against any prince, state, colony, district, or
people, with whom the U. S. are at peace" — or [Section II.]
for any person, whether a citizen or not, within the territory or
jurisdiction of the U. S., to "enlist or enter himself, or hire
or retain another person to enlist or enter himself, or hire or
retain another person to go beyond the limits or jurisdiction of
the U. S. with intent to be enlisted or entered in the service of
any foreign prince, state, colony, district, or people, as a soldier,
or as a marine or seaman" — or [Section VI.] for any person,
whether a citizen or not, within the territory or jurisdiction of
Vol. VIII— 13
194 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
the United States, to " begin or set on foot, or provide or prepare
the means for, any military expedition or enterprise to be
carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of
any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people
with whom the United States are at peace."
I have adverted specially to these provisions because they
seem to be peculiarly applicable to the present occasion ; but desire
to call your particular attention to the whole act.
I am directed by the President to instruct you to use the
utmost vigilance in discovering any violations of the provisions
of this Act throughout your district : and in all cases where the
proof Avhich you can obtain shall be deemed sufficient to warrant
a conviction, to institute prosecutions immediately against the
offenders. It is your duty, also, to warn all persons who, you
have reason to believe, intend to violate this Act, that they shall
be prosecuted with the utmost rigor in case they should persist.
The honor, as well as the peace, of the country, demands
that no effort shall be spared to enforce in good faith the wise
and salutary provisions of this law in favor of the Mexican
Republic.
You are also instructed to keep this Department regularly
advised of all the information which you can acquire on the
subject of the alleged expedition against the Northern states of
Mexico. I shall expect an immediate acknowledgment of the
receipt of this letter, together with all the information on the
subject then in your possession.
The Secretary of War, under the direction of the President,
has this day transmitted to Major General Taylor an order to
execute the provisions of the 8th section of this Act, which so
far as the same would seem to be applicable to the present case
are as follows : " that in CA^ery case " " in which any military
expedition or enterprise shall be begun or set on foot, contrary
to the provisions and prohibitions of this act," " it shall be lawful
for the President of the U. S., or such other person as he shall
have empowered for that purpose, to employ such part of the
land or naval forces of the U. S., or of the militia thereof," " for
the purpose of preventing the carrying on of any such expedi-
tion or enterprise from the territories or jurisdiction of the U. S.,
against the territories or dominions of any foreign prince or
state, or of any colony, district, or people, with whom the U. S.
are at peace." You will, therefore, not fail to communicate to
him any information now in your possession, or which you may
1848] TO MR. STILES 195
hereafter obtain, that may be useful to him in the performance
of this duty.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
P. S. The Secretary of the Treasury being now absent
from the city, the President instructs you to infomi the Collector
or Collectors of the Ports within your District that he shall
expect them to be vigilant in executing the provisions of the tenth
and eleventh sections of the Act of 20th April, 1818, and in
preventing these from being violated to the injury of the Mexican
Republic.
The above sent to
Thomas J. Durant, Esq., U. S. Attorney at New Orleans, Louisiana.
Thomas J. Gantt, Esq., U. S. Attorney at St. Louis, Missouri.
Alexander B. Meek, Esq., U. S. Attorney at (S. D.) Mobile, Alabama.
Richard M. Gaines, Esq., U. S. Attorney at (S. D.) Natchez, Mississippi.
Francis H. Merriman, Esq., U. S. Attorney at Galveston, Texas.
Samuel H. Hempstead, Esq., U. S. Attorney at Little Rock, Ark.
Henry W. McCorry, Esq., U. S. Attorney at (W. D.) Jackson, Tennessee.
TO MR. STILES.'
No. 23. Department of State,
Washington, 31st August, 1848.
William H. Stiles, Esqre.,
etc., etc., Vienna.
Sir: —
My last letter to you was dated on the 6th ultimo; and I
have now to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches to No.
36 inclusive.
The Department entirely approves of the course you have
pursued in exposing the pretended deputation of political ad-
venturers who claimed to represent the feelings of this country
in regard to Austria.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Austria, I. 53.
196 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. ROWAN/
(No. 4.) Department of State,
Washington, 31st August, 1848.
John Rowan, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Naples.
Sir;
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatches of the ist, loth, and 17th ultimo, — the first and last
numbered i and 3, whilst that of the loth July was not numbered.
The agitations of Italy, and the precarious position of
several of its States, give a special value to the communications
from our Diplomatic Representatives in that part of the world.
In the difficult position in which you may be placed, I would refer
you, as a guide for your conduct, to my despatch to Mr. Rush
of the 31st March last, fof which I transmit you a copy,) con-
taining an exposition of the policy of this Government in regard
to the recognition of foreign Governments, and to our non-
interference in the domestic concerns of foreign nations.
The Department has not yet received intelligence of the
arrival of Mr. Martin at Rome.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BILLE.^
Department of State,
Washington, 31st August, 1848.
Mr. Steen BiLLE,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
In acknowledging the receipt of your note of the 28th
instant, I have the honor to state that I have given orders for
the immediate publication of the notice of the enforcement and
extension of blockade in the North Sea and the Baltic, which you
have communicated therein, on the part of your Government.
I am. Sir, with great consideration.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Two Sicilies, XIV. 55.
^ MSS. Department of State, Notes to Danish Legation, VI. 21.
1848] TO MAJOR GRAHAM 197
TO MAJOR GRAHAM/
Department of State,
Washington, 31st Aug., 1848.
Major James D. Graham,
Washington.
Sir:
I have received your letter of the i6th instant, and in answer
have to state, that as Congress deemed it expedient to make an
appropriation of $10,000 " for the purpose of restoring, by
reconstruction, under the direction of the Secretary of State, the
maps showing the demarcation of boundary under the Treaty of
Washington of August 9th, 1842, which were destroyed by fire
at the city of Washington, on the night of April 17th, 1848, and
of procuring the authentication thereof," I informed you some
time since that you were designated to take charge of this duty.
As you were the Chief of the scientific corps employed under the
Treaty in constructing the original maps, you are certainly the
most proper 2)erson to be employed in their reconstruction. Their
authentication, after they shall have been reconstructed, and the
disposition of that portion of the appropriation necessary for this
purpose, are reserved for the Secretary of State.
You will accordingly commence operations immediately, if
this has not already been done, with a view to as speedy a
termination of the work as shall be consistent with accuracy.
I can perceive no objection to the estimate which you have
furnished, unless it may be to the personal expenses of yourself
and other scientific officers of the topographical corps, and the
extra allowance to the soldiers. The question whether these can
be allowed under the second section of the Act, approved August
23d, 1842, " m.aking appropriations for the support of the army
and of the military academy for the year 1842," will be referred
to the Attorney General.
I observe that your estimate for reconstruction consumes
almost the whole appropriation, leaving but a small balance to
cover the expense of authentication. I trust you may be able to
reduce this estimate.
From your assurances I confidently expect that the work
will be completed at the end of one year. If it can be done
sooner, so much the better.
I am, &c.
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 17.
198 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. ANDERSON/
Department of State,
Washington, 31st Aug: 1848.
A. J. Anderson, Esqre.
Charleston, S. C.
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 21st, transmitting copies
of certain papers, relating to a difiFerence betvi^een Mr. Wells,
Consul of the U. States at Bermuda, and his Consular Agent
at Hamilton; and soliciting for the latter, Mr. Watson, an
appointment, as Consul for the Port of Hamilton. Unless in
cases where just exception is made to the character of the Agent,
this Department does not interfere with the free right of selection
on the part of the Consuls. Such Agents being exclusively re-
sponsible to the Conisuls, neither is it usual for these Agents to
correspond with the Department, nor for it to take part in any
controversies, or discussions, which may arise between them and
their principals. Without further remark respecting your appli-
cation in favor of Mr. Watson, it will be sufficient for the present
to state, that without the previous advice and consent of the
Senate the President does not create new Consulships, and it is
doubtful whether he possesses the power. He would not, there-
fore, under any circumstances, appoint a Consul for the Port of
Hamilton before the next meeting of the Senate.
I am, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO UNITED STATES CONSULS.'
(Circular.) Department of State,
Washington, Septr. ist, 1848.
To the Consul of the United States, at
Sir: — The great increase in the amount annually expended
for the relief and protection of destitute American Seamen in
foreign Countries calls upon this Department to adopt all proper
measures, compatible with the relief and protection of that
meritorious class of our Citizens, for the reduction of this
expenditure. In such regulations as may be adopted for this
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 394.
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 105.
1848] TO CONSULS 199
purpose, I calculate with confidence on the efficient co-operation
of the Consuls of the United States, to whose administration,
under the instructions of this Department, is entrusted the funds
appropriated for the relief and protection of Seamen.
Among the causes which appear to have produced this
increased expenditure is that of the detention of Seamen at some
Consulates for long periods of time. There can be but two
reasons for this practice: ist, a deficiency of American or other
Vessels, bound to the United States, by which they might be
sent home; or 2nd, such a state of infirm health of the Seamen
as would render it improper to send them on the voyage. In
order to guard against an improper expenditure from this cause,
the Fifth Auditor has adopted a rule to suspend, in the adjust-
ment of Consular accounts, all charges for relief afforded to
Seamen who have been for more than three months chargeable
to the United States, unless the accounts are accompanied by
satisfactory evidence: ist, that the detention was caused by a
want of Vessels in which they might have been shipped to the
United States; or 2nd, that the health of the Seamen was in
such a state that it would endanger their lives to have sent them
on the homeward voyage. The evidence in the latter case is to
be by the oath to the fact of the attending Physician.
Approving of this rule, I call your attention to it, and
earnestly enjoin a strict compliance with it in all cases to which it
may be applicable. This will be requisite to ensure the payment
of your drafts on this Department.
In places where, from the infrequent departure of Vessels
bound to the United States, opportunities of sending Seamen
home seldom occur, and where employment on board of American
Vessels cannot be obtained, it may be proper for the Consul, in
the exercise of a sound discretion, to embrace opportunities of
shipping them to an intermediate port where they would be
likely to find such employment, or a passage to the United States.
The Consul will, in this case, make a specific agreement with the
master of the Vessel, at the most reasonable rate, for their
passage; giving to him a draft on this Department for the
amount, upon which it shall be expressed that its payment shall
be upon the sole condition that there shall be endorsed upon it
a certificate of the Consul at the port to which the vessel may be
bound, that the Seamen named have arrived at his Consulate.
In the exercise of this discretion the Consul will take into con-
sideration the relative cost of keeping the Seamen where they
200 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
are, and at the port to which they can be sent, together with the
expense of their passage to, and the probabihty of their obtaining
employment at, or a passage home from the latter, and adopt that
course which may appear the most economical, as well as con-
ducive to the relief, &c., of the Seamen.
You are requested to acknowledge the receipt of this com-
munication and to transmit a list of the Seamen who may be
chargeable at your Consulate, specifying the dates when they
became so, respectively. You will also transmit with all your
future quarterly accounts a list of the Seamen then chargeable,
the number of vessels, American and foreign, and their tonnage,
which may have sailed for the United States subsequent to the
date of 3'our last account, and a statement of the Seamen sent
home by them.
Your particular observance of these regulations is earnestly
enjoined, as well as the adoption of such measures as your experi-
ence may suggest for the faithful and economical administration
of the funds committed to you.
I annex an extract of a letter from the Fifth Auditor, under
date of the 30th Ultimo, containing a suggestion which meets
my approbation.
I am. Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
James Buchanan.
[Extract.]
From a letter of the Fifth Auditor to the Secretary of State, dated
August 30th, 1848 :
" To obviate the excuse sometimes made for retaining Seamen at the
Consulates, viz. : the want of Vessels homeward bound in which to send
them, I respectfully suggest, as the law fixes the number of Seamen which
Vessels of the United States shall be required to bring and the price to be
paid for their passages, that the Consuls be instructed, when an American
Vessel has received two Seamen for every one hundred tons burthen at the
price fixed by law, to bargain with the Master of such Vessel for the
passage of an additional number at a reasonable compensation above the
ten dollars fixed by law to be paid on his certificate in the usual way at the
Treasury. And also with Masters of foreign vessels at reasonable rates when
opportunities by American Vessels do not offer. It would often be economy
to pay .50 or loo dollars to have Seamen sent home from the Sandwich and
other Islands of the Pacific, where they have been kept longer and at greater
expense than at other Consulates."
1848] TO MR. HAMILTON 201
TO MR. DAVIS.^
No. 3. Department of State,
Washington, ist Septr., 1848.
John W. Davis, Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
When I addressed you on the 21st ultimo, I was under the
impression that the Act of August nth, 1848, was to be executed
under the superintendence of the State Department. It was for
this reason I stated that it had been my intention to accompany
the copy of that Act wth some observations which might prove
useful to yourself and to the other functionaries in China. From
a careful examination of the provisions since, I find that the
Agency of the Secretary of State is not contemplated. The high
powers which it confers upon you are to be exercised by yourself
without any reference to this Department. I address you this
lest you might be prevented by the observations in my former
despatch from carrying the law into immediate execution.
The President has referred the subject to the Attorney
General as properly belonging to his Department ; but as the Act
clearly specifies your powers and duties, it is doubtful whether
any instructions will be sent to you through that office. At all
events, you are to proceed without awaiting such instructions.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. HAMILTON.^
Department of State,
Washington, 25th Sept: 1848.
R. M. Hamilton, Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Montevideo.
Sir,
Your despatch No. 151, under date the 30th June last, with
the accompanying correspondence, and documents relative, in
part, to the debt due to Messrs. William Musser & Co. by the
Montevidean Government, has been received.
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, China, I. 57.
"MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 116.
202 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
The new proposition of that Government for the payment of
this claim having been conimunicated to Messrs. Musser & Co.
of Philadelphia, and approved by them, and being considered by
you under existing circumstances to be reasonable the Depart-
ment can see no objection to your accepting it.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO W. M. MEREDITH.'
Washington, September 25, 1848.
My Dear Sir : —
Upon my return to this city, on Saturday night, I found
your letter to Mr. Fordney kindly offering to dispose of Wheat-
land, including all that you bought from Mr. Potter, to myself
at the price you paid, and the matting in the house at a valuation.
I accept this proposition, and you may consider the bargain
closed.
Of the purchase-money T can conveniently pay $1750 at
present, and the remainder on or before the first of January. If,
however, you should need it sooner, I can procure it without
much difficulty.
You can make the deed when you think proper, and the
afifair of the matting may be arranged at any time.
With many thanks for your kindness,
I remain yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. HAMILTON.^
Department of State,
Washington, Septr. 26, 1848.
R. M. Hamilton, Esqre.
U. S. C. Montevideo.
Sir,
Referring to my letter of the 19th May last, I have now to
acknowledge the receipt of your despatches to No. 150 inclusive,
with the enclosures to which they refer — also of one, not num-
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 3-4.
° MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 112.
1848] TO MR. BANCROFT 203
be'red, dated July 5th, covering your Returns & Statement of
Fees to the 30th of June last.
As requested in your No. 145, I enclose a duplicate of a
letter addressed to j^ou on the 30th Septr. 1847, acknowledging
the receipt of despatches Nos. 136, 137, 138, & 139.
The attention of the Department has been directed to your
No. 148, upon the subject of an Appeal of the Government of
Montevideo soliciting aid from the Foreign Diplomatic & Con-
sular Agents residing in that City. Your course in declining to
respond favorably to this appeal, and in refusing to induce your
fellow Countrymen to subscribe for the purpose of affording
means to meet the exigencies of the War in which that Govern-
ment is now engaged, is altogether approved.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
No. 40. Department of State,
Washington, 27th Sept. 1848.
Sir : Referring to the instructions addressed to you from
this Department on the 4th instant, (No. 36, )2 I have the honor
to transmit, herewith, a copy of a letter recently received by the
President from Mr. Richard F. Ryan ; who states that he is an
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 368; H. Ex.
Doc. 19, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 17-18.
'The instruction referred to (MSS. Department of State, Instructions,
Great Britain, XV. 364) was as follows:
(No. 36.) Department of State,
George Bancroft, Esqre., Washington, Septr. 4th, 1848.
&c., &c., &c.
Sir: Having been appointed Secretary of State, ad interim, during the
temporary absence of Mr. Buchanan, I am directed by the President to call
your attention to the condition of those American citizens who have been
arrested and held for trial under the charge of sedition or treason, for
interference in the affairs of Ireland.
This Department has no official knowledge of any such arrest or mter-
ference, nor any information on the subject, except such as is before the
public. I am not, therefore, able to furnish you with a list of names, or
to aid your inquiries ; yet so much has transpired through the public journals
as to induce a belief that such arrests have taken_ place, and to make it
expedient that they should attract some official notice.
If, upon inquiry, it shall be ascertained that any such arrests have
occurred, it will be right, and the duty of the Government, to see that the
204 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
American citizen, illegally imprisoned in Newgate, Dublin, and
soliciting the interference of this Government to obtain his
release from confinement.
You are requested immediately to institute inquiries in the
proper quarter in regard to this complaint, and if the case of
Mr. Ryan prove to be a proper one for intervention, you will
exercise your good offices in obtaining his discharge, or at least
a prompt and fair trial.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
George Bancroft, Esqre., &c., &c., &c.
persons arrested have the full benefit of a legal defence. And it may be,
and in the present instance is, its duty also to interpose its good offices in
their behalf, beyond the strict limit of securing for them a full and fair
trial.
It is the wish of the President, and he instructs you to urge upon the
British Government the adoption of a magnanimous and merciful course
towards these men who have been implicated in the late disturbances in
Ireland. The calamities which have recently befallen her starving popula-
tion by the dispensation of Providence in the destruction of her crops, the
close bonds of sympathy between them and a large class who have removed
and established themselves permanently in America, the national sympathy
which has been extensively manifested in acts of charity and good will
towards the Irish people, and the unsettled state of so large a portion of
the civilized world, constitute a series of exciting causes so powerful as to
render it hardly possible that an interference or outbreak to some extent
should not have taken place.
But the power of the British Government is so great that it can well
afford to be magnanimous. Perhaps no act on its part would have so happy
an effect, or would be received by other nations with more universal appro-
bation than an act of general amnesty. While the Government of the United
States disclaims any right to interfere on behalf of British subjects, it is
at liberty to say that such an act, so far as it embraced the case of our
own citizens, would be regarded with particular favor. And should an act
of grace and pardon extended to our own citizens be deemed to carry along
with it the necessity of similar favor to British subjects in Ireland, it is
believed that that necessity would constitute no objection to the measure,
but would redound to the honor of Great Britain, in the estimation of the
wise and good in all ages.
It is the desire of the President that this subject be presented to Her
Majesty's Government with great delicacy, and pressed by all the considera-
tions that may occur to you and appropriately belong to it.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Isaac Toucey.
1848] TO MR. HYATT 205
TO MR. HYATT.'
No. 3. Department of State,
Washington, 27th September, 1848.
T. H. Hyatt, Esqre.,^
United States Consul, Tangier.
Sir: —
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your de-
spatch No. 3, of the I2th ultimo, which was received on the nth
instant, and would have been promptly answered but for my
absence from Washington.
Although the practice of making presents to the Barbary
Rulers, partaking, as it always did, of the nature of tribute, has
been entirely abolished by this Government, the President, in
view' of all the considerations submitted by you, in connection
with the event of the Emperor's purposed visit to the City of
Tangier, has deemed it expedient and politic to acquiesce in your
suggestion, and to permit you to act, on the occasion, as the other
Representatives in Tangier shall be instructed to act by their
respective Governments.
You are accordingly hereby authorized to draw upon this
Department for a sum not to exceed $1000, to be expended in
suitable presents to the Emperor; in the selection of which you
will exercise your own discretion. This expenditure will, of
course, as usual, be supported by vouchers, in all cases where
practicable.
If, however, you should discover that the offer of presents
to the Emperor is not to be general among the Foreign Repre-
sentatives in Tangier, then you will not act upon this instruction.
Besides, the occasion may have passed before this despatch can
reach you ; and in that event you will not tender a present, unless,
in your opinion, the interest of your country may require this
from its Representative.
You will make the Emperor's visit to Tangier, should it
take place, the occasion of expressing to His Majesty, through
the usual and proper channel, the friendly sentiments of the
United States towards His Majesty.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Barbary Powers, XIV. 69.
206 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. PATTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 27th Sept., 1848.
John M. Patton, Esq.,
My dear Sir : On my return to this city on Saturday last
I found your favor of the 15th inst., enquiring whether the
Treaties of the U. S. with foreign powers, stipulating that the
citizens or subjects of the one, although aliens, might acquire
lands by inheritance or devise within the territories of the other,
extended to the states as well as the territories of the Union.
In answer I have no hesitation in stating that these Treaties em-
brace all our states as well as territories. The very first Treaty
of amity and commerce which the U. States ever concluded,
contained a provision of this character, and many similar treaties
have since been made. (Vide the nth article of the Treaty with
France of the- 6th February, 1778, and the judicial construction
upon it in the case of Chirac v. Chirac — 2 Wharton's Reports,
P- 259.)
This Government has always been anxious to conclude such
treaties, because without them American citizens inheriting real
or succeeding to personal estate throughout the continent of
Europe would be greatly the sufferers.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. FLENNIKEN.^
(No. 6.) Department of State,
Washington, 30th September, 1848.
Robert P. Flenniken, Esqre.,
&c. &c. Copenhagen.
Sir:
My last despatch was dated on the 31st ultimo, since which
time I have received your despatches of the 2nd and 26th ultimo,
and of the 2nd instant.
In conformity with your suggestion, the notice of blockade
communicated in your No. 42 was officially published. I was
much gratified to learn from your No. 44, received on the 26th
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 29.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Denmark, XIV. S9.
1848] TO MR. FISHER 207
ultimo, as well as from a note, received the day before yesterday,
from Mr. V. Bille, that a Convention for an armistice had been
concluded, which, it was hoped, would receive the sanction of the
Government at Frankfort, and pave the way to ultimate pacifica-
tion; but subsequent intelligence received at the Department
announces the fact that that sanction has been withheld.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. FISHER.'
Department of State,
Washington, Sept : 30th 1848.
John W. Fisher, Esqre.
U. S. C. Guadeloupe.
Sir,
Your letter of the 29th of August last, with the Petition
therein enclosed of many of the inhabitants of the Island of
Guadeloupe, " reduced to painful circumstances by the freedom
of the Slave population " and its apprehended results, addressed
to the President, praying that he will " favor them with such
facilities as would enable them to retire and settle on such part of
the United States which he might deem convenient to grant
them," has been by him referred to this Department. In reply,
I have to state, that though deeply sympathising in the misfor-
tunes with which the Petitioners are visited, the President has
not the Constitutional power to alleviate them in the manner
proposed, because Congress alone possess the power to appropri-
ate any portion of the public lands. The protection and benefits
of our laws and institutions are accessible to all who may desire
to enjoy them. Should the Petitioners be disposed to emigrate
to the United States, they will find a cordial welcome from our
people, and, in numerous objects of enterprize and industry, the
best assurance of comfort and independence.
I am &c.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 402.
208 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
FROM PRESIDENT POLK.'
Washington City,
Sept. 30th, 1848.
Sir:
I invite your attention to two publications, which appeared in the New
York Evening Post of the 28th of July, and were re-published in the
National Intelligencer of the ist of August last, the one bearing the signa-
ture of Benjamin Tappan and the other that of Francis P. Blair. Shortly
after ray arrival in Washington in February 1845, I invited you to accept a
place in my Cabinet. After you had signified your willingness to accept the
position tendered to you, I was upon terms of confidential and unreserved
intercourse with you. That you might be fully informed, in advance, of the
principles on which my administration would be conducted, I submitted to
you, for your examination, the Inaugural Address which I afterwards
delivered to my fellow-citizens, and conferred freely with you in relation
to public afifairs. No opinions which I entertained upon any public subject,
upon which we may have conversed, were withheld from you. The subject of
the annexation of Texas to the United States was at that time under con-
sideration in Congress. You were a member of the Senate and took part in
the proceedings which were had in relation to it. As it may become proper
that I should at some future period take some notice of the publications of
Mr. Tappan and Mr. Blair, 1 request that you will furnish me with a state-
ment of all you may know of any opinions, views, or acts of mine, as well
before as after my Inauguration as President, relating to the subject of the
annexation of Texas to the United States. I desire that you will state any
conversations which I may at any time have held with you, and any
opinions I may have expressed to you, either individually or in Cabinet, on
the subject of the annexation of Texas, and also all you may know, if any
thing, in relation to the matters set forth by Messrs. Tappan & Blair in
their publications, and whether you had any knowledge or information of
the statements made by them, when the subject of the annexation of Texas
was before the Senate, of which body you were at the time a member. I
desire that nothing I have ever said or done on the subject should be con-
cealed from the public. The annexation of Texas was a measure of the
highest National importance, conceived and consummated with pure and
patriotic motives, and it may become proper, and especially after the pub-
lications referred to, that the opinions, views, and action of all the public
functionaries entrusted at any stage of its progress with its management
should be fully known. — ^With this object in view I address you this letter.
Yours Respectfully
To THE HONBLE. JamES BuCHANAN.
James K. Polk.
^Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. See Mr.
Buchanan to President Polk, Nov. 9, 1848, infra.
1848] TO MR. HOPKINS 209
TO MR. HOPKINS.'
(No. 7.) Department of State,
Washington, 2nd October, 1848.
George W. Hopkins, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Lisbon.
Sir:
Your despatch No. 9, of the 29th of July, was not received
at the Department till the 21st ultimo. The accounts and vouchers
which accompanied it have been referred to the 5th Auditor of
the Treasury.
The Department has also received, through the hands of
Consul Roach, the confidential papers which you were directed to
withdraw from the Legation and transmit hither.
Your observations respecting our commerce with Portugal
are perfectly just : and the attention of the present administration
has been specially directed to our Treaties of commerce with
foreign countries, several of which are unequal and unjust in
their operation towards the United States. There is reciprocity
on their face, whilst in practice they are any thing but reciprocal.
We have, also, made some progress in correcting this evil. But
what can we do with Portugal, in the present unfortunate condi-
tion of that country? Under existing circumstances, is there
any hope that we can prevail upon her to admit our " cotton, rice,
salt fish, and bread stuffs," " upon terms of just reciprocity " ?
If there be, and you will suggest to me what course I ought to
pursue, I shall make every effort within my power to accomplish
this desirable object.
What would be the effect of annulling the existing Treaty,
which can now be done by Act of Congress ? Would this bring
Portugal to terms? I apprehend not.
In conversation, Mr. Figaniere has made many strong repre-
sentations against our Tariff of July 30th, 1846. He attempted
to prove that this Act, in changing the former specific into ad
valorem duties on wines, and thereby increasing the duty, in-
juriously affected the wine-growers of Portugal, and was a viola-
tion of the spirit, if not of the letter of the Treaty. In answer,
I stated, that this Treaty had not restrained, and never could
have intended to restrain. Congress from changing our Tariff
according to its own views of public policy. Besides, if the
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Portugal, XIV. 105.
Vol. VIII— 14
210 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Government of Portugal thought itself aggrieved, they could
annul the Treaty by giving the required notice. I may add, that
no intention exists, so far as I know, of reducing the duties on
Portuguese wines ; nor will this be done, unless for an
equivalent.
I know nothing practicable, at present, but for you, when-
ever an occasion may offer, to enlighten those in authority in
Portugal on the subject of their own interest; and to convince
them how advantageous it would be to themselves to open a trade
with the United States upon fair and equal principles of
reciprocity.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MARCY.'
Department of State,
Washington, 2d Oct., 1848.
Hon. W. L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
Sir:
I have the honor of referring to you a note of the i6th
September last, with the accompanying documents, which I have
received from Mr. Calderon, the Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of Her Majesty the Queen of Spain,
presenting twenty-eight claims of Spanish subjects against the
Government of the United States for indemnification for losses
and spoliation of property, which they allege they have suffered
from the American troops during their occupation of Mexico.
The documents are all in the Spanish language; and it will take
much time to have them translated. They are transmitted to you
in the original, supposing that you might desire to avail yourself
of the information which Genl. Persifor F. Sinith may possess
upon the subject, during his visit to this city. His opinion on
the general character of these claims might also be of importance,
as he was Governor of the city of Mexico when sevei'al of them
originated, and is eminently qualified to form a correct judgment
in regard to their validity.
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 33.
1848] TO MR. VOORHIES 211
As soon as you shall be enabled to form a judgment upon
these claims, you will be good enough to communicate your
opinion upon them respectively for the information of the
Spanish Government.
I am, Sir, with great respect, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. VOORHIES."
Department of State,
Washington, 7th October, 1848.
Sir: Previous to your departure for California, the Presi-
dent has instructed me to make known through your agency, to
the citizens of the United States inhabiting that territory, his
views respecting their present condition and future prospects.
He deems it proper to employ you for this purpose, because the
Postmaster General has appointed you an agent, under the " Act
to establish certain post routes," approved August 14, 1848, " to
make arrangements for the establishment of post offices, and for
the transmission, receipt and conveyance of letters in Oregon and
California."
The President congratulates the citizens of California on
the annexation of their fine province to the United States. On
the 30th of May, 1848, the day on which the ratifications of our
late treaty with Mexico were exchanged, California finally became
an integral portion of this great and glorious Republic; and the
Act of Congress to which I have already referred, in express
terms recognises it to be " within the territory of the United
States."
May this Union be perpetual !
The people of California may feel the firmest conviction,
that the Government and people of the United States will never
abandon them, or prove unmindful of their prosperity. Their
fate and their fortunes are now indissolubly united with that of
their brethren on this side of the Rocky Mountains. How pro-
pitious this event both for them and for us! Whilst the other
nations of the world are distracted by domestic dissensions, and
are involved in a struggle between the privileges of the few and
^MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 42; S. Ex. Doc. 18,
31 Cong. I Sess. 6; H. Ex. Doc. i, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 47; H. Ex. Doc. 17,
31 Cong. I Sess. 6.
212 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
the rights of the many, Heaven has blessed our happy land with
a Government which secures equal rights to all our citizens, and
has produced peace, happiness and contentment throughout our
borders. It has combined liberty with order, and all the sacred
and indefeasible rights of the citizen with the strictest observance
of law. Satisfied with the institutions under which we live, each
individual is therefore left free to promote his own prosperity
and happiness in the manner most in accordance with his own
judgment.
Under such a Constitution and such laws, the prospects of
California are truly encouraging. Blessed with a mild and salu-
brious climate, and a fertile soil — rich in mineral resources — and
extending over nearly ten degrees of latitude along the coast of
the Pacific, with some of the finest harbors in the world, the
imagination can scarcely fix a limit to its future wealth and
prosperity.
We can behold, in the not distant future, one or more
glorious states of this confederacy springing into existence in
California, governed by institutions similar to our own, and
extending the blessings of religion, liberty and law over that vast
region. Their free and unrestricted commerce and intercourse
with the other states of the Union will confer mutual benefits
and blessings on all parties concerned, and will bind us all together
by the strorigest ties of reciprocal afifection and interest. Their
foreign trade with the west coast of America, with Asia and the
Isles of the Pacific, will be protected by our common flag, and
cannot fail to bear back to their shores the rich rewards of enter-
prise and industry.
After all, however, the speedy realization of these bright
prospects depends much upon the wise and prudent conduct of
the citizens of California in the present emergency. If they
commence their career under proper auspices, their advance will
be rapid and certain; but should they become entangled in diifi-
culties and dissensions at the start, their progress will be greatly
retarded.
The President deeply regrets that Congress did not, at their
late session, establish a territorial government for California.
It would now be vain to enter into the reasons for this omission.
Whatever these may have been, he is firmly convinced that
Congress feel a deep interest in the welfare of California and its
people, and will, at an early period of the next session, provide
for them a territorial government suited to their wants. Our
1848] TO MR. VOORHIES 213
laws relating to trade and intercourse with the Indians will then
be extended over them; Custom Houses will be established for
the collection of the revenue; and liberal grants of land will be
made to those bold and patriotic citizens who, amidst privations
and dangers, have emigrated or shall emigrate to that territory
from the states on this side of the Rocky Mountains.
The President, in his annual message at the commencement
of the next session, will recommend all these great measures to
Congress, in the strongest terms, and will use every effort, con-
sistently with his duty, to ensure their accomplishment.
In the mean time, the condition of the people of California is
anomalous, and will require on their part the exercise of great
prudence and discretion. By the conclusion of the Treaty of
Peace, the military Government which was established over them,
under the laws of war as recognized by the practice of all civilized
nations, has ceased to derive its authority from this source of
power. But is there, for this reason, no Government in Cali-
fornia ? Are life, liberty, and property under the protection of no
existing authorities? This would be a singular phenomenon in
the face of the world, and especially among American citizens,
distinguished as they are above all other people for their law
abiding character. Fortunately they are not reduced to this sad
condition. The termination of the war left an existing Govern-
ment, a Government de facto, in full operation; and this will
continue with the presumed consent of the people, until Congress
shall provide for them a territorial Government. The great law
of necessity justifies this conclusion. The consent of the people
is irresistibly inferred from the fact that no civilized community
could possibly desire to abrogate an existing Government, when
the alternative presented would be to place themselves in a state
of anarchy, beyond the protection of all laws, and reduce them
to the unhappy necessity of submitting to the dominion of the
strongest.
This Government de facto will, of course, exercise no power
inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the United
States, which is the supreme law of the land. For this reason no
import duties can be levied in California on articles the growth,
produce or manufacture of the United States, as no such duties
can be imposed in any other part of our Union on the productions
of California. Nor can new duties be charged in California upon
such foreign productions as have already paid duties in any of our
ports of entry, for the obvious reason that California is within
214 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
the territory of the United States. I shall not enlarge upon this
subject, however, as the Secretary of the Treasury will perform
that duty.
The President urgently advises the people of California to
live peaceably and quietly under the existing Government. He
believes that this will promote their lasting and best interests.
If it be not what they could desire and had a right to expect, they
can console themselves with the reflection, that it will endure but
for a few months. Should they attempt to change or amend it
during this brief period, they most probably could not accomplish
their object before the Government established by Congress would
go into operation. In the mean time the country would be agi-
tated, the citizens would be withdrawn from their usual employ-
ments, and domestic strife might divide and exasperate the
people against each other ; and this all to establish a Government
which in no conceivable contingency could endure for a single
year. During this brief period it is better to bear the ills they
have, than to fly to others they know not of.
The pemianent prosperity of any new country is identified
with the perfect security of its land titles. The land system of
the general Government has been a theme of admiration through-
out the world. The wisdom of man has never devised a plan
so well calculated to prevent litigation and place the rights of
owners of the soil beyond dispute. This system has been one
great cause of the rapid settlement and progress of our new
states and territories. Emigrants have been attracted there,
because every man knew that when he had acquired land from the
Government he could sit under his own vine and under his own
fig tree and there would be none to make him afraid. Indeed
there can be no greater drawback to the prosperity of a country,
as several of the older states have experienced, than disputed land
titles. Prudent men will be deterred from emigrating to a state
or territory where they cannot obtain indisputable title and must
consequently be exposed to the danger of strife and litigation in
respect to the soil on which they dwell. An uncertainty respect-
ing the security of land titles arrests all valuable improvement,
because no prudent man will expend his means for this purpose,
whilst there is danger that another may deprive him of the fruit
of his labors. It is fortunate, therefore, that Congress alone,
under the Constitution, possesses "the power to dispose of and
make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or
other property belonging to the United States." In the exercise
1848] TO MR. VOORHIES 215
of this power, the President is convinced that the emigrants will
receive liberal donations of the public land.
Although Congress have not established a territorial Govern-
ment for the people of California, they have not been altogether
unmindful of their interests. The benefit of our post office laws
has been extended to them ; and you will bear with you authority
from the Postmaster General to provide for the conveyance of
public information and private correspondence among themselves,
and between them and the citizens of Oregon and of our States
east of the Rocky Mountains. The monthly steamers on the
line from Panama to Astoria have been required " to stop and
deliver and take mails at San Diego, San Francisco and Mon-
terey." These steamers, connected by the Isthmus of Panama
with those on the Atlantic between New York and Chagres, will
keep up a regular communication with California and afford
facilities to all those who may desire to emigrate to that territory.
The necessary appropriations have also been made by Con-
gress to maintain troops in California to protect its inhabitants
against all attacks from a civilized or savage foe; and it will
afford the President peculiar pleasure to perform this duty
promptly and effectively.
But above all, the Constitution of the United States, the
safeguard of all our civil rights, was extended over California on
the 30th May, 1848, the day on which our late Treaty with
Mexico was finally consummated. From that day its inhabitants
became entitled to all the blessings and benefits resulting from
the best form of civil government ever established amongst men.
That they will prove worthy of this inestimable boon, no doubt
is entertained.
Whilst the population of California will be composed chiefly
of our own kindred, or a people speaking our own language and
educated for self-government under our own institutions, a con-
siderable portion of them were Mexican citizens before the late
Treaty of Peace. These, our new citizens, ought to be, and from
the justice and generosity of the American character the Presi-
dent is confident that they will be, treated with respect and kind-
ness, and thus be made to feel that by changing their allegiance
they have become more prosperous and happy.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
William V. Voorhies, Esq.,
Washington city.
216 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. CLIFFORD/
(No. 7.) Department of State,
Washington, loth October, 1848.
To Nathan Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 29, inclusive, have been received.
Your efforts to obtain redress from the Mexican Government for
the outrage committed upon E. Porter, Esquire, the American
Consul at Tabasco, are approved, and I trust they may be suc-
cessful. The note of Mr. Otero of the 4th ultimo addressed to
yourself is conceived in the proper spirit.
I am gratified to learn that the Mexican Government have
rescinded the decree confining " the sale and consumption of
tobacco introduced into the Mexican ports during the military
occupation of the same by our Government, to the limits of said
ports," and that they have executed the Treaty by removing all
restrictions from the sale of this article.
The President is, also, pleased to know that the President
of Mexico has nominated to the Senate the distinguished citizen
Sefior Luis de la Rosa as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary to the United States. I trust he may accompany
you when you make your visit home. The President will receive
him with cordiality and kindness, being anxious to cultivate the
most friendly and intimate relations with Mexico.
I enclose you a copy of a Circular addressed by this Depart-
ment on the 30th August, last, to the District Attorneys of the
United States, in relation to the alleged project said to be enter-
tained by certain American citizens, of revolutionizing the
Northern States of Mexico and establishing the so called Republic
of the Sierra Madre. From the answers to this Circular and from
other sources of infonnation, I think I may venture to assure you
that the design, if it ever existed, has exploded. The vigorous
and successful efforts which we have made to defeat this expedi-
tion are the strongest evidence of our desire to execute the late
Treaty in good faith. As these efforts cannot fail to be justly
appreciated by the Mexican Government, it is proper that you
should communicate the facts to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 113.
1848] TO MR. HARRIS 217
The proposition communicated in your despatch No. 23,
" to open negotiations for an arrangement by which the Mexican
Government may be enabled to realize the next two instalments
under the Treaty of Peace before the time when they will fall
due by the terms of the Treaty," has been submitted to the Presi-
dent. You are aware that in order to accomplish this object,
there must be a new Treaty requiring the ratification of the
Senate, and the money must afterwards be appropriated by
Congress. To state these simple facts, is to present serious
obstacles to such a Treaty. As both you and, I trust, Mr. Rosa
will be in Washington before the meeting of the Senate, the
President defers any positive decision upon the subject until after
your arrival. In the mean time, he has been deeply impressed
by your despatch, and is disposed to do all that is practicable to
accommodate the Mexican Government.
I have had but a very brief period to prepare this despatch,
otherwise, I should have enlarged on the subjects presented in it.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
P. S. As it does not appear from your despatches that you
have received the instruction from the Department No. 4, of the
15th August, last, a duplicate thereof is enclosed.
TO MR. HARRIS.^
No. 15. Department of State,
Washington, 10 October, 1848.
To William A. Harris, Esquire,
etc., etc., etc.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 2^, inclusive, have been received.
It is to be hoped that the raising of the blockade of the ports
of Buenos Ayres by the naval forces of France will speedily lead
to a restoration of the foreign trade there and to financial and
general prosperity. Should this prove to be the case, we shall
have reason to expect that the Buenos Ayrean Government will
favorably receive your applications upon the subject of claims of
citizens of the United States. The claimants are impatient at
the long delay which has taken place in considering and deciding
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Argentine Republic, XV. 36.
218 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
their cases, and frequently request the Department to address new-
instructions to you in regard to them. Mr. Willett Coles, the
agent for the claimants in the case of the ship Hope, seems to be
particularly anxious. Although the Department is sure that you
would omit no proper opportunity to invoke the justice of the
Buenos Ayrean Government in behalf of all the claimants, this
despatch is addressed to you at the instance of Mr. Coles, who
appears to suppose that it might tend to hasten an adjustment of
the claim Avhich he represents.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DABELSTEEN.'
Department of State,
Washington, nth October, 1848.
To Senor Don O. L. Dabelsteen,
New Orleans.
Sir:
Your letter without date enclosing your Commission as Vice
Consul of the Mexican Republic for the Port of New Orleans,
and also a communication to this Department from the Minister
for Foreign Affairs of that Republic, has been received. In com-
pliance with your request, the President's Exequatur recognizing
you in that character is herewith transmitted and your Commis-
sion is returned. I would suggest that, as the latter is without
the official seal, it would be advisable for you to send it back to
the Mexican Foreign Office for the purpose of having the omis-
sion supplied. Otherwise, citizens of that Republic with whom
you may have occasion to transact Consular business might ques-
tion the validity of the Commission.
I am. Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'■ MSS. Department of State, Notes to Mexican Legation, VI. 192.
1848] TO MR. DAVEZAC 219
TO MR. DAVEZAC
(No. 15.) Department of State,
Washington, 12th Octr., 1848.
Augusts Davezac^ Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I deem it to be my duty again to address you on the subject
of Mr. Seely's claim against the Dutch Government. This is not
now done to enforce its justice, although I deem it to be emi-
nently just; but to instruct you to reiterate your request for an
answer from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to your note of
the 29th November last.
It is now nearly a year since the date of that note, and yet
it still remains unanswered! Throughout my experience in this
Department, no such want of courtesy to this Government has
ever been manifested by any foreign Government. For my own
part, I should consider myself highly censurable were I to
pursue a similar course in regard to any note addressed to this
Department by the Charge d' Affaires of the Netherlands; and
more especially if it had been written by the express command of
his Government.
Upon the receipt of this despatch, you will therefore address
a note to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, urging him, in firm
but respectful language, to answer your note of the 29th Novem-
ber last. Should he refuse to give you an answer, or, what is
substantially the same, neglect to do so within a reasonable time,
you will then report the fact to this Department.
I pursue this course upon the suggestion of Mr. Seely, who
has just reason to complain that the representative of his Govern-
ment at the Hague has not been able to obtain an answer to his
able and judicious note written nearly a year ago.
Mr. Seely has just cause for his impatience; and I shall
expect to hear from you promptly on this subject.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
P. S. — Your despatches to No. 48, inclusive, together with
your despatch of the 17th September last, which is not numbered,
have been duly received at this Department.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Netherlands, XIV. 84.
220 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. FLENNIKEN.'
(No. 7.) Department of State,
Washington, 14th October, 1848.
Sir: From your despatch No. 45, of the 8th September, as
well as from your private letter, I am happy to learn that there
is now a reasonable prospect that our commerce may be relieved
from the " sound dues " paid to Denmark. The admission of the
Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, in conversation with you,
" that he cannot defend the principle upon which these dues are
exacted," is certainly a favorable indication.
You acted properly in not pressing the question, whilst
Denmark was engaged in hostilities with Germany; but as the
armistice concluded between the King of Prussia and his Danish
Majesty has now been finally ratified at Frankfort, I agree with
you " that the present may, perhaps, be an auspicious period to
introduce this question formally and with determination to the
Danish Government."
Under the public law of nations, it cannot be pretended that
Denmark has any right to levy duties on vessels passing through
the Sound from the North Sea to the Baltic. Under that law,
the navigation of the two seas connected by this Strait is free
to all nations; and therefore the navigation of the channel by
which they are connected ought, also, to be free. In the language
employed by Mr. Wheaton, " Even if such strait be bounded on
both sides by the territory of the same Sovereign, and is, at the
same time, so narrow as to be commanded by cannon-shot from
both shores, the exclusive territorial jurisdiction of that Sovereign
over such strait is controlled by the right of other nations to com-
municate with the seas thus connected." But the Sound is not
bounded on both its shores by Danish territory, nor has it been
since the Treaty of Roeskild, in 1658, by which all the Danish
provinces beyond the Sound were ceded to Sweden. So that
even this pretext for levying the Sound dues has ceased to exist
for nearly two centuries.
It is true that for several centuries Denmark has continued
to levy these dues ; and she now claims this as a right " upon
immemorial prescription, sanctioned by a long succession of
Treaties with Foreign powers." But the foundations of this
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Denmark, XIV. 59; H. Ex.
Doc. 108, 33 Cong. I Sess. 38.
1848] TO MR. FLENNIKEN 221
claim were laid in a remote and barbarous age, even before the
discovery of America; and the reasons which are now alleged
in its support have no application whatever to the United States.
They apply exclusively to the nations of Europe.
It may be said, that the Fifth Article of our Treaty with
Denmark of the 26th April, 1826, gives an indirect sanction to
this practice, by providing that " Neither the vessels of the United
States nor their cargoes shall, when they pass the Sound or the
Belts, pay higher or other duties than those which are or may be
paid by the most favored nation." But this article does not recog-
nise the right of Denmark to levy these duties. It is a mere
submission to the practice for a period of ten years; and the
Government of the United States may now, at any moment, give
the notice required by the Treaty, and thus terminate it at the
end of one year.
These duties are both vexatious and onerous to our naviga-
tion. The loss of time and delay of our vessels at Cronberg
Castle, whilst the duties are assessed and paid, constitute a
serious annoyance and injury to our commerce. Besides, the
amount of duties is so great as to be a heavy burden upon our
trade to the Baltic. Your predecessor, Mr. Irwin, in a despatch
under date of the 3rd June, 1847, No. 121, to which I refer you,
has furnished the Department with tabular statements of the
amount of these duties exacted from American vessels for a
period of sixteen years, from 1828 to 1843, both inclusive; from
which it appears, that the average for each year would amount to
$107,467.71. According to these statements, the average tonnage
of our vessels going through the Sound, during these years, was
21,415, and that returning was 21,108 tons. This sum would,
therefore, be about equal to an average tonnage duty upon each
vessel, for passing and re-passing the Sound, of five dollars per
ton, including both voyages. Besides, there are other charges
for light-money, fees, &c. This large tax is paid by vessels of
the United States for liberty to pass through a Strait between two
seas, which, by the law of nature and of nations, is free and open
to all mankind ! The United States have thus long submitted to
the exaction from deference and respect for Denmark; but it
cannot be expected, great as is our regard for that ancient and
respectable power, that we shall submit to it much longer.
The nth Article of our existing Treaty with Denmark pro-
vides " that the present Convention shall be in force for ten years
from the date hereof, (26th April, 1826,) and further, until the
222 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
end of one year after either of the contracting parties shall have
given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the same."
Congress may, therefore, at any moment, authorise the Presi-
dent to terminate this Convention, — a Convention, I venture to
say, more favorable in its terms to the commerce and navigation
of Denmark than any which now exists or has existed between
her and any other nation.
Perfect reciprocity, in the direct trade, between any two
countries, is always just. The vessels of both, carrying the pro-
ductions of either between the ports of these countries, ought to
be placed upon the same footing. Be the amount of this trade
great or small, they ought equally to participate in its benefits.
This rule, however, is based upon the presumption that the one
party shall not, on its part, have restricted the mutual trade by
establishing unreasonable and extravagant import duties upon
the productions of the other. Whilst this rule is just in regard to
the direct trade between any two countries, let us examine the
question for a few moments in regard to the indirect or triangular
trade between Denmark and the United States. Our Convention
with Denmark opens to her navigation not only the direct trade,
but it enables her vessels to go all over the world, and bring the
productions of every clime to this country upon the same terms
with American vessels. But it may be said that similar advan-
tages are secured by the same Convention to vessels of the United
States in the ports of Denmark. Whilst this cannot be denied,
it is yet manifest that such a concession to our vessels is far, very
far, from being a fair equivalent for the privileges which Danish
vessels enjoy in our ports. The United States now extend across
the whole Continent of North America, and have a front of
Twenty-two degrees of Latitude upon the Atlantic, and Seventeen
degrees upon the Pacific Ocean. On both oceans, we have
numerous and excellent harbors inviting foreign trade. We now
number at least twenty millions of industrious and prosperous
people, able and willing to pay for foreign commodities, whilst
our exports are immense. The vessels of Denmark enjoy the
privilege, under the Convention, of transporting from all other
foreign countries to the United States every article required for
the consumption of our population, and of exporting from the
United States to all foreign countries our productions, upon the
same terms with our own vessels.
Now what is the supposed equivalent? Denmark is com-
paratively a small and poor country, in a high and severe northern
1848] TO MR. FLENNIKEN 223
Latitude. Its population does not much exceed two millions.
Its exports are not great, and its people consume comparatively
but a small amount of foreign productions. American vessels
may, it is true, under the Convention, transport to and from
Denmark the productions of third countries, upon the same terms
with Danish vessels; and this is the compensation which we
receive for all the superior advantages which we confer. It would
perhaps not be extravagant to assert, although I have not made
the calculation, that, under the present Convention, we ofifer to
Denmark ten times the quantity of productions for the employ-
ment of her navigation in the indirect or triangular carrying
trade, which she can offer to the navigation of the United States.
The truth is, that so far as regards this trade, the reciprocity of
the Convention is but a mere name.
But to make the inequality still greater, the Sixth Article of
the Convention excepts from its provisions Iceland, the Ferroe
Islands, Greenland, and her Colonial possessions beyond the Cape
of Good Hope.
It is not my purpose to enumerate the immense advantages,
present and prospective, which Denmark enjoys under the Con-
vention, in the encouragement of her commercial and military
marine, and in the promotion of her national wealth and
prosperity.
It is certain that we shall, hereafter, conclude no such une-
qual Treaties with Foreign Powers like Denmark, without equiva-
lents to the United States to compensate, in some degree, for the
superior advantages which we may grant over those which we
receive. The late Treaty with Hanover, (of which I transmit you
a copy with the accompanying correspondence sent to the Senate, )
was the commencement of a new era in our commercial policy.
This will sufficiently explain itself, without any observations on
my part. Under its provisions, you will perceive that we have
obtained equivalents for the advantages which we have conferred.
It will be admitted by all, that the commercial marine of
Denmark is much more capable than that of Hanover of availing
itself of these advantages, and of becoming successful competi-
tors with us in the indirect trade. Why, then, should not Den-
mark grant us, also, fair equivalents for these advantages ? We
desire to accept as an equivalent from Denmark the abrogation
of the Sound and Belt dues, rather than assert our rights against
her under the Law of Nations. Let Denmark perform this act
of justice, and the President is willing that you shall conclude a
224 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
new commercial Treaty with the Danish Government, upon the
same terms with the present Convention, to continue for a period
of ten or twelve years, reserving the usual right to either of the
parties to terminate it at the end of this period by giving a year's
notice.
Instead of the Fifth Article of the present Convention, some-
thing like the following might be inserted in the new Treaty :
Article 5. Vessels of the United States in passing and
repassing the Sound and the Belts, shall be forever exempt from
the payment of any duties, either upon their tonnage or their
cargoes.
Light-money, and other reasonable charges now existing, if
disconnected from charges or fees for levying and collecting the
Sound and Belt dues, may still be continued. Of these, you will
be the best judge.
It would be desirable that the proposed Fifth Article should
be expressly excepted from the operation of any notice which
may be given by either party to terminate the new Treaty, and be
thus rendered perpetual. Upon this, however, you are not to
insist as a sine qua non; because if the Sound dues should be sus-
pended for a period of ten or twelve years, it is highly improbable
that they can ever afterwards be revived.
But the President is willing to proceed still further, if the
object cannot otherwise be accomplished. It is probable that two
years might elapse before the existing Convention could be ter-
minated, as an Act must first pass Congress to enable the Presi-
dent to give the required notice; after which a year must expire
before it could be rendered effectual. During the whole period
our vessels would be subject to the Sound dues under the present
Convention. For this reason, if you should find it indispensable
to success, but not otherwise, you may stipulate to pay the Gov-
ernment of Denmark a sum not exceeding $250,000; but, in that
event, the abrogation of the Sound and Belt dues must be made
perpetual, and must be excluded, in express terms, from any
notice which may hereafter be given by either party to terminate
the Treaty.
From the enclosed tables, which I have just received from
the Treasury Department, you will perceive how very inconsid-
erable our direct trade is with Denmark, in Europe ; whilst in the
year 1847, 44 Danish vessels entered our ports, all of which, with
three exceptions, arrived from other portions of the world and
were engaged in the triangular or indirect trdde. It is, also.
1848] TO MR. BILLE 225
worthy of remark, that since the Tariff of 1846, the Danish
tonnage employed in this trade, for 1847, has nearly doubled.
For highly important information on the subject of these
dues, I refer you to Macgregor's Commercial Regulations, vol.
I, chapter 3, Title Denmark. Or the same Author's Commercial
Statistics, vol. i, page 165.
If you could procure from the Danish Government the aboli-
tion of its transit duties on American productions in the Duchies,
and wherever else they may exist, this would be very desirable ;
and for this purpose, you can use our Treaty with Hanover to
great advantage.
I would thank you to complete Mr. Irwin's tables, up to the
present time, and transmit copies to the Department.
Should it become expedient to address a note to the Danish
Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the subject of the Sound dues,
you may quote such portions of this despatch as you may, in your
discretion, deem appropriate and useful. But this is left entirely
to your own judgment.
You are now intrusted by the President with a most impor-
tant negotiation. Should you prove successful, this will reflect
high honor upon yourself and promote the best interests of your
country. May success attend you !
I am. Sir, respectfully. Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
Robert P. Flenniken, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c., Copenhagen.
TO MR. BILLE.'
Department of State,
Washington, i6th October, 1848.
Mr. Steen Bille,
&c. &c. Denmark.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of
the 14th instant, enclosing a protest of Captain C. Ipland, of the
Danish Brig Adeline, which has been libelled in Boston, to answer
in damages for an alleged breach of Patent right, by the Inventor,
Mr. John Brown, and asking the intervention of this Government.
^MSS. Department of State, Notes to Danish Legation, VI. 23.
Vol. VIII— 15
226 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
In reply, I beg leave to inform you that as the question has
been regularly brought before the Circuit Court of the United
States in Massachusetts, where it is to undergo judicial investi-
gation, the Executive Branch of the Government possesses no
power to interfere with the proceedings in the case. Justice,
according to law, must be administered by the appropriate Judicial
Tribunals.
I am, Sir, with great consideration.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
No. 41. Department of State,
Washington, 23d Octr., 1848.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 92, inclusive, have been duly received
at this Department.
Mr. Joaquin de Osma, late Envoy Extraordinary and Min-
ister Plenipotentiary from Peru to the United States, passed
through this city a few days ago, on his way from Lima to London
to represent his country in the same character in Great Britain.
My official and personal intercourse with that gentleman was
highly satisfactory throughout his mission. He is an able and
estimable man; and his principles and feelings are all opposed to
any interference on the part of Great Britain or other European
nations with the. domestic, concerns of the Spanish American
Republics on this continent.
Mr. Osma informed me, in conversation, that Senor Castro,
Governor of Costa Rica, as he had been credibly informed, had
offered to place that State under the protection of the British
Government. He will himself communicate the details to you.
You will perceive from the enclosed extract from the instructions
given by this Department to Mr. Hise, our Charge d'Affaires to
Guatemala, in what light the President would view the conduct of
that Government, should they accept this offer. Although, for
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 368. The
first two paragraphs of this instruction are printed in H. Ex. Doc. 75, 31
Cong. I Sess. 221 ; the second two, in H. Ex. Doc. 19, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 24.
1848] TO MR. MACAULEY 227
the present, I am not prepared to give you anypositive instructions
on the subject, yet, nevertheless, you will be vigilant in ascertain-
ing whether the information of Mr. Osma be well founded, and,
should this prove to be the case, in preventing, unofficially and
by conversation, in the proper quarter, the acceptance by Great
Britain of the proffered protectorate.^
I have this moment received your despatch No. 92, and have
only time before the closing of the mail to say a few words in
relation to it.
Treason cannot be committed by a citizen of the United
States against a foreign Government ; and we are bound by every
principle of public faith and national honor to maintain this doc-
trine as firmly in favor of our naturalized as our native citizens. I
should trust that the British Government are not prepared, by the
trial of Mr. Richard Ryan for treason, to precipitate a question
which must produce such a tremendous excitement throughout
our country, especially when this can be so easily avoided. If
Ryan has violated the laws of Great Britain within her dominions,
he can be tried and punished for an offence of a different
denomination.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MACAULEY.^
No. 2. Department of State,
Washington, 25th October, 1848.
Daniel S. Macauley, Esqre.,
etc., etc., Alexandria, Egypt.
Sir: —
I wrote to you on the 23rd instant, informing you of the
causes which had delayed the transmission of your commission
and instructions, as Consul-General of the United States for
Egypt. It is presumed that letter, numbered i, will have reached
you before the arrival of the Frigate Constitution, which bears
this despatch, and whose Commander has been ordered to convey
you to Alexandria.
'Here follows a passage relating to the auditing of Mr. Bancroft's
accounts.
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Barbary Powers, XIV. 72.
228 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Your salary as Consul at Tripoli will cease on the 31st
instant, and that as Consul-General to Egypt, at the rate of
$3000 per annum, will commence on the next day. A Letter of
Credit on the Bankers of the United States in London, author-
izing them to pay your salary, and the expenses of the Consulate,
is herewith transmitted.
There is an existing appropriation of $500 per annum for
the pay of Interpreters and guards, and for other expenses of each
of the Consulates at Constantinople, Smyrna, and Alexandria.
The amount appropriated for the latter Consulate will be subject
to your draft on that account. But, as the expenses incident to a
Consulate General will probably exceed those of the former Con-
sular grade at Alexandria, the Bankers will be instructed to pay
your drafts, for expenses, to the further amount of $500 per
annum.
You will, in your drafts on the Bankers, designate, par-
ticularly, the account for which they may be drawn, — whether for
salary, for Interpreter, Guards, etc., etc., or for other contingent
expenses.
Before quitting Tripoli, you will make and transmit hither
an Inventory of the property and archives of the Consulate, and
cause them to be deposited in the custody of some trustworthy
person. You will take care to make such explanations to the
authorities at Tripoli as will satisfy them on the subject of your
departure; and you may assure them that the President will
speedily appoint your successor. In the meantime, you will see
that the affairs of the Consulate are left in proper hands, and
inform the Department whom you shall have appointed to take
charge of them.
You are now furnished with a Letter of Credence to the
Pacha of Egypt, which will be presented by you in the usual
form; and you will avail yourself of the occasion to inform His
Highness of the friendly disposition of the President, and of his
earnest desire to cultivate and to perpetuate the most amicable
relations between the United States and His Pachalic.
For the use of your Consulate, I have ordered a series of the
books and documents, (usually transmitted to new Legations,)
sent to you; of which a List is, herewith, enclosed.
You will lose no time in transmitting to the Department a
satisfactory official Bond ; of which a blank form is enclosed, and
respecting which I need give you no special instructions.
A copy of the Consular Instructions is, also, sent to you.
1848] TO MR. MACAULEY 229
I transmit, herewith, a printed copy of the " Personal In-
structions," (with a Supplement,) prescribed by the Department
of State for the Government of the Diplomatic Agents of the
United States in Foreign Countries; and call your special atten-
tion to those portions which are applicable as directions to guide
your official conduct.
Your mission, both Consular and political, is one of great
importance ; and you have been selected for the station on account
of your long experience at Tripoli, and the acceptable manner in
which you have performed your duties there. We have, hereto-
fore, had no direct Diplomatic relations with the Pacha of
Egypt, and but very little commercial intercourse with his domin-
ions. But, nominally dependent upon the Porte, Egypt has
become, in point of fact, an Independent Power; and it is of
great importance that we should cultivate the most friendly
political relations with the Pacha. But few persons can be better
qualified than yourself to accomplish this object, considering
your long residence on the Coast of Barbary, and your acquaint-
ance with the manners and customs of the people.
Another principal object of your mission will be, to extend
and foster the commercial intercourse between the United States
and Egypt. For this purpose you will obtain all the commercial
and statistical information concerning that country which you
can acquire, and communicate it to the Department, together
with such suggestions, from time to time, as you may deem
important for the accomplishment of this object. The subsisting
relation between the Government of Egypt and the Porte is, also,
an object of much interest. Indeed, you are instructed to exercise
the utmost vigilance in all which regards the interests of your
country, and communicate in detail your observations to the
Department. I shall await with much interest the account of
your reception by the Pacha.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
230 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
(No. 42.) Department of State,
Washington, 28th Octr., 1848.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatch, No. 93, has this moment been received, and
will be communicated to the Postmaster General.
Upon consultation with the President and the Attorney Gen-
eral, then acting Secretary of State, they say that it was not
intended, by the despatch to you of the 4th September last, to
pledge this Government, as you have inferred, to engage counsel
at the public expense to defend American citizens who have been
arrested in Ireland under a charge of sedition and treason. — The
language employed was, that, " in such cases, it will be the right
and the duty of the Government to see that the persons arrested
have the full benefit of a legal defence," not that the Government
itself should undertake, at its own charge, to conduct this defence.
Without an act of Congress appropriating money for this pur-
pose, there would be no fund under the control of the Department
from which the expense of such trials could be drawn.
Mr. Richard F. Ryan obtained a passport, in the usual form,
from this Department on the 17th May last, upon the production
of his certificate of naturalization. He stands, therefore, pre-
cisely upon the same footing as though he had been bom within
the United States. I find, however, that I was too hasty in stat-
ing, as I have done in my last despatch, that treason could not
be committed by a citizen of the United States against a foreign
Government.
Blackstone, in his Commentaries, vol. I., page 369, says that
allegiance is distinguished by law " into two sorts or species, the
one natural, the other local ; the former being also perpetual, the
latter tempoi-ary." Again: "Local allegiance is such as is due
from an alien or stranger born, for so long as he continues within
the King's dominions and protection; and it ceases the instant
such stranger transfers himself from his kingdom to another."
According to Bi'itish law and practice, therefore, aliens guilty
of treasonable acts, whilst residing in England, are tried and
*MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 370. This
entire instruction, except the first two paragraphs, was printed in H. Ex.
Doc. 19, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 25.
1848] TO MR. BANCROFT 231
punished for high treason. Vide I. East's Crown Law, page 52,
IV. Blackstone's Commentaries, page 74. Vide, also, I. East's
Crown Law, page 115, in regard to the form of an indictment for
high treason. I take it, also, that, even in this country, a foreigner
whilst enjoying the protection of our laws, and consequently
owing temporary allegiance to our Government, might, during
this period, commit treason against the United States, " in levy-
ing war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving
them aid and comfort." Indeed, this seems to have been taken
for granted by Chief Justice Marshall, in delivering the opinion
of the Court in the case of the United States v. Wiltberger, 5th
Wheaton, 97, when he says that " treason is a breach of allegi-
ance, and can be committed by him only who owes allegiance,
either perpetual or temporary. The words, therefore, owing
allegiance to the United States, in the first section [of the Act
for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States,
approved April 30th, 1790,] are entirely surplus words, which
do not, in the slightest degree, affect its sense. The construction
would be precisely the same were they omitted."
Sad indeed might be our condition should numerous emi-
grants hereafter arrive in our country, in times of difficulty and
danger, possessing a different spirit towards our institutions from
that with which they have been heretofore animated, if none but
citizens of the United States could commit the crime of treason.
It may also be observed, that the words employed in the first
section of the act to which I have referred, are, " any person or
persons," not any citizen or citizens of the United States,
&c., &c., &c.
I have deemed it proper to make these suggestions, in order
to correct a mistake into which we have both fallen.
The President has been highly gratified with your efforts
in favor of our unfortunate citizens who have been arrested in
Ireland, charged with sedition and treason against the British
Government, and feels confident that you will continue to aid
them by every means proper to be employed by an American
Minister, under such circumstances. I need scarcely add, that
whenever the occasion may require it, you will resist the British
doctrine of perpetual allegiance, and maintain the American prin-
ciple, that British native born subjects, after they have been
naturalized under our laws, are, to all intents and purposes, as
much American citizens, and entitled to the same degree of pro-
tection, as though they had been born in the United States.
232 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
I transmit herewith the explanation of Mr. Pleasonton which
in my last despatch I promised to send.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 21.) Department of State,
Washington, 30th October, 1848.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Frankfort.
Sir:
I wrote to you on the 28th ultimo, and have now to
acknowledge the receipt of your despatches from 3 to 9 inclusive,
and your private letter of the 25th ultimo.
Your despatch No. 1 1, conveying the request of the Minister
of Commerce of the Central Government of Germany, that
this " Government may grant the favor to cause an officer of the
American Navy, of a high station, who has already been in
command of a man-of-war, and who is perfectly acquainted with
the requisites of the Marine, ship-building, sea-ports, and Fortifi-
cations, to enter the service of the Central Power of Germany, in
order to assist in the organisation of the German Fleet with all
proper requisites,'' was submitted on the day of its receipt, (the
28th instant.) to the President. After consultation with the
Cabinet, he has directed me to say, that he feels deeply sensible
of the distinguished honor conferred upon our gallant Navy by
this request, proceeding as it does from the Central Government
of the great and enlightened German Nation. Ever ready and
anxious to foster the friendship now so happily existing between
the two countries and to promote the prosperity of the German
Confederation in every manner consistently with his public duty,
he is willing to do all in his power to accomplish the object which
they have in view.
He does not believe, however, that it is competait for him,
without the authority of Congress, to order one of our naval
officers to enter the service of Germany. All that he can do,
under the circumstances, would be, to communicate the invitation
of the Central Government to one of our able and efficient naval
Captains, and, upon his request, to grant him leave of absence for
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 134.
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 233
six or nine months; such grants being often made to our naval
oificers, for various reasons, to enable them to visit foreign
Countries. During this period such officer might visit Frankfort
and make his own arrangements with the Government of the
Germanic Confederation. Should these prove satisfactory, he
might then either resign his commission in the navy of the United
States and enter the German service exclusively, or he may apply
to Congress, which will meet in less than forty days, for permis-
sion to retain his rank in the American Navy whilst engaged in
the service of Germany. Such permission would, I think, be
granted. As soon as the officer shall have been designated, I will
write you again.
You will have seen that your Address to the Arch-Duke
John, and his reply, have been officially published; the latter in
conformity with the corrected speech transmitted in your No. 5.
Your remarks were entirely approved by the President and this
Department; and the friendly observations of the Vicar, whilst
they afforded real satisfaction to this Government, appear, also,
to have been received by our citizens with general and well
merited favor.
I shall write to you by the next Steamer in regard to a Com-
mercial Treaty with the Germanic Confederation. Considering
that no Constitution has yet been adopted by the German Parlia-
ment ; that the respective rights of the Central and State Govern-
ments have not yet been adjusted ; and that we have already com-
mercial Treaties of the most liberal character with all the States
of Germany which possess any sea-ports, the President believes it
Avould now be premature to transmit you full powers and instruc-
tions to conclude a Commercial Treaty with the Central Govern-
ment. As at present advised, he will wait at least until that
Government shall so far have undertaken the charge of the
Foreign Affairs of Germany as to appoint a Minister to the
United States. Indeed I expected that ere this we should have
received notice of such an appointment.
Mr. Fay's letters, from 4 to 11 inclusive, have also been
received at the Department.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
234 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. RANDOLPH.'
Department of State,
Washington, 30th October, 1848.
Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Esq.,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this
date, accompanied by " all the papers and manuscripts of the
late Thomas Jefferson, both of a public and private nature," to
be deposited in this Department pursuant to the Act of Congress
approved 12th August last. The certificate which you request is
herewith communicated. Your wish in regard to a return of
such of the papers as are of a private character shall receive
proper attention so far as this Department is concerned.
I am. Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MARSTON.^
Dept. of State, 31 Oct. 1848.
John M. Marston Esqr.
U. S. Consul, Palermo.
Sir.
Your No. 63, of the nth July last, was received at the
Department, on the 2d Septr. It was not immediately answered,
because it was supposed that your recognition of the independence
of the Sicilian Government, being a mere nullity in itself, would
pass away & be forgotten. Besides, the Department was un-
willing to censure an act which beyond doubt proceeded from
patriotic & pure motives.
It would seem, however, from your No. 66, of the 28th of
August, received on the 19th inst., & the enclosed copy of a note
of the 24th August, addressed to you by the Marquis of Tor-
rearsa, that the new Sicilian Government views the subject in a
different light, and for this reason a longer silence on my part
would be improper.
It is very true that the Government of the U. S. has, from
its origin, always recognized de facto Governments, as soon as
' MSS. Department of State, 2,1 Domestic Letters, si-
"MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 489.
1848] TO MR. MARSTON 235
they have clearly manifested their ability to maintain their
independence. We do not go behind the existing Government to
involve ourselves in the question of legitimacy.
But what authority is to recognize, upon the application of
these principles to a new Government claiming to exist over an
Island which constituted an integral part of the dominions of a
Sovereign with whom our relations are of a friendly character?
This act of high sovereign power certainly cannot, without in-
structions, be performed by a Consul, whose functions are purely
commercial; and he ought never, under any conceivable circum-
stances, to assume such a high responsibility. In the U. S. such
a recognition is usually effected, either by a nomination to and
confirmation by the Senate of a Diplomatic or Consular Agent to
the new Government, or by an Act of Congress. The latter
course was adopted in the recognition of the independence of the
Spanish American Republics; but not till, after a struggle of
several years with the Mother Country, they had clearly mani-
fested their ability to maintain their independence. Vide the
Act of Congress approved 4th May, 1822, " making an appro-
priation to defray the expenses of missions to the independent
nations on the American Continent."
On the 22d of March, 1848, T. W. Behn, of Kentucky, was
confirmed by the Senate, " to be Consul of the U. S. for the Port
of Messina, in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies."
On the 27tli of March, his Commission was transmitted to
Mr. Rowan, our Charge d'affaires, at Naples, with the usual
instructions to " apply to the Government of the Two Sicilies
for an Exequatur, to be transmitted when obtained, with the
Commission, to Mr. Behn, at the place for which he has been
appointed."
It seems that Mr. Rowan, as was his duty, has obtained this
Exequatur from the King of the Two Sicilies; and it is hoped
that no impediment may be interposed by the new Government
of Sicily to the performance by Mr. Behn of his Consular duties,
which are purely commercial, & equally beneficial to both
countries.
The President has no desire to delay the recognition of the
independence of the Sicilian Government on the part of the U. S.
a single moment beyond the time when this acknowledgment
can be made in conformity with our unifoiTn practice, since the
origin of the Government. On the contrary, we can never be
indifferent spectators to the progress of Liberty throughout the
236 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
world; and we acknowledge, in the fullest manner, the right of
all nations to create & reform their political institutions accord-
ing to their own will & pleasure.
Your Nos. 60 to 66 inclusive have been received.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CAMPBELL.'
Dept. of State, Nov. i, 1848.
Sir: I have received your letter of the 23d ult. referring
to the case of Wm. S. Bush, steward of the American Barque
" Childe Harold," arrested on board that vessel, charged with the
delivery of various packages of papers calculated to create an
insurrectionary spirit among the inhabitants of Cuba. Your
course in this matter is fully approved; and I have to request,
that you will continue towards him all proper countenance &
support.
The American Masters in the port of Havana, to whom you
refer, are entirely mistaken in supposing that it would be a
violation of the national flag, & national honor, to arrest one
of the crew of a merchant vessel which had voluntarily entered
that port, for a crime committed within the local jurisdiction.
To use the language of C. J. Marshall, in delivering the opinion
of the Court in the case of the Schr. Exchange vs. McFadden
& others, (7th Cranch 144) "When private individuals of one
nation spread themselves through another, as business or caprice
may direct, mingling indiscrim.inately with the inhabitants of that
other, or ivhen Merchant vessels enter for the purposes of trade,
it would he obviously inconvenient and dangerous to society,
and would subject the laws to continual infraction, and the
Government to degradation, if such individuals or merchants
did not owe temporary & local allegiance, and were not amenable
to the jurisdiction of the Courts." In the U. S. we should be
in a sad condition, if this were not the case, and if all crimes
committed on board of foreign merchant vessels in our numerous
ports should pass unpunished, and all criminals who could make
their escape on board such vessels should be protected from
arrest. In the opinion to which I have referred, the Chief
^ MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 493 ; S. Ex.
Doc. 33, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 2.
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 237
Justice (page 156) correctly says: "The jurisdiction of the
nation within its own territory is necessarily exclusive & absolute.
It is susceptible of no limitation not imposed by itself. Any
restriction upon it, deriving- validity from an external source,
would imply a diminution of its Sovereignty to the extent of
the restriction, and an investment of that Sovereignty, to the
same extent, in that power which could impose such restriction."
I am, Sir, respectfully, &c.
James Buchanan.
R. B. Campbell Esq.
U. S. Consul, Havana.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 22.) Department of State,
Washington, 6th November, 1848.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Frankfort.
Sir:
In compliance with the promise contained in my last
despatch, (No. 21,) I now write to you on the subject of a
Treaty of Navigation and Commerce with the German Con-
federation. Whilst the President is not only willing but anxious
to conclude such a Treaty, he desires first to have some assurance
that the Central Government possesses the authority to accom-
plish this desirable object. No Constitution has yet been
adopted by the German Parliament; and your own despatches
prove that the separate States have not yet consented that the
Central Government shall conduct and control the foreign rela-
tions of the Confederacy. On this subject, all yet remains in
doubt. Meanwhile, we have subsisting Treaties, of the most
liberal character, both of direct and indirect reciprocity, with
Austria, Prussia, Hanover, Oldenburg, Mecklenburg-Schwerin,
Hamburg, Bremen, I-ubeck, and Denmark, for the Duchy of
Holstein. These comprehend all the German Sea-Coast and
Maritime States. Under such circumstances, it would doubtless
be viewed by these States in the light of an unfriendly interfer-
ence with the domestic concerns of Germany, if we should
commence the negotiation of a Treaty with the Central Govern-
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 137.
238 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
ment, before they had either directly or indirectly authorized it
to conclude a Treaty, more especially as this Treaty would
necessarily supersede all our existing Treaties with them. Be-
sides, you express serious doubts whether Austria will not with-
draw altogether from the Confederation.
In your despatch No. i, from Frankfort, it appears that Mr.
Duckwitz proposes to conclude " a general Treaty, such as we
have with the Hanse Towns and Prussia." The Fourth Article
of this Treaty, of the 20th December, 1827, with the Hanseatic
Republics, is liable to serious objections. According to our laws,
vessels of the United States are only such as are built within the
United States, or laAV fully condemned as prize of war, or are
adjudged to be forfeited for a breach of the laws; whilst under
this Article, the citizens of these small Republics may go abroad
all over the world and purchase their vessels at the cheapest
rate, and with them enter into equal competition with our own
vessels for the whole foreign trade of the United States. Under
this provision, the navigation of Bremen and Hamburg has
greatly increased. The Fifth Article of our Treaty with Han-
over was intended to place the parties to it on an equal footing
in this respect, as well as to benefit, by mutual reciprocity between
them, the important interest of American ship-building. We
should be very unwilling to dispense with a similar provision in
any Treaty which we may conclude with the Central Government
of Germany.
Admitting that, in the conclusion of a Treaty, you could
obtain a reduction of the duty on Tobacco, from 5^ to 3 German
Thalers per centner, and that, as you say, " it would be easy to
demonstrate that the duty on Tobacco, thus reduced, would be a
greater benefit to us than any we possess from any existing
Treaty, or any that we are likely to acquire by separate Treaties
with the States of the Germanic Confederation," yet still we
should remember that this duty has been reduced to 70 cents
upon the hundred pounds, of our currency and weight, by
Treaties with Hanover, Oldenburg, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
This fact may be used with advantage, and ought to be used,
to obtain a reduction of duty on tobacco below three German
Thalers per centner.
But will the Central Government agree by Treaty to reduce
the duty on Tobacco to 3 Thalers per centner ? Your despatches
taken altogether would induce me to doubt this fact; whilst a
letter received from Mr. Graebe, under date of the 9th ultimo.
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 239
affirms positively that some of the German Ministers had declared
to him, in conversation, that they could not stipulate by Treaty
for this or any other reduction of duty, " nor advocate with the
national Assembly any other Treaty than a mere Commercial
Treaty, like that of the 20th December, 1827, concluded between
the United States and the Hanseatic Towns." They consider
that " All other points, such as a reduction of the duties on goods
or produce, which belong in both Countries to the Legislative
power, should be left out of the Treaty." He further states,
that " the Ministers of Commerce and Finance are willing to
propose the rate of 3 Rix Dollars as the duty on Tobacco, and a
similar reduction on the present rate of rice, and believe to
succeed at this rate. The transit and river duties so much com-
plained of will be entirely removed."
If Mr. Graebe's statements be well founded, (I hope they
may not be,) it would certainly be unwise to conclude a Treaty
with the German Confederation before the Parliament had, by
positive enactment, made these reductions and abolished the
transit duties. Should we do this, we might abandon all the
advantages we derive from our Treaties with Hanover, Olden-
burg, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and receive nothing in return.
I repeat that the President is anxious to conclude a Treaty
with the German Confederation; but, under existing circum-
stances, he is not yet prepared to grant you the necessary Powers
for this purpose.
In your last despatch, of the 8th of October, you state, that
" the mission from this Government to ours is postponed a few
days, under the expectation that the States which are parties to
the Federal Government will be willing to withdraw their separate
missions, and confide their general interests, growing out of the
intercourse with Foreign Powers, to the appointments from
Frankfort." The moment the President learns that this expecta-
tion has been realized, we shall transmit you instructions and full
powers to conclude a Treaty with the German Confederation.
If such a Treaty were negotiated and submitted for approval to
the Parliament before the appropriate period, this might prema-
turely produce a crisis between the States and the Central
Government, and thus jeopard the very existence of the Federal
Union itself, which we are so anxious to see firmly established.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
240 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. VERPLANCK.'
Department of State,
Washington, Novr. 6th, 1848.
Hon: G. C. Verplanck
New York.
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 3rd inst. addressed to me
on behalf of the Board of Commissioners of Emigration of
the State of New York, referring to the existence " of an
organized system of impositions, at the principal points of
Emigration from Europe, in the Ports of Great Britain and
Ireland, as well as those on the Continent, by which great and
frequent frauds are committed in relation to the passages of
Emigrants to the interior of the United States ; " together with
a printed copy of " Circular prepared under the authority of the
Board with the design of exposing these frauds, thus setting the
Emigrants on their guard against them." In the promotion of
an object so honorable and benevolent, your Board may fully
rely on the aid and support which this Department can properly
afford. In reply to your suggestion that copies of this Circular
be transmitted to the several Consuls of the U. States at all the
points of great Emigration to this Country, and your offer to
furnish them for that purpose, I have to state that I will, with
great pleasure, cause them to be so addressed, with such instruc-
tions as may be best calculated to ensure the results you have in
view.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO PRESIDENT POLK.^
Washington 9 November 1848.
Sir/
I have received your letter of the 30th September last,
inviting my attention to two publications in the New York
Evening Post, bearing the signatures of Benjamin Tappan &
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 407. A copy
of the circular above mentioned was sent by Mr. Buchanan on Nov. 13,
1848, to various consuls in Europe. (Ibid.)
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. See President
Polk to Mr. Buchanan, Sept. 30, 1848, supra.
1848] TO THE PRESIDENT 241
Francis P. Blair ; and requesting me to furnish you a statement
of all I may know of any opinions, views, or acts of yours, as
well before as after your inauguration as President, relating to
the subject of the annexation of Texas to the United States.
It is proper, before I proceed to state my knowledge upon
this subject, that I should declare, in answer to one of your
inquiries, that when the subject of the annexation of Texas was
before the Senate of which I was then a member, I had no
knowledge nor information of the statements made by Messrs.
Tappan & Blair in their publications.
On the day, or the day but one, after your arrival in this
City on the evening of the 13th February 1845, yo^i tendered me
the office of Secretary of State. Between that time & the day
of your inauguration, I saw you frequently and had several
confidential conversations with you on various topics connected
with the policy you intended to pursue as President of the
United States; but in none of these did you ever express any
preference either for the House resolutions, or the resolution of
the Senate, for the admission of Texas into the Union, nor had
I ever heard it intimated that you had expressed such a preference
to any other person. I might add, that according to my best
recollection, I had no knowledge of which alternative you would
adopt until Monday the loth March 1845, the day of the first
regular Cabinet Meeting.
On the morning of that day I was qualified as Secretary of
State before Judge Catron & immediately entered upon the
duties of the office. Afterwards, on the same morning, I read
in Cabinet the Despatch of Mr. Calhoun to Mr. Donelson, dated
on the 3d March 1845, by which the latter was instructed to
present to the Government of Texas, as the basis of the admission
of that State into the Union, the two first resolutions as they had
passed the House of Representatives. Some member of the
Cabinet, I do not now recollect the individual, suggested, that
as President Tyler had already made his election in favor of the
House Resolutions, it was doubtful whether President Polk
possessed the power to reverse this decision of his predecessor &
adopt the third resolution or amendment of the Senate. This
question was not decided ; because it was found, after a brief
interchange of opinions, that yourself & all the members of the
Cabinet, without hesitation, were clearly & decidedly in favor of
the House Resolutions, in preference to the Resolution of the
Senate. We all then believed, as I still believe, that the selection
Vol. VIII— 16
242 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
of the Senate's amendment would have delayed & jeoparded, if
it had not altogether defeated, the annexation of Texas. There
was not the least hesitation, on your part, in arriving at this
conclusion.
This point being settled, after consultation w;ith the Cabinet,
you deemed it important that a Despatch should be immediately
transmitted to Mr. Donelson confirming the selection which had
been made by Mr. Tyler of the House resolutions; but modifying
Mr. Calhoun's Despatch in certain particulars which I need not
specify. I then left the Cabinet in session, completed my
despatch of the loth March, & obtained your approval of it on
the same evening, & sent it off to Mr. Donelson by the late
Governor Yell of Arkansas.
In all our subsequent intercourse, I have never heard you
utter a sentiment inconsistent with the strong opinion which you
expressed, at the first Cabinet Meeting, in favor of the House
Resolutions.
Yours very respectfully
James Buchanan.
His Excellency James K. Polk.
TO MR. GRAHAM.'
Department of State,
Washington, Novr. nth, 1848.
Joseph Graham, Esqre.
U. S. C. Buenos Ayres.
Sir,
Your despatches as Acting U. S. Consul at Buenos Ayres to
No. 21, inclusive, have been received.
In reference to the case of the Barque " Ellen Augusta,"
which Vessel, as appears from your No. 18, was sold to Hugh
E. Fiddis, a Citizen of Baltimore, and came to Buenos Ayres
with a Sea-letter, signed by Gorham Parks, U. S. Consul at Rio
de Janeiro, in the body of which the following was inserted as a
parenthesis, viz. : " I engage and agree that if this Sea-letter is
found with the Bark ' Ellen Augusta ' on the Coast of Africa,
it shall be considered prima facie evidence that the said ' Ellen
Augusta ' is engaged in illegal traffic connected with the Slave
trade " — I have to state, that no instructions have been given to
^ MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 120.
1848] TO MR. ROBINSON 243
Mr. Parks to prohibit American Vessels sailing under a Bill of
Sale, by inserting such a clause therein, from going to the Coast
of Afinca, or to that of any Country which she might have a
right to do, under her original Register. On the contrary, Mr.
Parks was instructed that the Bill of Sale properly authenticated,
and reciting at length the original certificate of Registry, became
the substitute on board of the Vessel for that Certificate " until
her first arrival in the United States thereafter." I enclose here-
with a copy of the instructions given to Mr. Parks, under date
of 26th May, 1847, upon the question presented by him, whether
in case of the sale of an American Vessel in a foreign port to
an American Citizen, all the formalities required by law to render
such sale valid being complied with, she is bound to return to the
United States for a new Register, before she can undertake an-
other voyage, and request that you will be guided by them in all
cases of such sales within your jurisdiction.
A copy of your No. 19, giving an account of the loss of the
American Brig " Angeline," and of the noble and generous
conduct of the Master of the Danish Schooner " Estevan," by
whom seven of her Crew were saved and taken to Buenos Ayres,
has been referred to the Comptroller of the Treasury, with a view
to his authorizing the proper compensation to the owner of the
" Estevan " for the provisions consumed by these men, during
the two months they were on board of his Vessel.
Your draft dated 23rd June, 1848, for $96.80, has been
duly honored.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. ROBINSON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 15th November, 1848.
W. E. Robinson, Esq.
New York city.
Sir:
I have received your note of the loth instant, relating to the
case of James Bergen, an American seaman in confinement at
Dublin.
You are already acquainted with the contents of Mr. Ban-
'MSS. Department of State, zy Domestic Letters, 56.
244 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
croft's letter of the 23d September last, to Mr. Bergen, informing
him of the proceedings of the Legation, up to that date, with
reference to his arrest and detention in Newgate. I have only
to add, in answer to your inquiries, that, on the same day, Mr.
Bancroft earnestly pressed this case upon the attention of the
British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; and Lord
Palmerston said, in reply, (26th September,) that he had not
yet received the answer from the home department to the refer-
ence previously made to it upon the subject, &c. In a letter of
subsequent date, (30th September,) His Lordship states that
authentic information had reached Her Majesty's Government,
and the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, that Mr. Bergen was con-
cerned in treasonable practices in connection with the late at-
tempted outbreak in Ireland; and, there being reason to believe
that he came to that country as the agent of certain associations
which have been formed in New York for the purpose of sup-
porting that outbreak, the Lord Lieutenant therefore felt it to
be his duty to cause Mr. Bergen to be arrested and imprisoned;
and that, under these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government
see no reason for releasing him. In a despatch from Mr. Ban-
croft, dated 20th October, (the last received,) he says he still
thinks that Mr. Bergen will not be brought to trial, but expresses
this opinion doubtingly.
Your general questions, " whether the seizure of other Amer-
ican citizens on suspicion, by the British Government, has been
made the subject of correspondence between the Governments;
and whether any explanation has been asked or made upon the
pursuit and search of American vessels for the apprehension of
political refugees on their way to this country," would seem to
call for information connected with our foreign relations which
the Department does not, at the present moment, find itself at
liberty to communicate.
I am, Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
1848] TO MR. CARR 245
TO MR. WALKER.'
Department of State,
Washington, 17th Nov., 1848.
Hon. R. J. Walker,
Secretary of the Treasury.
Sir:
The enclosed copy of a note, just received from Her Britan-
nic Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Washington, will acquaint
you with the favorable result of the application which was, at
your instance, made through this Department to the British
Government, in August last, for permission to transfer from
the ocean to the lakes, via the river St. Lawrence, two small
schooners, to replace the steamers "Jefferson " and " Dallas,"
withdrawn from the United States revenue service on Lakes
Erie and Ontario.
I have the honor, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CARR.=
No. 12. Department of State,
Washington, i8th November, 1848.
Thomas Nelson Carr, Esqre.,
Late Consul of the United States at Tangier,
now in New York.
Sir: —
Your despatch No. 29, of the 19th July last, and received at
the Department on the 7th Instant, would seem to require an
answer. This is due in justice to the President, who has acted
in the most friendly spirit towards you throughout your difficul-
ties at Tangier; and it is due, also, to yourself; because you seem
to have misunderstood and therefore misrepresented all his pro-
ceedings. In this answer, I shall endeavor to avoid the tone and
temper which you have manifested throughout your despatch.
You were appointed Consul of the United States to Tangier
on the 23rd May, 1845. This appointment was made by the
President, because he believed that, without good cause, you had
been removed by his predecessor, and that justice to yourself
^MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 58.
"MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Barbary Powers, XIV. 76.
246 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
required your restoration. He was not ignorant of the fact,
at the time, that your reception mig^ht be attended with difficulties ;
but he had determined, at all events, that he would evince, by
your aj^pointment, his sense of the injustice which you had suf-
fered. It never was his intention, however, to employ the Navy
of the United States to compel the Emperor of Morocco to
receive you as Consul. This was beyond his Constitutional
power. Besides, in the intercourse of Nations, one Government
may refuse for personal reasons to receive a particular Represen-
tative from another, without afifording just cause of offence. I
might cite several examples to this effect, if it were necessary.
Still, it was deemed advisable to send with you to Tangier an
imposing Naval force, under the belief that this might tend to
secure your reception.
Our apprehensions that you might not be received were
greatly increased by the receipt of three letters, dated before
your arrival in Tangier, — one from the Emperor of Morocco to
the President, of i6th July, 1845, — another from Cid Bonssel-
man Benali, the Emperor's Pacha of the Northern Provinces,
styling himself " Agent of the Imperial Court and Plenipo-
tentiary of His Imperial Majesty," to myself, dated on the 23rd
July, 1845, — ^"d the third, from Sid Mohammed Ben Eddress,
styling himself Secretary of the Imperial " Commandements," to
myself, dated on the i6th July, 1845. The packet containing
these letters was received by the Department on the 12th Septem-
ber, 1845, from Mr. Pageot, then the French Minister to the
United States ; who observed, at the time, that he had been used
merely as an intermediary in transmitting these letters, upon the
request of the Emperor of Morocco, and beyond this neither the
French Government nor himself felt any concern in the matter.
These letters strongly, but in respectful tei-ms, remonstrated
against your appointment as Consul, and requested the President
to continue Mr. MuUowny in ofifice. Among other reasons stated
against your appointment, the Pacha of the Northern Provinces,
in his letter, alleges that " The Consul, the predecessor of Mr.
Mullowny, has had a disagreeable question with our Caliphate
of Tangier, and with the Chiefs of the Merchants, to such a
degree that an Admiral came by your orders to inform himself
of the true position of this affair. Our Caliph was deprived of
his office, although the charges which Mr. Carr imputed against
him were not well founded. They weighed (or rested) on the
contrary against himself. We agreed with this Admiral to
1848] TO MR. CARR 247
deprive the Consul, Mr. Thomas Nelson Carr, of his office, and,
also, our Caliph, although he was innocent of all of which he
was accused." Upon examination, it was found that Commo-
dore Morgan had assured the Emperor that you had been relieved
from public service, and, in consequence, your reappointment to
the same station was thus made to assume in the eyes of the
Emperor, however unjustly, the appearance of a violation of
faith on our part.
These letters M'ere perused with the deepest regret and the
warmest sympath}'- for yourself by the President and every
member of his Cabinet. It was determined, however, to give
them no answer at the time; but to await the arrival of despatches
from yourself.
On the 8th December, 1845, your despatch No. 4, of the 2nd
November preceding, was received at the Department. From
this, it is highly probable that you would not have been received
but for the presence and interposition of Commodore Smith, with
two vessels of war; and that the Emperor was still awaiting an
answer to his letter from the President. It was hoped and
earnestly desired, notwithstanding, that the whole affair might
pass into oblivion, in consequence of your reception; and the
President, therefore, determined that he would not answer the
Emperor's letter, unless an answer should be again solicited.
On the 23rd February, 1846, I received through Mr. Pageot,
at the Department of State, a letter dated 19th December, 1845, — -
less than two months after your reception, — and addressed to
myself by Abon-Selhan Ben AH, styling himself " Employe of
the highest office," "Sultan's Secretary," and "Vizier;" in
which, after adverting to the Emperor's letter to the President,
and complaining " that there is no agreeable reminiscence or any
mention of what is agreed upon from your side," he says, " we
earnestly entreat an early reply to the letter which we sent to
Your Excellency. We are in expectation of it morning and
night."
This letter — of the genuineness of which neither Mr. Hodg-
son nor myself entertain the least doubt — was immediately sent
to that gentleman for a translation from the Arabic, which,
together with the original, was received from him on the 7th
March, 1846.
The whole case was soon after submitted to the President in
Cabinet Council. What was then to be done? In the inter-
course among nations, the practice has been — unless under
248 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
very peculiar circumstances — for one Government to recall its
Diplomatic Agents at the request of another. This practice is
founded upon the principle that Diplomatic intercourse is estab-
lished between the powers of the Earth for the purpose of
cultivating friendly relations with each other; and that when a
Diplomatic Representative has rendered himself so disagreeable
to the Government to which he is accredited, whether with or
without good cause, as to induce them to request his recall, this
great object can no longer be accomplished through his agency.
The convenience of the individual, under such circumstances,
must yield to the good of the Country. There are undoubtedly
exceptions to this rule; but it was not believed that your case
constituted one of them. The Emperor of Morocco had re-
ceived you, his authorities had treated you kindly after the
reception, and he had referred the whole matter in the most
respectful manner to the President.
The President might, and perhaps should, then have re-
called you, but from his sincere desire to avoid this disagreeable
alternative, he resolved to address the letter to the Emperor of
Morocco, of the 20th March, 1846. Surely you cannot be dis-
satisfied with the terms of this letter. It spoke of you in the
kindest manner, urged persuasive reasons why the Emperor
should be satisfied with you, and informed His Majesty that
Mr. Mullowny would not, under any circumstances, be restored
to office.
It was believed that this declaration in regard to Mr. Mul-
lowny would have a powerful effect in your favor, by convincing
the Emperor that in no event could his favorite be restored. The
President, however, promised, that if you should not have suc-
ceeded in rendering yourself acceptable to the Emperor before
this letter reached him, he would recall you, should the Emperor
make this request. Thus, in kindness to yourself, nothing was
to be done, until the President should again hear from the
Emperor.
At the Cabinet Council, when the President detennined to
send this letter to the Emperor, Governor Marcy, your constant
friend, undertook the task of explaining to you, in a private and
friendly letter, the whole transaction. This he immediately per-
formed. Although you did not acknowledge the receipt of his
letter, yet I was happy to observe from your letter to the Presi-
dent of the 15th July, 1846, that you were well acquainted with
the character of his letter, and adopted strong measures to pre-
1848] TO MR. CARR
vent the Emperor from asking for your recall. Among these
measures your letter to " the Sultan's Minister," accompanying
that of the President to the Emperor, was scarcely justifiable;
but as you acknowledged that the step was unauthorized, and
excused yourself to the President for having taken it, this was
passed over by him without censure.
It was confidently believed, from the character of the Presi-
dent's letter to the Emperor, that he would not persist in asking
your recall, especially as he was distinctly informed that Mr.
Mullowny could under no circumstances be continued; and I
observe that you made good use of this circumstance in the letter
which you addressed to the " Sultan's Minister."
Before I delivered the letter of the President to Mr. Pageot,
I read it to him, — expressed the strong desire of the President
that the Emperor should not ask for your recall, and intimated
that the French Government might probably think proper to use
their influence for the accomplishment of the President's wishes
in your favor. I also said, that the French Charge d'Affaires
at Tangier would, of course, make known its contents to you
before it was transmitted to the Emperor. He replied at once
that he would make my suggestions known to Mr. Guizot, and
there was no doubt he would be happy to promote the President's
object. He told me afterwards that he had acted according to
my suggestion.
From the date of the President's letter, (the 20th March,
1846) till 8th November, 1847, we heard nothing more of the
matter, and hence we inferred that the whole affair had been
amicably terminated. Still it was thought strange that the Em-
peror had never acknowledged the receipt of the President's
letter, especially as his Minister, in acknowledging the receipt
both of the President's letter and your own, had declared that
the Emperor's " answer, when sent, shall certainly be forwarded
to you, if it please God, that you may send it to its destination."
Accordingly, on the 28th May, 1847, fourteen months after the
date of the President's letter, I informed you that " the Presi-
dent has not yet received an answer from the Emperor to his
letter dated 20th March, 1846, which was transmitted through
the French Legation here. He cannot account for this great
delay. He trusts that when it arrives it may prove to be in
accordance with your wishes."
You may judge of our astonishment, then, when we first
learned from you, in answer to this despatch, that you had been
250 THE WORKS OP JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
entrusted with the Emperor's answer of the 17th July, 1846, so
long ago as August, 1846, and had withheld it and all knowledge
of its contents from the President for more than a year. It was
first transmitted by you to this Department with your despatches
Nos. 15 and 20, of the 28th June and 3rd September, 1847; both
of which were received on the 8th of November following.
Although this conduct on your part was not approved, yet
the President's kindness did not desert you even on this occasion.
In your despatch No. 20, of the 3rd September, 1847, which
accompanied the Emperor's letter, you tendered your resignation,
and strongly expressed the opinion that the President should not
notice this letter favorably. Even in this request you were
indulged. The question then for the President's decision was,
whether he should recall you, in accordance with his promise to
the Emperor, and announce this fact to His Majesty, or accept
your resignation and return no answer whatever to his letter.
The President, acting towards you with that friendly spirit which
has characterized his whole conduct, adopted the latter alterna-
tive,— accepted your resignation, and has returned no answer to
the Emperor. Nay, more; he cheerfully complied with your
request, and permitted you to retain your place until a successor
should arrive at Tangier, whose nomination to the Senate was
delayed until the 29th February, 1848, expressly for your ac-
commodation. In consequence of this you retained your office
at Tangier until the 19th July, 1848, — the date of your last
despatch.
I consider the present simple narrative a conclusive answer
to this despatch, without noticing in detail each particular item
of it. You complain of the opposition you have been made to
encounter at Washington; although the President and every
member of his Cabinet, so far as my knowledge extends, were
your friends, and were anxious to sustain you. You speak of
what passed at audiences which I gave to the French and British
Ministers. In regard to these you have been altogether mis-
informed. I never had a word with the French Minister in
relation to your case, except what I have heretofore stated. I
feel quite confident that I never conversed with the British
Minister on the subject; and if I did, it is absolutely certain
that it was in the same spirit which I manifested in conversing
with the French Minister.
From your despatches it appears that the Diplomatic Agents
at Tangier, both of England and France, had resorted to every
1848] TO MR. STAPLES 251
artifice, first, to prevent your reception, and afterwards to pro-
duce your recall. The motives for such conduct are entirely
beyond my comprehension, because I cannot conceive vi^hat pos-
sible difference it could make either to them or to their Govern-
ments whether the United States were represented at Tangier by
Mr. Carr, Mr. Hyatt, or any other respectable American Citizen.
But you foiled all their arts and maintained yourself in office, by
the simple expedient of withholding from the President, for more
than a year, the letter directed to him by the Emperor, soliciting
your recall, which had been confided to you.
It would be easy for me to reply most satisfactorily to the
la!st charge in your despatch, against the Department; but I
purposely limit myself to that which concerns yourself
personally.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. STAPLES.'
Department of State,
Washington, Novr. i8, 1848.
William J. Staples, Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Havre.
Sir,
Your No. 274 was duly received. The expectation of
further communications therein promised, but not yet realized,
has delayed a reply. Mr. Rush had, previously to the receipt
of your despatch, transmitted copies of your several communica-
tions to him and his reply to you.
From an attentive perusal of these papers, I regret to per-
ceive that you have become involved in irritating discussions with
the local authorities of Havre, on several questions relating to
the discharge of your Official duties. The caution enjoined by
the General Instructions, " not to enter into any contentions
which can be avoided, with the local authorities of the Country
in which you reside," has peculiar application to the late and
present condition of France.
Although your late despatch refers exclusively to the ques-
tions connected with the condemnation and sale of the Ship
" John Cadmus," the same principles would seem to be involved
" MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 409.
252 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
in those presented by your several communications to Mr. Rush.
The errors you appear to have committed originate in a miscon-
ception of the extent of your Consular Jurisdiction; which cannot
be exercised in conflict with the local law, but only in conformity
with it. The Master of a Vessel, alone, has the right to sell her,
under the circumstances in which the " John Cadmus " was
placed. In the language of Mr. Justice Thompson, in delivering
the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States in the case
of the Patapsco Insurance Co. vs. Southgate & al. (5 Peters 620),
" as a general proposition, there can be no doubt that the injury
to the Vessel may be so great, and the necessity so urgent, as to
justify a sale. There must be this implied authority in the
Master from the nature of the case. He, from necessity, becomes
the Agent of both parties, (the Owners and the Underw,riters)
and is bound, in good faith, to act for the benefit of all con-
cerned." His responsibility is great, and for his own security,
to manifest the fairness of his proceedings, he should adopt the
mode of sui^vey, condemnation, and sale, for unseaworthiness,
prescribed by the local laws. This will constitute strong evidence
of the correctness of his proceedings. No Act of Congress
authorizes our own Consuls abroad, or foreign Consuls in this
Country, to interfere in such cases; though the agency of our
Consuls has been properly employed in these proceedings, where
the local laws permit. Such was the practice for a long period
of time in the West India Ports of Spain; but their interference
has been recently prohibited there by the local law. In reply to
their ranonstrances to this Department on the subject, uniform
instructions have been given, to conform to the local law. You
therefore erred in refusing to verify, under your Consular seal,
the proces verbal in the case of the " John Cadmus," if the facts
were truly stated therein. You were also in error in asserting a
right to exclude the agency of the Master, and substitute your
own, in the sale of his Vessel. Whilst on the spot he was the
legitimate representative of his Owners, responsible to those by
whom the property was confided to his charge, and for whom
the law had devolved upon him the duty and responsibility of
acting. In the matter of Wrecks (see General Instructions,
page 31) the Consular Jurisdiction is limited to cases where the
" Master, Owner, or Consignee " is absent, or incapable of taking
charge of the property. The same principle governs in the case
of the Vessel.
By the exhibition of great firmness and discretion in the
1848] TO GOVERNOR JOHNSTON 253
discharg-e of his Official duties, during many years of service,
your wortliy predecessor established high claims upon the confi-
dence and good feelings of the local authorities of Havre. For
the attainment of an object so desirable, you cannot too closely
imitate his example. You ought not, therefore, to change the
course which he has pursued, in any important particular, without
first consulting this Department, or the Minister of the United
States at Paris. Thus shaping your course of Official action,
and strictly adhering to the General Instructions, I trust you will
be able successfully to extricate yourself from present and avoid
future difficulties.
I am, Sir, &c.
Tames Buchanan.
TO GOVERNOR JOHNSTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, i8th Nov., 1848.
His Excellency, William F. Johnston,
Governor of Pennsylvania.
Sir:
I have been directed by the President to acknowledge the
receipt of your Excellency's letter to him of the 28th ultimo,
together with the accompanying communication of the i8th
ultimo made to you by Major General Patterson, in relation to
the murder alleged to have been committed in Mexico by Captain
Foster, of the Georgia Infantry, upon the person of Lieutenant
Goff, of the Pennsylvania Volunteers.
These letters were referred by the President to the Attorney
General for his legal opinion upon the questions which they
involved, and I now have the honor of transmitting a copy of
that opinion, under date of the 15th instant, to your Excellency,
with the expression of the President's regret that the existing
laws of the United States do not provide for the trial and
punishment of Captain Foster.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
*MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 59-
254 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 23.) Department of State,
Washington, 20th November, 1848.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I transmit to yon, herewith, a commnnication from the
President of the United States to His Majesty Frederick WilHam
IV., in answer to a letter received on the 15th instant, in which
His Majesty announces the recall of Baron Von Gerolt, late
Minister Resident of Prussia at Washington.
The letter of the President is accompanied by an office copy,
which you will communicate to the Prussian Minister of Foreign
Relations, upon your asking, through him, an audience of the
Sovereign to deliver the original. You will also avail yourself
of the opportunity that may be thus presented, to express orally
to His Majesty, on behalf of the President and Government of
the United States, sentiments of international friendship and
good will corresponding with those contained in the enclosed
letter, as well as to call his attention to the high estimate which
we placed upon Mr. Von Gerolt.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO W. M. MEREDITH.^
(Private.) Lancaster, November 21, 1848.
My Dear Sir : —
I have seen Mr. Fordney since I came here, who read me a
part of your second letter. From this I infer that you regret
you had parted with Wheatland. Now, my dear sir, if you have
the least inclination to retain it, speak the word and our bargain
shall be as if it never had been. It will not put me to the
least inconvenience, as I have an excellent house in Lancaster,
Indeed I feel a personal interest in having you in the midst of
our society; and if you should retain Wheatland, I know that
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 142.
^ Curtis's Buchanan, II. 4. For Mr. Meredith's declination of this con-
siderate offer, see Curtis's Buchanan, II. 4.
1848] TO SENOR DE LA ROSA 255
after you shall be satisfied with fame and fortune, you will
make this beautiful residence your place of permanent abode.
Please to address me at Paradise P. O., Lancaster county,
as I shall be at my brother's, near that place, to-morrow evening,
where I shall remain until Thursday evening.
From your friend, ver)' respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO SENOR DE LA ROSA.'
Department of State,
M/'ashington, 28th November, 1848.
To Senor Luis de la Rosa,
&c. &c. &c.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note of this date
addressed to him by Senor Don Luis de la Rosa, accompanied by
a copy of his letter of Credence as Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of the Mexican Republic to the United
States and of a letter to the Undersigned from Sefior Don
Mariano Otero, Minister for Foreign Affairs of that Republic.
In answer to Mr. de la Rosa's request to be informed of the
day when he may deliver the original of Mr. Otero's communi-
cation, the Undersigned has the honor to state jfhat he will
receive him for that purpose at twelve o'clock to-morrow,
Wednesday, the 29th instant. The Undersigned will take an
early occasion to submit to the President the copy of Mr. de la
Rosa's letter of Credence, and will inform him of the day and
hour when the President will receive him for the purpose of
presenting the original.
The Undersigned embraces this opportunity to offer to Mr.
de la Rosa the assurance of his very high consideration.
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Mexican Legation, VI. 193.
256 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
TO MR. CARROL/
Department of State,
Washington, Nov. 30th, 1848.
William Carrol Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Port Louis.
Sir,
I have received from Mr. Griffith, late Acting Commercial
Agent of the U. States, at Port Louis, several communications
and documents relating to the alleged refusal of the local police
to aid and assist him in the case of certain Seamen of the
American Ship " Jasper." Upon a careful perusal of these
papers, I am not able to perceive that the authorities there require
any act or proceeding on the part of the Commercial Agent, to
justify their interference, which is not enjoined by the Consular
Instructions, and appears to be of a reasonable character. By
Art: 35, page 20, it is made his duty, " after taking the Deposi-
tions necessary to establish the facts, to apply to the local
authorities for means of securing the offenders while they remain
in port, &c." These depositions would appear to constitute all
that the authorities ask, as a justification for the arrest, and it is
an unreasonable claim on the part of the Agent to insist upon
their interference, whilst he withholds it. The aid and assistance
which he is directed to seek is rendered solely as an act of
National courtesy, and imposes a strong obligation, in availing
himself of it, to conform as neai-ly as possible to the requisition
of the local law applicable to such cases.
I am &c.
James Buchanan.
TO SENOR DE LA ROSA.'
Department of State,
Washington, 30th November, 1848.
To Senor Don Luis de la Rosa,
&c. &c. &c.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has the honor to acquaint Mr. de la Rosa, Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary of Mexico, that he has submitted
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 412.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Mexican Legation, VI. 194.
1848] TO MR. WINTHROP 257
to the President his note to the Undersigned of the 28th instant,
with the copy of Mr. de la Rosa's letter of Credence which
accompanied it, and has the honor to state that the President
will receive him for the purpose of presenting the original, at
two o'clock on Saturday next, the 2nd proximo.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to
Mr. de la Rosa renewed assurances of his most distinguished
consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. WINTHROP.'
Department of State,
December 2, 1848.
The .Secretary of State, in obedience to the 20th section of
the act entitled " An act legalizing and making appropriations
for such necessary objects as have usually been included in the
general appropriation bills without authority of law, and to
fix and provide for certain incidental expenses of the depart-
ments and offices of the government, and for other purposes,"
approved the 26th of August, 1842, and the act making appro-
priations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of government for
the year 1836, (section 2,) has the honor to submit to Congress
the accompanying statements, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
That marked A shows the manner in which the fund for the
contingent expenses of the Department of State has been ex-
pended, so far as the disbursements have been made by the
agent of the department, during the fiscal year ending on the
30th of June, 1848.
B. — Showing the disbursements from the same fund by
others than the agent of the Department of State, as stated by
the Sth Auditor, from the ist of July, 1847, to the 30th of
June, 1848.
C- — A statement of the balances of the same appropriation
remaining in the treasury, and in the hands of the disbursing
agent, on the 30th of June, 1848.
D. — A copy of a precise and analytical statement, by the
agent of the departmicnt, of all moneys disbursed by him during
the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June, 1848.
E. — A statement of disbursements from the fund for con-
^H. Ex. Doc. S, 30 Cong. 2 Sess.
Vol. VIII— 17
258 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
tingent expenses of foreign intercourse, for the year ending on
the 30th of November, 1848.
F. — A statement of disbursements from the fund for the
contingent expenses of all the missions abroad, by the agent of
the department, for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June,
1848; and G, a statement of those from the same fund, by others
than the agent, as stated by the Fifth Auditor.
James Buchanan.
Hon. R. C. Winthrop,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
PRESIDENT POLK'S ANNUAL ADDRESS,
DECEMBER 5, 1848.1
[Extract.]
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives :
. . . I am happy to inform you that our relations with all nations are
friendly and pacific. Advantageous treaties of commerce have been concluded
within the last four years with New Granada, Peru, the Two Sicilies,
Belgium, Hanover, Oldenburg, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Pursuing our
example, the restrictive system of Great Britain, our principal foreign cus-
tomer, has been relaxed; a more liberal commercial policy has been adopted
by other enlightened nations, and our trade has been greatly enlarged and
extended. Our country stands higher in the respect of the world than at any
former period. To continue to occupy this proud position, it is only neces-
sary to preserve peace and faithfully adhere to the great and fundamental
principle of our foreign policy, of non-interference in the domestic concerns
of other nations. We recognize in all nations the right which we enjoy our-
selves, to change and reform their political institutions according to their
own will and pleasure. Hence we do not look behind existing governments,
capable of maintaining their own authority. We recognize all such actual
governments, not only from the dictates of true policy, but from a sacred
regard for the independence of nations. While this is our settled policy,
it does not follow that we can ever be indifferent spectators of the progress
of liberal principles. The Government and people of the United States hailed
with enthusiasm and delight the establishment of the French Republic, as
we now hail the efforts in progress to unite the States of Germany in a
confederation similar in many respects to our own Federal Union. If the
great and enlightened German States, occupying, as they do, a central and
commanding position in Europe, shall succeed in establishing such a con-
federated government, securing at the same time to the citizens of each
State local governments adapted to the peculiar condition of each, with
unrestricted trade and intercourse with each other, it will be an important
' H. Ex. Doc. I, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 3-5.
1848] TO MR. CAMPBELL 259
era in the history of human events. Whilst it will consolidate and strengthen
the power of Germany, it must essentially promote the cause of peace, com-
merce, civilization, and constitutional liberty throughout the world.
With all the Governments on this continent our relations, it is believed,
are now on a more friendly and satisfactory footing than they have ever
been at any former period.
Since the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of peace with Mexico,
our intercourse with the Government of that Republic has been of the
most friendly character. The envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo-
tentiary of the United States to Mexico has been received and accredited,
and a diplomatic representative from Mexico of similar rank has been
received and accredited by this Government. The amicable relations between
the two countries, which had been suspended, have been happily restored,
and are destined, I trust, to be long preserved. The two Republics, both
situated on this continent, and with coterminous territories, have every
motive of sympathy and of interest to bind them together in perpetual
amity.
This gratifying condition of our foreign relations renders it unnecessary
for me to call your attention more specifically to them.
It has been my constant aim and desire to cultivate peace and commerce
with all nations. Tranquillity at home and peaceful relations abroad con-
stitute the true permanent policy of our country. War, the scourge of
nations, sometimes becomes inevitable, but is always to be avoided when it
can be done consistently with the rights and honor of a nation.
TO MR. CAMPBELL.'
Dept. of State nth Deer. 748.
Sir : I duly reed, your letter of the 7th Novr. last, enclos-
ing copies of your entire correspondence with the Authorities
of Cuba, in relation to the imprisonment & incommunication of
Wm. H. Bush, stated by you to be " unchanged." The course
pursvied by you & zeal manifested in behalf of this unfortunate
individual are highly approved.
That the Authorities of Cuba possess the right to arrest and
bring to trial any individual charged with crime committed within
their jurisdiction, cannot be denied. Independently of the prin-
ciples of public law by which it is sustained, it is distinctly
recognized in the stipulations of our Treaty with Spain of 1795.
The 7th Article provides that, " in case of seizure, or offences
committed by any citizen or subject of the one party within the
jurisdiction of the other, the same shall be made & prosecuted
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 497 ; S. Ex. Doc.
33, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 14.
260 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
by order & authority of law only, & according to the regular
course of proceeding usual in such cases." So far, therefore, as
the " arrest " & imprisonment of Bush are concerned, if con-
ducted according to usage in such cases, no just cause of com-
plaint would seem to exist. Verj^ different, however, is the case
in regard to the " incommunication." The same (7th) article
of the Ti'eaty, after a general provision securing to the citizens
& subjects of both parties the right to employ such advocates,
solicitors, agents, &c., as they may judge proper in their affairs,
expressly declared, that "' such agents shall have free access, to
be present at the proceedings in such causes, & at the taking of
all examinations & evidence which may be exhibited in the said
trials." With these rights, secured to American citizens within
the jurisdiction of Spain, the " incommunication " of Bush ap-
pears to be directly in conflict, & to constitute cause of serious
complaint. The history of the Treaty affords the evidence that
they were deliberately inserted therein as safeguards to protect
our citizens from oppression abroad. In communicating the
Treaty to his Govt. Mr. Pinckney, the American negotiator,
specially points to this article & significantly to the objects it
had in view. " The first part," says he, " is taken from the i6th
of Prussia," " the latter I added, because I considered it a good
stipulation in all situations, but particularly so in Spain." That
it applies clearly to the case of Bush, I entertain no doubt; nor
of the obligation of this Government promptly to insist that no
portion of the rights & privileges it confers be longer withheld
from him. In this spirit, and to that end, you are authorized to
address yourself to the Captain General, in the expression of a
full conviction, on the part of your Govt., that the " incommuni-
cation " of Bush will be promptly so far modified as to extend
to him all the protection, privilege, & favor secured to him by
the existing Treaty between the U. S. & Spain. Such other
countenance & support in his difficulties as may be proper, you
will, doubtless, with pleasure afford him.
You will take care, so far as may be in your power, that
he shall not be treated with injustice, harshness, or cruelty.
I shall expect to hear from you without delay, because should
the Captain General insist upon withholding from American
citizens the rights to which they are clearly entitled under the
Treaty, it will become necessary to make a strong appeal to the
Authorities at Madrid, against this violation of national faith.
I am Sir &c.,
James Buchanan.
R. B. Campbell Esqr.
U. S. Consul, Havana.
1848] TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 261
TO MR. GRINNELL.'
Department of State,
Washington, nth December, 1848.
Hon. Joseph Grinnell,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
In answer to the inquiry contained in your letter of the
8th inst., respecting the claim of the owners and crew of the
ship Miles upon the Government of Portugal, I transmit herewith,
for the information of the parties interested, a copy of the latest
correspondence on the subject which has passed between this
Department and Mr. Hopkins, our Charge d' Affaires at Lisbon.
Mr. Taylors letter to you, dated New Bedford, 28th
November, which came enclosed in your communication, is at
your request herewith returned.
The letter of Mr. Colby of 20th July, 1843, referred to in
Mr. Hopkins' despatch No. 10, was not communicated to Con-
gress at its last session, because it was not on file in the Depart-
ment, and for that reason it does not appear with the other
papers relating to this case in Senate Document No. 64, of the
1st session of 30th Congress.
It would be desirable for the Agent to place himself in
direct correspondence with Mr. Hopkins in reference to this
claim; and any letters he may see fit to address to him I will
most cheerfully transmit to our Legation at Lisbon.
I am, Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.^
Department of State,
Washington, December 12, 1848.
Sir: Agreeably to the act of Congress of March 2, 1819,
regulating passenger ships and vessels, I have the honor to
communicate, herewith, tabular statements showing the number
and designation of passengers who arrived in each collection
district of the United States during the year ending September
'MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 70.
'H. Ex. Doc. 10, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. i.
262 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
30, 1848, compiled from the returns made to this department by
the collectors, in conformity with the provisions of said act.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
To THE Honorable Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
TO M. POUSSIN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 13th Deer., 1848.
Mr. William Tell Poussin,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor of transmitting to you a note which I
have received from the Secretary of War, of the 12th instant,
with a duplicate copy of his communication of the nth instant,
made by direction of the President to Brevet Brigadier General
William S. Harney, of the United States Army, censuring that
officer for his conduct in causing a degrading punishment to be
inflicted, without trial, in the city of Mexico, upon Marie
Courtine, a French citizen.
I am also directed by the President to express to you his
sincere regret at this unfortunate occurrence; and to assure you
of his desire, upon all occasions, not only to do justice to the
citizens of the French Republic, but to act towards them in that
spirit of kindness which he trusts may ever characterize the
intercourse between the two Republics, bound together as they
are by bonds of the most intimate friendship.
Feeling assured, from the result of our recent conferences,
that the action of the President in the case of General Harney
will prove satisfactory to yourself and the Government of the
great Republic which you so worthily represent, I remain, with
sentiments of the highest consideration, yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 121.
1848] TO MR. SHIELDS 263
TO MR. CAMPBELL.'
Dept. of State, Deer. 14, 1848.
Sir : I take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your
letter of the 4th inst. announcing the unconditional release from
imprisonment of Wm. H. Bush, & his departure from Havana
for New York; and have again to assure you, that your course
in regard to his case is fully approved.
I am Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
R. B. Campbell, Esq.
U. S. Consul, Havana.
TO MR. SHIELDS.'
(No. 28.) Department of State,
Washington, 15th December, 1848.
To B. G. Shields, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
Your despatches to No. 74, inclusive, have been received.
Your request for leave of absence for six months has been sub-
mitted to the President, who, considering the zeal and ability
with which you have devoted yourself to the duties of your
mission, and the strong reasons which require your presence in
the United States, has determined to grant your request. This
is done upon the confident assurance which the President feels,
that you will not avail yourself of this permission unless the
business of your Legation should be in such a condition that the
public interest would not suffer during your absence, and that,
should events occurring after your departure demand 'your
presence in Caracas, you will then return immediately to your
duties.
On leaving Venezuela, you will be careful to place the books
and archives of the Legation in safe and proper hands.
In a note to me of the 9th instant, Mr. Acevedo announced
his arrival in this City. On the 12th, by appointment, he pre-
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, X. 496 ; S. Ex.
Doc. 33, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 19.
''MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Venezuela, I. 76.
264 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
sented his credentials, and I yesterday introduced him to the
President. The remarks which he made upon the occasion and
the President's reply are contained in the Union herewith trans-
mitted. He has not yet in any way disclosed the special objects
of his mission.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
No. 44. Department of State,
Washington, i8th Deer., 1848.
Sir : The President has directed me to express to you his
approbation of your able, persevering, and successful efforts to
obtain the release of Mr. James Bergen and Mr. Richard F.
Ryan, the two American citizens imprisoned in Newgate, Dublin,
under the Act of the British Parliament of 25th July last [nth
and 1 2th Victoria, Cap. 35] upon suspicion of treasonable prac-
tices against the British Government. You have correctly
designated this act as " thoroughly arbitrary " and " utterly
despotic." It not only suspends the habeas corpus act — a meas-
tire which our own Congress possess the power, under the
constitution, to adopt, " when in cases of rebellion or invasion
the public safety may require it," but it deprives the unfortunate
objects of government suspicion even of the small protection
against unjust imprisonment which a previous ex parte accusa-
tion, under oath or affirmation, would afford. If the individual
be merely suspected of " high treason or treasonable practices,"
by any of the agents of the Irish Government, a warrant signed
by six members of the Privy Council, or by the Lord Lieutenant
or Chief Secretary, is of itself sufficient to commit him to prison,
" without bail or mainprize." He is thus doomed to a dreary
imprisonment, without even the melancholy satisfaction of know-
ing the specific nature of the crime with which he is charged.
If this law, arbitrary and despotic as it is, had been carried
into execution in the same impartial manner against the citizens
and subjects of all foreign nations, this Government, especially
after the release of Messrs. Bergen and Ryan, might have
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 373; H.
Ex. Doc. 19, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 26.
1848] TO MR. BANCROFT 265
submitted in silence. But it appears that an invidious and
offensive distinction has been made against American citizens in
executing its provisions. They have been placed in a worse and
more degrading condition than those of any other nation. They
have been singled out from the rest of the world, and " all per-
sons coming from Amei-ica," from this fact alone, and without
any other evidence, have been subjected by the Government of
Ireland, acting of course under the authority of that of Great
Britain, in the language of the law, to the " suspicion of high
treason or treasonable practices." The exercise of a wise dis-
cretion is more necessary in the execution of a despotic law than
with regard to any other enactment; yet the Irish Government
has entirely relieved itself from this duty, by declaring in advance
that " all persons coming from America," without exception,
shall be imprisoned under this law. To have come from
America to Ireland is conclusive evidence to doom the traveller
for pleasure, the man of business, and all others, to its penalties ;
and this, too, without having received any previous warning.
Such is the character of the printed order of the 2d August,
1848, to which you refer in your note to Lord Palmerston of the
loth November, as " secretly issued and circulated in Ireland,
directing the arrest of all persons coming from America, the
examination of their baggage, papers, and persons, and their
detention in imprisonment. No authority was given to set free
Americans thus arrested, even when it was admitted by the
officer making the arrest that no ground whatever, even of
suspicion, existed."
It does appear from the letter of your Irish correspondent
of September 7th, 1848, that " on the i8th August, 1848, this
order was modified, so as to limit the arrest and incarceration,
seizure and search, to returned emigrants, and to those Americans
against whom there may exist suspicion. If nothing should be
found to warrant such suspicion, these latter were to be liberated,
but watched."
The distinction thus in effect drawn between naturalized and
native American citizens is invidious and unjust. Our obligation
to protect both these classes is, in all respects, equal. We can
recognize no difference between the one and the other, nor can
we permit this to be done by any foreign Government, without
protesting and remonstrating against it in the strongest terms.
The subjects of other countries who from choice have abandoned
their native land, and, accepting the invitation which our laws
THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
present, have emigrated to the United States and become Amer-
ican citizens, are entitled to the very same rights and privileges
as if they had been born in the country. To treat them in a
different manner would be a violation of our plighted faith, as
well as of our solemn duty.
The President has, therefore, directed me to instruct you
to protest, in the most solemn and earnest manner which official
propriety will warrant, against the orders of the Irish Govern-
ment issued on the 2d and i8th of August last, and against the
arbitrary and offensive distinction which they make between
our citizens and the citizens and subjects of other nations, and
also between our native and naturalized citizens. The liberation
of Messrs. Bergen and Ryan, without trial, the only American
citizens known by the Department to have been imprisoned
under this act, affords evidence almost equal to demonstration
that no reasonable cause existed for these orders. The form
and language of this protest, with the present despatch as a
general guide, is submitted altogether to your own discretion.
Your despatches to No. 104 have been received.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
George Bancroft, Esqre., &c., &c., &c.
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.'
Department of State,
Washington, December 18, 1848.
Sir: Agreeably to the act of March 2, 1799, I have the
honor to communicate an abstract of the returns made to this
department by the collectors of customs, pursuant to the act of
May 28, 1796, for the relief and protection of American seamen,
showing the number of seamen registered in the several ports
of entry of the United States during the year ending 30th
September, 1848.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
To THE Honorable Speaker
OF THE House of Representatives.
' H. Ex. Doc. IS, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. i.
1848] TO MR. DONELSON 267
. TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 24.) Department of State,
Washington, i8th December, 1848.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, of the United States Navy,
will leave New York for Bremen on the 20th Instant, with direc-
tions to communicate with you on the subject of the application
of the Central Government of Germany for the aid of an officer
of our Navy in the construction and establishment of a German
Navy.
Commodore Parker, as you are aware, is one of our most
skilful and distinguished naval officers. He has had long and
great experience in his profession; and though somewhat ad-
vanced in years, he still retains all the vigor of manhood. In
examining the bright roll of our naval officers, he was believed
to be as well if not better qualified than any other for the
peculiar service of aiding Germany in establishing a Navy.
The Commodore has no idea of engaging in any foreign
service, if by this he should be deprived of his Commission in
the American Navy. He will proceed to Germany, upon leave
of absence from the Secretary of the Navy, for two months, for
the purpose of consulting with the authorities at Frankfort, and
ascertaining what will be the conditions of the service required.
If he should find these can be satisfactorily arranged, it is believed
that Congress, by a general Resolution, would enable the Presi-
dent to designate officers for naval service to Germany, without
depriving them of their rank and position in the American Navy.
I hope all may be satisfactorily arranged, as it is the sincere and
ardent desire of the President to afford every aid in his power
to the Central Government in establishing a Navy.
Baron Roenne still remains in New York, and has not yet
visited Washington. In a private letter, under date of the i6th
Instant, he informs me that he has not yet received his credentials
as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Central Government of Ger-
many, but expects to receive them by one of the next Steamers.
Without these, he believes he would be placed in an awkward
predicament, should he make his appearance in Washington.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 143.
268 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
Your despatches from 97 to 104, inclusive, and Mr. Fay's
letter of the 17th October last, have been received.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CLIFFORD.'
(No. 8.) Department of State,
Washington, 22nd December, 1848.
To Nathan Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I transmit a copy of a letter of yesterday addressed to this
Department by the Secretary of War, on the subject of collec-
tions made at Matamoros between the 30th of May, last, the
date of the exchange of ratifications of the Treaty of Peace
with the Mexican Republic, and the time of the surrender of the
Custom House there to authorities of that Republic; and also a
copy of a letter of the same date from the Secretary of the
Navy, relative to collections within the same period at the
enemy's ports on the Pacific occupied by our naval forces. The
President having authorized the payment to the Mexican Govern-
ment of the sums thus collected, you will draw for them in the
manner specified in the letters referred to. On making payment
to the proper Mexican authority, you will take therefor receipts
in triplicate, one of which may be retained in the archives of the
Legation. The other two you will transmit to this City, one to
be filed in this Department and the other to serve as a voucher
at the War or Navy Department, as the case may be.
The account which accompanies the copy of the letter of the
Secretary of War will enable 5^ou to comply with the stipulation
of the Treaty upon the subject in regard to Matamoros, and it is
understood that the files of the Legation will enable you to state
similar accounts with reference to Mazatlan and Guaymas.
You will make any explanations to the Mexican Government
which may be necessary satisfactorily to account for the failure
on our part to make these payments within the time required by
the Treaty.
The President has nominated to the Senate Ambrose H.
^MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. Ii6.
1848] TO MR. CLIFFORD 269
Sevier of Arkansas as Commissioner and Andrew, B. Gray of
Texas as Surveyor, under the sth Article of our Treaty with
Mexico, to run and mark the boundary line between the two
Republics. As soon as these nominations shall be confirmed by
the Senate, suitable officers of our Topographical Corps of
Engineers will be designated to accompany the Commissioner
and Surveyor and to take charge of the scientific department of
the work. No time will be lost in making the necessary prepara-
tions for the meeting of the Commissioners at San Diego on or
before the 30th May, next.
The fifth article provides that " the two Governments will
amicably agree regarding what may be necessary to these persons
[the Commissioners and Surveyors] and also as to their re-
spective escorts should such be necessary."
The Mexican Government will doubtless send scientific
engineers with their Commissioner and Surveyor, and it is proper
you should inform the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs
that such is the intention of the President, and have an amicable
understanding with the Mexican authorities on this subject. An
escort will also undoubtedly be necessaiy for the security of both
parties against attacks of hostile Indians, and you might agree
with them that each party may send an escort not exceeding
one hundred men. It is believed that this number will be re-
quired. The President desires that this affair may be arranged
by you with the Mexican Government in the most frank and
friendly manner.
The Committee of Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives yesterday reported a Bill appropriating the sums
necessary for the payment of the instalments with the interest
which will be due under the 12th Article of the Mexican Treaty,
on the 30th May, 1849, ^^'^ °^ the 30th May, 1850. This
Bill, beyond all doubt, will pass, and it is presumed that after
it becomes a law, of which you shall have the earliest notice, the
Mexican GoverniTient, should their situation render this ex-
pedient, will have no difficulty in immediately realising the
amount from capitalists upon advantageous terms.
I am also directed to inform you that should Mr. de la Rosa,
in behalf of his government, request that the instalment which
will become due on the 30th May, next, shall be paid immediately,
(which you have informed me is one object of his mission) the
President will apply to Congress for authority to enable him to
comply with this request. He will thus afford evidence of his
270 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1848
earnest desire to cultivate the most kind and friendly relations
with the Mexican Republic.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan,
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 27th December, 1848.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the
resolution of the House of Representatives of the nth Instant,
requesting the President to inform that Body " whether he has
received any information that American citizens have been im-
prisoned or arrested by British authorities in Ireland; and, if
so, what have been the causes thereof, and what steps have been
taken for their release; and if not, in his opinion, inconsistent
with the public interest, to furnish this House with copies of all
correspondence in relation thereto "' — has the honor to report
the accompanying copies of papers from the files of this
Department.
All which is respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
TO MR. MANN.
Department of State,
Washington, December 27th, 1848.
Hon. Horace Mann,
House of Representatives.
Sir:
Your letter of the 19th instant, to the Secretary of the
Treasury, enclosing one from Samuel P. Loud, Esq., making cer-
tain enquiries relative to an award in favor of the late William
Oliver, on the books of the Commissioners under the Convention
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 274; H. Ex. Doc. 19,
30 Cong. 2 Sess. 2. This report was on the same day communicated by
President Polk to the House.
"MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 83.
1848] TO M. POUSSIN 271
with Spain of 1834, has been referred to this Department. In
reply to the enquiries contained in Mr. Loud's letter, I have to
state that no part of the principal under the Convention has yet
been paid by the Spanish Government. By an arrangement,
however, between this Government and that of Spain, made in
1 841, the latter agreed to pay the interest annually, (including
arrears of interest,) through this Department. The sums stated
by Mr. Loud to have been received by Mr. Oliver in his lifetime,
and by his executors since his death, were for interest ; and there
are now two instalments of interest which appear to be due on
Certificate No. no, (according to Mr. Loud's account,) which
will be paid on the presentation of the certificate at the Merchants'
Bank in New York, where any further information that may be
needed may be obtained.
This Government is not in any way bound for the payment
of either principal or interest provided for under the above
mentioned Convention.
Mr. Loud's letter is at your request returned.
I am, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO M. POUSSIN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 28th Dec, 1848.
Mr. William Tell Poussin,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with the
request contained in your note of the 26th instant, the act of the
President recognizing Mr. A. C. Lataillade as Consular Agent of
France at Monterey, Upper California, has this day been sent
with his commission to the Consul General of the French Republic
at New York.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you. Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
^MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 122.
272 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
1849.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON A POSTAL CONVENTION WITH GREAT BRITAIN.'
[January 4, 1849.]
To THE Senate of the United States :
I transmit to the Senate, for their consideration and advice with regard
to its ratification, a convention betvi^een the United States of America and
the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, for the improvement of the
communication by post between their respective territories, concluded and
signed at London on the isth December last, together with an explanatory
despatch from our minister at that Court.
Washington, 4th January, 1849. James K. Polk.
TO MR. CASS.
Department of State,
Washington, 6th January, 1849.
To Lewis Cass, Esqre.,
Appointed Charge d'Affaires of
the United States to the Papal States.
Sir : The President, by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate, having appointed you Charge d'Affaires of the United
States to the Papal States, your Commission is, herewith, trans-
mitted.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. SLEMONS.'
Department of State,
Washington, Jany. 6th, 1849.
Thomas W. Slemons Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Matamoros.
Sir,
Your despatches Nos. i, 2, 3, & 6, and two, not numbered,
dated Oct. 26th and November 12th, 1848, have been received.
' Senate Executive Journal, VIII. i6.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Papal States, I. 8.
" MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 130.
1849] TO MR. SLEMONS 273
Nos. 4 & 5 not having come to hand, you will please transmit
duplicates of them.
In reply to your number 3, upon the subject of American
Shipping clearing for the Port of Matamoros with debenture
goods, and re-shipping such goods at the mouth of the Rio Grande
for that port, I have to state, that I perceive nothing in it calling
for ahy action upon our part. If debenture goods exported to
Matamoros are actually carried there, and the legal evidence of
the fact produced, the Exporter would be entitled to have his
export bond cancelled. The fact that the goods were put into a
Steamboat or Lighter at the Mouth of the Rio Grande, to be
conveyed to Matamoros as their place of destination, and were
actually so conveyed, and landed without the limits of the United
States, would not impair the rights of the Exporter. Your
enquiry whether Vessels shall be allowed to re-ship at the Brazos
for Matamoros, without entering or clearing at the latter port,
would seem to involve a question under the Revenue Laws of
Mexico, with which we of course have nothing to do.
In respect to the Tobacco entered at Matamoros during its
occupation by our Troops, and which was not allowed, subsequent
to the ratification of the Treaty, to be removed into any part of
the interior of Mexico, I have to inform you that the Mexican
Treasury Department, in a Circular, under date the 22nd July
last, has directed the Custom Houses at Vera Cruz, Tampico,
Matamoros, Gua)anas, and Mazatlan, to carry into effect the
stipulation of the Treaty in regard to all articles, including
Tobacco, imported whilst those ports were in the Military pos-
session of the United States. I am sorry to inform you, that
notwithstanding this Circular, numerous complaints have been
made to this Government, of the non-fulfilment on the part of
that of Mexico, of the 19th Article of the Treaty. Strong de-
mands have been and will continue to be made upon the Mexican
Government, thro' our Minister, Mr. Clifford, for the faithful
observance of that Article. In the mean time, as suggested in
your despatch, you will please transmit promptly to Mr. Clifford
the Protests of our Citizens against any violation of the Articles
of the Treaty by the Mexican Authorities.
A copy of your despatch, dated 12th November, 1848, upon
the subject of establishing a port of entry at some convenient
point near the Mouth of the Rio Grande, has been referred to the
Secretary of the Treasury.
Instructions were given on the i8th of October last, to the
Vol. VIII— 18
274 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
Agent of the Department at New York, to forward to you by the
eariiest opportunity a flag and the Arms of the United States.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
(No. 45.) Department of State,
Washington, 8th Jany., 1849.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
The Senate of the United States having given its constitu-
tional advice and consent to the Postal Convention between the
United States and Great Britain, concluded and signed at London
on the 15th ultimo, the President has ratified it on the part of
this Government, and I now transmit to you the American ratifi-
cation, to be exchanged against that of Her Britannic Majesty.
You will accordingly upon the receipt of this despatch inform Her
Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that
the Convention has been ratified by this Government, and that
you are, as you will perceive by the special power which is here-
with enclosed, authorized to exchange the ratifications with such
person as may be duly empowered for that purpose on the part
of the British Government. A form of a certificate of exchange
which may be used on the occasion is also enclosed for your
convenience. As soon as this exchange shall take place, it is
desirable that you should forward, without unnecessary delay, the
British ratification to the United States, by the ordinary con-
veyance.
Should the negotiations to carry into effect the 12th article
of this Convention be conducted at London, the President has
determined to confide them to you, exclusively ; but should they be
transferred to Paris, then it is his desire that Mr. Rush shall be
associated with you. In the latter event, you will necessarily visit
Paris ; and your travelling expenses, with those incident to your
sojourn there, will be allowed in the settlement of your accounts.
I herewith communicate the President's full power, authorizing
yourself and Mr. Rush, or either of you, to conduct and conclude
*MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 377.
1849] TO MR. DONELSON 275
the negotiations with Great Britain and France referred to in the
1 2th article of the Convention, together with the instructions of
the Postmaster General.
I need scarcely add that the President is highly gratified
with the zeal, energy, and ability which you have displayed in
bringing the postal arrangement with Great Britain to a success-
ful conclusion.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 25.) Department of State,
Washington, 8th January, 1849.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches to
No. 107, inclusive; the three last on the 3rd Instant.
Baron Roenne still remains in New York, and has not visited
Washington since his arrival in this Country. I have not heard
from him since the i6th December last, the date of a "private
and informal " letter which he addressed to me, to which I
referred in my last despatch; and presume from that letter that
he is still awaiting the arrival of his credentials as Minister Plen-
ipotentiary of the Central Government of Germany. Besides, he
will most probably not present himself in this character without
the consent of the Prussian Government; although he does not
mention this as a cause of the delay.
In answer to your No. 107, I have to state, that I can not
perceive that the arrest of a seaman of an American vessel for
debt, " while on duty in the cooking-house on shore at Bremer-
haven," is a violation of any of the Articles of our Treaties with
the Hanseatic Republics; and there is certainly no principle of
public law which would exempt him from such an arrest. It is
usual for the master or consignee in our ports to caution the
public against giving credit to the seamen of foreign vessels;
but unquestionably if one of these were indebted to an American
Citizen, no power exists in this Government to shield him from
*MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 144.
276 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
the process of law to recover the debt. I cannot beheve that the
Government of Bremen would give the least countenance to such
arrests ; and you might suggest to them, that it would be an act
of friendship on their part to adopt means to prevent American
seamen from incurring debts within their territory. We have
done much to increase and extend our trade with Bremen; and
the authorities there will doubtless do all in their power to dis-
courage such arrests.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DYER.'
Department of State,
Washington, 8th January, 1849.
Leon Dyer, Esq.,
Baltimore.
Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th
instant, inquiring whether a party of citizens of the United States
who propose to proceed to California by the way of Vera Cruz,
Mexico, and Mazatlan, can claim a right to bear arms in self-
defence whilst passing through Mexican territory. In reply I
have to state that the Department is not informed in regard to
the municipal regulations of the Mexican Republic upon the sub-
ject, but if such a right can be claimed by any foreigners, that
Government is bound by treaty to extend it equally to our citizens.
A copy of the Treaty is herewith transmitted, and you are re-
ferred to its 3d article. It is proper to remark, however, that
Mexicans have always shown great jealousy in regard to the
entrance of armed citizens of the U. S. into or their transit
across territory of that Republic, and it is doubtful if this feeling
has been diminished by the late war. Passports from this Depart-
ment ought to be sufficient for the protection of the gentlemen to
whom you refer, but as they are in English, it might be advisable
to obtain others from the Mexican Consul at Baltimore, or to
have those from the Department countersigned by him.
I am. Sir, etc.,
James Buchanan.
^ MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 88.
1849] TO MR. RUSH 277
TO MR. RUSH.'
(No. 31.) Department of State,
Washington, Jany. 8th, 1849.
Richard Rush, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I enclose you a copy of a Postal Convention concluded with
Great Britain on the 15th December last, which was ratified by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
on the 6th instant. A ratified copy of this convention will be
sent to Mr. Bancroft by the steamer on the loth instant, and the
exchange of ratifications will doubtless be made immediately on
its arrival in London.
You will perceive from the 12th article of this Convention,
that " the two contracting parties agree to invite France to enter
into communication with them, without loss of time, in order to
effect such arrangements for the conveyance of letters and news-
papers, and closed mails, through the territories of the United
Kingdom, of the United States, and of France, respectively, as
may be most conducive to the interests of the three countries."
In concluding this Postal Convention with Great Britain,
Mr. Bancroft has encountered difficulties at every step, and the
negotiation has been protracted and perplexing. From this cause,
that gentleman has made himself master of the whole subject, and
all the necessary papers are in possession of his Legation. Under
these circumstances, the President has determined to confide to
him, exclusively, the negotiation of the arrangements under the
12th article of the Convention, should this be conducted in
London. Should the negotiation, however, be transferred to
Paris, he has deemed it proper that you should be associated with
Mr. Bancroft. With this view, a full power has been prepared
for that gentleman and yourself, or either of you, which has
been transmitted to him ; and he has been instructed, in the latter
event, to act jointly with yourself. The instructions of the Post-
master General on the subject have also been transmitted to Mr.
Bancroft. You are, therefore, requested, should the negotiation
take place in Paris, to exert your best efforts, in conjunction with
Mr. Bancroft, to bring it to a favorable conclusion.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions, France, XV. 80.
278 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MISS LANE.'
Washington, 8 January, 1849.
My dear Harriet/
You have acted wisely in controlling your inclinations &
remaining at home. This act of self restraint has raised you in
my estimation. Let nothing divert you from your purpose.
Washington now begins to be gay. Mrs. Walker is at home
to-night, — the first assembly will be held to-morrow evening.
Mrs. Polk gives a drawing room on Wednesday evening; & on
Thursday evening Miss Harris will be married & there will be a
party at Captain McCauley's at the Navy Yard. I now give
dinners myself once a week. I rarely go out to evening parties.
I have had my day of such amusement & have enjoyed it. Yours
is just commencing & I hope it may be a happy one. I dare say
Mr. Sullivan ^ will be inconsolable when he learns that you will
not be here during the present winter.
I wish now to give you a caution. Never allow your affec-
tions to become interested or engage yourself to any person with-
out my previous advice. You ought never to marry any man to
whom you are not attached; but you ought never to marry any
person who is not able to afford you a decent & immediate support.
In my experience, I have witnessed the long years of patient
misery & dependence which fine women have endured from rush-
ing precipitately into matrimonial connexions without sufficient
reflection. Look ahead & consider the future & act wisely in
this particular. ^
Mrs. Pleasonton of Philadelphia left here on Saturday morn-
ing I'ast. I saw her & her two daughters on Friday evening.
They all inquired for you very affectionately ; and the Pleasontons
of this city are, I believe, sincerely anxious that you should pass
some time with them. At a proper period you may enjoy this
pleasure.
James informs me that he & his family intend boarding
with Mrs. Jenkins. I am sorry he has so determined; but he
knows his own business best. Personally it will suit my con-
venience.
It may be that I shall not reach Lancaster until the first of
^ Buchanan Papers, private collection. Imperfectly printed in Curtis's
Buchanan, I. 542.
' Curtis says : " John Sullivan, Esq., an Irish gentleman of advanced
years, long a resident of Washington, famous for his good dinners."
1849] TO MR. BANCROFT 279
April, as I have some business to attend to here which may-
require a fortnight or three weeks after I shall be relieved from
office. When I reach there I shall be happy to have you with
me.
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
P. S. — Give my love to Mary & all the rest.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
(No. 46.) Department of State,
Washington, 9th Jany., 1849.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
You will doubtless observe, on examining your American
newspapers, that the postal convention with Great Britain, of
15th December last, and your several despatches to me, num-
bered 106, 107, and 108, relating to the same subject, are pub-
lished at length in the " Union " of this morning. This has been
done without the knowledge or sanction of this Department or
of the Postmaster General, by an Assistant in his office. The
error, probably one of inadvertence, is deeply to be regretted;
but it is now too late to obviate the evils to which the premature
publication of these papers, particularly that of the 12th Decem-
ber, may lead.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 378.
280 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 9th Jany., 1849.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter
which, in pursuance of instructions from Her Majesty's Govern-
ment, you addressed to me on the 22d ultimo, communicating to
this Department copies of certain documents which accompanied
a despatch received by Her Majesty's Government from the
British Consul General for the Pacific Islands, relative to the
proceedings of certain American citizens towards the occupants
of the Hudson's Bay Company's establishments in the Oregon
Territory; and expressing the confident hope of Her Majesty's
Government that the Government of the United States will take
proper steps for preventing a recurrence of the lawless proceed-
ings described in these papers.
You are doubtless aware that towards the close of the last
session of Congress an act was passed by that body — approved
by the President on the 14th day of August, 1848 — entitled " an
act to establish the Territorial Government of Oregon." In
virtue of certain provisions of this law, measures were imme-
diately instituted for the organization of a Government in that
country, under the authority of the United States, by the appoint-
ment, on the part of the Executive, of a Governor and Secretary,
a Chief Justice and Associates, an Attorney, a Marshal, &c., &c.
These officers were apprized of the necessity of proceeding to
their posts without unnecessary delay; and, with the exception
of Governor Lane, who it is presumed has already reached
Oregon, are now on their journey thither, to enter upon the dis-
charge of their official functions. Their arrival at their destina-
tion will be promptly followed by the establishment of a new
Government, upon a firmer and safer basis than that upon which
the provisional Government rested; and will, it is trusted, be
productive of the happiest effects as respects the observance of
law and order on the part of the inhabitants of the territory.
Sincerely regretting that difficulties of any kind should have
arisen between citizens of the United States and subjects of Her
^ MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 192.
1849] TO MR. WINTHROP 281
Majesty residing in Oregon, I cannot but hope that those to which
you refer have ere this time been obviated ; and I feel confident
in the opinion that after the establishment of the new order of
things in that distant region — an event now on the eve of accom-
plishment— great care will be exercised by the territorial author-
ities to cultivate the most friendly feelings with the resident
subjects of Her Majesty, and sedulously to avoid giving them
any just cause of complaint.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR, WINTHROP.'
Department of State,
Washington, January lo, 1849.
The Secretary of State, in obedience to the act to regulate
and fix the compensation of clerks in the different offices, approved
on the 20th of April, 1818, and to the nth section of an " act
legalizing and making appropriations for such necessary objects
as have usually been included in the general appropriation bills
without authority of law, and to fix and provide for certain inci-
dental expenses of the departments and offices, and for other
purposes," approved on the 26th of August, 1842, respectfully
reports the accompanying statements, (A, B, C, and D,) contain-
ing, in addition to the information required by those acts, that
called for by a resolution of the House of Representatives of the
13th of January, 1846.
The services of the clerks permanently employed under
existing laws could not be dispensed with without injury to the
public interest.
James Buchanan.
Hon. R. C. Winthrop,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
'H. Ex. Doc. 30, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. i.
£82 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. WALKER/
Department of State,
Washington, nth January, 1849.
Hon. R. J. Walker,
Secretary of the Treasury.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of yesterday, with the papers therein referred to, and in reply to
state, that this Department is not in possession of any information
to the effect that discriminating duties of impost are now charged
on the cargoes of vessels of the United States in the ports of the
Oriental Republic of Uruguay. From the subjoined statement,
however, taken from a letter under date the 17th July, 1842,
addressed to this Department by Mr. R. M. Hamilton, U. S.
Consul at Monte Video, it appears that discriminating tonnage
duties and port charges to the advantage of national vessels of
that Republic were then levied in its ports, and the Department
has not been informed that the discriminations have yet been
removed.
The documents which accompanied your communication
are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MARCY.
Department of State,
Washington, nth January, 1849.
Hon. William L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, yesterday, of
your letter of the 5th Inst, on the subject of the 28 claims of
alleged Spanish subjects for losses suffered in Mexico by the
American Forces, which have been presented by Mr. Calderon
to this Government. With your letter came also, returned, the
Minister's note of the i6th September last, and the various docu-
* MSS. Department of State, -tii Domestic Letters, 91.
° MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 133.
1849] TO MR. TOD 283
ments that accompanied it in illustration of the cases in question,
and a communication to you of i sth November last from Brevet
Major General Persifor F. Smith, in relation to these causes of
complaint which had been submitted to him, embracing his report
upon all the cases, with the exception of those classed as Numbers
I &2.
Before transmitting to the Spanish Minister a copy of your
communication and Genl. Smith's report, I have to call your
attention to the two cases of omission above referred to, and to
solicit your decision upon them.
I had the honor to submit to your Department several like
cases presented to this Government by the same Minister, under
the respective dates of the 21st September and i6th October, 1847,
and the 17th & 31st July last, to which I beg leave at this time
also to call your attention.
Mr. Calderon has presented another series of complaints,
which will be duly referred as soon as it may be possible to have
translations made of the papers.
This Department earnestly desires to have the necessary in-
formation to enable it to make a final reply to all the cases which
the Minister of Spain has urged upon it, many of which are
manifestly both frivolous and unfounded.
I am, Sir, &c.,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. TOD.'
No. 13. Department of State,
Washington, 12th January, 1849.
To David Tod, Esquire,
etc., etc., etc.
Sir: —
The Department has been officially informed by the Consul
of the United States at Liverpool, that at the time of the destruc-
tion by fire of the American ship Ocean Monarch, in August last,
near that port, the Brazilian War Steamer Affonzo, commanded
by Joaquin Marques Lisboa, which happened to be within view
of the disaster, hastened to the rescue of those on board the
burning vessel and fortunately succeeded in saving a number of
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Brazil, XV. 166.
284 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
lives. In these humane exertions, Captain Lisboa was efficiently
aided by the Prince de Joinville, who was a guest on board the
steamer.
Being deeply and gratefully impressed with the conduct of
Captain Lisboa, his officers and crew, and with that of the Prince
de Joinville, upon the occasion adverted to, the President desires
that you should, in an appropriate manner, express to the Bra-
zilian Government his cordial acknowledgments therefor.
Your despatches to No. 31, inclusive, have been received.
I am. Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO SENOR DE LA ROSA.'
Department of State,
Washington, 13th January, 1849.
To Senor Don Luis de la Rosa,
&c. &c. &c.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has had the honor to receive the note of Mr. de la Rosa, Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Mexican
Republic, of the 4th instant, representing that he had been in-
structed to claim from this government the sum of seventy-four
thousand one hundred and seventy-six dollars and eighty-eight
cents, the amount collected at the Maritime Custom Houses at
Matamoros, Mazatlan, and Guaymas, between the 30th of May,
last, and the dates of the transfers of those Custom Houses to
the Mexican authorities.
The delay of this government to fulfil to the letter the
promise contained in the third article of the Treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo has been a source of regret, but has arisen from causes
beyond its control, which probably were not anticipated at the
time of the conclusion of the Treaty. The application of Mr.
de la Rosa might have been complied with, if Mr. Clifford had
not previously been instructed to make the payment at Mexico,
as the treaty requires. A copy of the instruction and of the
papers which accompanied it is herewith communicated, agreeably
to Mr. de la Rosa's request. From these it appears, that the net
amount of the collections above mentioned was sixty-eight thou-
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Mexican Legation, VI. 196.
1849] TO MR. LOUGHEAD 285
sand five hundred dollars and eighteen cents, which is less than
that demanded by Mr. de la Rosa. If the difference shall have
been occasioned by any mistake on the part of the officers of
the United States who were charged with the collections, Mr.
de la Rosa may be assured that, upon the exhibition of satisfactory-
proof, it shall be promptly corrected.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to
Mr. de la Rosa renewed assurances of his very high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. LOUGHEAD.'
Department of State,
Washington, Jany. i6th, 1849.
R. L. LoUGHEAD, ESQRE.
U. S. C. Londonderry.
Sir,
In a letter addressed to the 5th Auditor, under date the
25th Ulto: and by him referred to this Department, you state,
" There are at present within my Consulate two American Vessels
which were cast away some time back. These vessels have been
purchased and repaired by British Subjects, who are now desirous
to sell them again. Several Citizens of the U. States have applied
to me with a view to ascertain whether they could become owners
of the Vessels, and whether I could give papers to sail them to
the U. States." In reply to your enquiry on that subject, I have
to state, that such Vessels can never regain their American char-
acter except by special Acts of Congress, and on their arrival
in the U. States will be treated as Foreign Vessels.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 417-
286 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO M. POUSSIN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 17th Jany., 1849.
Mr. William Tell Poussin,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive yoi.ir note of the 27th
ultimo, in which you especially commend to my attention the
claim urged by the French Government against the United States
in the case of the ship " la Jeune Nelly."
The facts upon which this claim rests are clear and simple.
On the 14th May, 1846, Commodore Conner, the command-
ing officer of the Gulf Squadron, acting under the authority of
the President of the United States, issued a proclamation declar-
ing the port of Vera Cruz (amongst others) to be in a state of
rigorous blockade by the ships and vessels under his command.
From that day until the 29th March, 1847, when the city of
Vera Cruz capitulated to the American arms, this blockade was
at all times maintained by a naval force of stationary ships
sufficient to render it dangerous for any vessel to enter. If some
vessels succeeded in running the blockade, this was only because
the alternate calms and violent storms which prevail in the Gulf
rendered it impossible for the blockading squadron at all times
to prevent vessels from entering and leaving the port.
On the 19th January, 1847, after the blockade had con-
tinued nearly eight months, and when its existence was known
to all commercial nations, Mr. Dufaitelle despatched his vessel,
" la Jeune Nelly," from the port of Havre to that of Vera Cruz.
He himself acknowledges that when this vessel left Havre, he
knew of the existence of the blockade. On the 13th March,
1847, the "Jeune Nelly" arrived near Vera Cruz, and without
enquiring whether the blockade still continued, she (it is believed
for the third time) escaped the vigilance of the squadron, and
entered the port in safety. Having remained in port seven days,
she sailed from Vera Cruz, on the 20th March, 1847, bound to
Carmen, when she was captured in again attempting to run the
blockade.
If the " Jeune Nelly " had been captured by the blockading
squadron before she entered the port of Vera Cruz, the question
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 122.
1849] TO M. POUSSIN 287
presented by Mr. Pageot and yourself might then have arisen,
whether such a capture would have been lawful, without the
entry of a previous notice of the blockade on the log book of the
vessel by one of the commanders of the squadron. As this ques-
tion does not arise, it is sufficient for the present to say that I am
not aware of any principle of the law of nations, or any usage
between the United States and France, which requires this
formality ; and no treaty now exists or has ever existed between
the parties rendering it obligatory. The Convention between the
two Republics, of the 30th September, 1800, which expired in
1808, although highly liberal in its character towards neutrals,
does not require this formality. The 12th article of this Con-
vention very justly secured from capture, until after previous
notice, " vessels who sail for a port or place belonging to an
enemy, without knowing that the same is either besieged or
blockaded ; " but even in this exceptional case, where vessels have
left port ignorant of the existence of the blockade, no peculiar
form or mode of notice was required. This article, also, secures
to neutral vessels which had entered port previous to the institu-
tion of the blockade a free egress from it with their cargoes.
Indeed, it may be said that the article in its whole extent has
become the settled policy of our country in regard to blockades,
having since been substantially copied into several of our treaties.
But it is unnecessary to discuss this question, because the
Jeune Nelly ivas captured, not whilst entering the blockaded port,
hut in departing from it. Emboldened by past success, with a
full knowledge of the actual blockade in which she herself was
embraced, and of all the dangers she would certainly encounter
in attempting to make her escape from Vera Cruz, invested as it
then was, both by sea and land, by the American forces, she
undertook to run the blockade outward, as she had successfully
done when entering the port. Choosing the most favorable
moment, when a severe norther was blowing, she voluntarily
assumed the hazard : and, if .she has been captured in the attempt,
her owner has no right to complain. On this point the law of
nations cannot admit of doubt. Its principles are announced
more clearly than I could express them by Sir William Scott,
in delivering the opinion of the Court in the case of " the Vrouw
Judith," (ist Robinson's Admiralty Reports, p. 151.) That
eminent publicist says : " Now, with respect to the matter of
blockade, I must observe, that a blockade is just as much violated
by a vessel passing outwards as inwards. A blockade is a sort
288 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
of circumvallation round a place, by which all foreign connexion
and correspondence is, as far as human force can effect it, to
be entirely cut off. It is intended to suspend the entire com-
merce of that place; and a neutral is no more at liberty to assist
the traffic of exportation than of importation. The utmost that
can be allowed to a neutral vessel is, that having already taken
on board a cargo before the blockade begins, she may be at
liberty to retire with it. But it must be considered as a rule
which this Court means to apply, that a neutral ship, departing,
can only take away a cargo bona fide purchased and delivered
before the commencement of the blockade; if she afterwards
takes on board a cargo, it is a fraudulent act, and a violation of
the blockade."
But the very question arising in the case of the " Jeune
Nelly " has been judicially decided, after full argument, by the
United States District Court for Louisiana, a Prize Court of
competent jurisdiction ; and I now have the honor to transmit
you a copy of the opinion of the learned Judge, extracted from
the New Orleans Picayune, of the 14th December, 1847. You
should have been informed of this opinion sooner; but until
Saturday last I was not aware of its existence. I am entirely
satisfied that the Court was correct in deciding that the " Jeune
Nelly " was lawfully captured by our naval squadron, for violat-
ing the blockade in her attempt to escape from the port of Vera
Cruz.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you. Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MARCY.'
Department of State,
Washington, 17th January, 1849.
Hon. William L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
Sir:
Referring to my letter to you of the nth Inst, in answer
to yours of the 5th inst. on the subject of certain claims presented
to this Government by the Minister of Spain, on the behalf of
^MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 134.
1849] TO MR. DURANT 289
alleged Spanish subjects residing in Mexico, during the late War,
I have now the honor to communicate another note from the
same Minister, dated on the 6th Ultimo, transmitting other claims
of similar origin and character. The note is accompanied by an
abstract of the cases now presented; and translations of the
papers are also annexed.
The original papers in illustration and explanation of these
new cases are also herewith added.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DURANT.'
Department of State,
Washington, i8th January, 1849.
Thomas J. Durant, Esq.
Atty U. S. for the District of Louisa., New Orleans.
Sir:
In the prize case of the French Ship " La Jeune Nelly,"
tried in the United States District Court for Louisiana at the April
Term, 1847, the Judge decided that this vessel was lawfully
captured by our Naval Squadron before Vera Cruz for violating
the blockade. It has been recently stated to me that an appeal
from this decision was taken, and that some subsequent pro-
ceedings were had in the case. I will be much obliged to you to
make inquiry into this matter, and if any further proceedings are
found to have taken place, to ascertain and report to me what
they were, and the result.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 96.
Vol. VIII— 19
290 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MAJORS GRAHAM AND EMORY.»
Department of State,
Washington City, 19th January, 1849.
Gentlemen : You will receive herewith the list of instru-
ments belonging to this Department, furnished by Major Graham
on the 29th December last.
Major Graham and Major Emory will proceed immediately
to New York, and if they should deem it advisable to the other
Cities where the instruments are deposited; and Major Graham,
in whose custody they now are, will deliver such of them to
Major Emory, the Chief of the Corps of Topographical En-
gineers designated to accompany the Commissioner and Sur-
veyor under the 5th Article of the late Treaty with Mexico, as
he may deem necessary for correctly running and marking the
Boundarjr Line between the two Republics, taking duplicate
receipts for the same. Major Graham will deliver one of these
receipts to the Department and preserve the other.
Major Emory will then proceed at once to cause any or all
of the instruments so delivered to him to be repaired, if need be,
and fitted for the survey of the Mexican Boundary : and to be
packed and placed in boxes for transportation on mules.
All the actual expenses incurred in executing these instruc-
tions, as well as the personal expenses of Majors Graham and
Emory, will be paid out of the appropriation made on the 12th
August last, not exceeding $50,000, " for the expenses of run-
ning and marking the boundary line between the U. S. and
Mexico and paying the salaries of the officers of the Commis-
sion." Accounts of these expenses properly vouched will be
settled by the Fifth Auditor.
Major Emory, after having received and examined such
instruments as he may require, will report immediately to this
Department what other instruments he may deem necessary for
the survey, together with their probable cost and where they
may be obtained the most speedily and upon the best terms.
I am, Gentlemen &c.
James Buchanan.
To Major J. D. Graham and Major William H. Emory
of the Topographical Engineers of the U. S. Army.
^MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 97; S. Ex. Doc. 18,
31 Cong. I Sess. 85 ; S. Ex. Doc. 34, 31 Cong, i Sess. i ; H. Ex. Doc. 17,
31 Cong. I Sess. 60.
1849] TO MR. JORDAN 291
TO MR. HOPKINS.'
(No. 8.) Department of State,
Washington, 22nd January, 1849.
George W. Hopkins, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Lisbon.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatches to No. 13, inclusive, — that of the 28th of November
last, as it appears, being numbered 11, instead of 12.
The suggestion you offer, in regard to malting Lisbon the
Depot of our Mediterranean Squadron, is fully appreciated by
the President, who is gratified to learn that so favorable a dis-
position in reference to it at present exists on the part of
Portugal. Had the project been submitted earlier, it would
have been embraced with alacrity by this Government. But
upon mature consideration it has been deemed inexpedient at
this late period to take any steps in the matter, although the
object is entirely approved. You are aware that an arrangement
already exists by which the Sardinian Government has con-
ceded to us the use of its port of Spezzia. Besides, the close of
the existing administration is so nigh that it is manifestly both
proper and convenient to leave the whole subject for the decision
of the administration which is so shortly to succeed.
The Department can not furnish or authorize you to pur-
chase, for the use of your Legation, the law books for which
you have asked. The only books to which the Legation is
entitled have already been transmitted.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Yotir obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. JORDAN.^
Washington, 23rd January, 1849.
Dear Sir: I have received your favor of the 13th Inst.,
and can assure you that the present administration have been
ever ready to assert and maintain the inviolability of our flag
upon the ocean against Great Britain and all other nations. The
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Portugal, XIV. 107.
'MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 98.
292 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
only reason why the Department has not demanded redress from
the British Government for having arrested Mr. McManus on
board of an American vessel is that no complaint has ever been
made that this arrest took place on the high seas. Neither our
^Minister to London, who has always been vigilant in asserting the
rights of our country, nor our Consul at Cork, nor the master
of the American vessel N. O. Chase, on board of which the arrest
was made, has ever addressed the Department a line upon the
subject. The presumption, therefore, is that the arrest took
place in British waters and within exclusive British Jurisdiction.
If this be the case, however much we may condemn the act, we
have no right, in an international point of view, to demand re-
dress for it under the law of nations. By this code it is well
settled that the exclusive jurisdiction of a nation extends to the
ports, harbors, bays, mouths of rivers, and adjacent parts of the
sea enclosed by headlands; and, also, to the distance of a Marine
league, or as far as a cannon shot will reach, from the shore
along all its coasts. If Mr. McManus were arrested within these
limits, on board of an American merchant vessel, by virtue of
process issuing from a competent British authority, we have no
right to demand redress, either under the law of nations or by
virtue of any treaty existing between the two Countries. In
case an American citizen charged with a crime in the City of
New York should seek an asylum in a British merchant vessel,
our authorities, I presume, would not hesitate to arrest him on
board of such vessel whilst she remained within waters under
our exclusive and absolute jurisdiction. In such a case the flag
of Great Britain would afford no protection against the process
of the law.
I have never seen the trial of Mr. McManus. If you have
a copy of it, I should be glad if you would forward it to me.
Should it appear that the arrest was made upon the high seas,
the Department would instantly act with decision upon the sub-
ject; but if that has not been the case, a demand for redress
would only place this Government in a false position, which
ought always to be avoided.
In consequence of the information contained in your letter,
I shall send an invitation to John Murphy, Esquire, our Consul
at Cork, to ascertain and report all the facts of this case to the
Department.
Yours Very Respectfully
James Buchanan.
Matthew Jordan Esq.
1849] TO MR. WELLER 293
TO MR. WELLER.'
Department of State,
Washington, 24th January, 1849.
Sir: The fifth article of the Treaty requiring that the
Commissioner and Surveyor of the United States and Mexico,
respectively, should meet at San Diego before the 30th May,
1849, no time should be lost in organizing the Commission on
our part, preparatory to its departure for the place of destination.
As you will be held responsible for the able and faithful
execution of the important public trust confided to you by this
article of the Treaty, the President deems it proper to leave to
you the organization of the Commission, enjoining it upon you,
at the same time, to employ as few persons to assist you as may
be compatible with the successful and efficient performance of
your duties, and to study economy, as far as practicable, in all
your expenditures.
The organization will be effected solely with a view to run
and mark the boundary line between the two Republics, although
the selection of individuals for this purpose may be made with
reference to the incidental collection of information relative to
the construction of " a road, canal, or railway " along the River
Gila, as provided for by the sixth article of the Treaty.
In organizing the Commission, you are referred, for any
information which you may deem necessary, to Andrew B. Gray,
Esquire, who has been appointed Surveyor under the Treaty,
and Major William H. Emory, of the Topographical Engineers,
whom the President has designated to be '' Chief Astronomer and
Head of the Topographical Scientific Corps of the Commission."
Congress by the Civil and Diplomatic Act of August 12th,
1848, has appropriated, " For the expenses of running and mark-
ing the Boundary line between the United States and Mexico,
and paying the salaries of the officers of the Commission, a sum
not exceeding fifty thousand dollars," and the President considers
that he will best effectuate the intentions of Congress by directing
that the expenses of the Commission for one year shall be so
graduated as not to exceed this appropriation. You will be
charged exclusively with the disbursement of the money thus
appropriated, with the exception of the sum which may be neces-
'MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 164; S. Ex. Doc. 18,
31 Cong. I Sess. 85; S. Ex. Doc. 34, 31 Cong, i Sess. 2; H. Ex. Doc. 17,
31 Cong. I Sess. 61.
294 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
sary to execute my instructions of the 19th Instant to Majors
Graham and Emory, relative to the deUvery of Astronomical
instruments from the former to the latter, for the use of the
Commission.
Your salary as Commissioner, as well as that of the Sur-
veyor, will commence from this date. In case Congress should
not declare by law what these salaries shall be, they will be fixed
by the President before the departure of the Commission from
the United States. Under the head of contingent expenses of
the commission will be embraced your reasonable personal ex-
penses while in service, and those of the Surveyor, Chief
Astronomer, and other officers of the Topographical Engineers
who may be detailed to assist you in the field; the pay and
subsistence of Assistant Surveyors, chain carriers, and laborers,
and the incidental and necessary expense of exploring parties,
the purchase of stationery, of tents and camp equipage, and the
purchase or hire of horses, mules, and vehicles for the transporta-
tion of the same.
Of all these expenses you will keep a regular account, which,
together with the necessary vouchers, you will render and trans-
mit quarterly to the Fifth Auditor of the Treasurj^ for settle-
ment; and to meet the same, as likewise the payment of the
salaries, you will from time to time, as occasion may require,
draw upon the Department, taking care not to exceed, in the
amount drawn at any one time, the sum which will be required to
meet the actual and necessary expenses of the Commission.
After the Commission on the part of the United States shall
have been properly organized under your direction, and before
your departure from the country, you will receive further
instructions.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
To John B. Weller, Esq., " Commissioner for running the
Boundary Line between the United States and the Republic
of Mexico, under the fifth article of the Treaty with that
Republic, concluded on the 2d February, 1848."
1849] TO BARON ROENNE 295
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
[January 25, 1849.J
To THE President of the United States.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolu-
tion of the Senate of the 21st Ultimo, requesting the President
" to communicate to the Senate (if in his opinion not incom-
patible with the public service) a copy of the despatches trans-
mitted to the Secretary of State in August last, by the Resident
Minister at Rio de Janeiro, in reference to the service and general
conduct of Commodore G. W. Storer, Commander in Chief of
the United States Naval forces on the Coast of Brazil " — has
the honor to lay before the President extracts from all those parts
of a despatch addressed to this Department, under date the 5th
September last, by Mr. Tod, the Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States at Rio de Janeiro, and a copy of the papers therein
referred to, relating to the service and general conduct of Com-
modore G. W. Storer, which despatch is presumed to be that
called for by the Resolution.
Respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington, 25th January 1849.
TO BARON ROENNE.^
Department of State,
Washington, 26th January, 1849.
Baron Von Roenne,
&c. &c. &c. German Empire.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of yesterday, transmitting copy of a letter by which His Imperial
Highness, the Vicaire of the German Empire, announces your
appointment as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten-
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 275. This report was
transmitted by President Polk to the Senate, January 29, 1849. The
message of transmittal is printed in Richardson's Messages and Papers of the
Presidents, IV. 678.
°MSS. Department of State, Notes to German States, VI. 195-
296 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
tiary near the United States, and inquiring when it will be
convenient to give you an audience for the purpose of delivering
the original to the President.
The President has appointed one o'clock to-day for your
reception, — and if you will do me the favor to call at the Depart-
ment at I2j^, it will give me pleasure to accompany you to
his residence.
Accept the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. MURPHY.'
Department of State,
Washington, Jany. 26th, 1849.
John Murphy, Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Cork.
Sir,
Communications have been received at this Department
respecting the arrest of Terence B. McManus, a British subject,
on board the American Merchant Ship " N. D. Chase." After
leaving the shores of Great Britain, that Vessel is understood to
have been, by accident or stress of weather, driven into the Cove
of Cork, outside of which, it has been said, the warrant was
executed. It is matter of great regret that the Department is not
sufficiently possessed of the facts of the case to authorize
definitive action on the subject. The important question is
whether the arrest was made within exclusive British Jurisdiction
or beyond its lawful limits. In the first case, this would be
permitted by the law of Nations; but in the latter, it would be
an outrage upon the American Flag, demanding redress. In
order to enable the Department to adopt the proper course, I have
to request that you will promptly communicate to me a statement
of all the facts and circumstances attending the arrest: where
it was made, whether within acknowledged British Jurisdiction or
on the high seas, and, also, transmit a copy of such of the pro-
ceedings against Mr. McManus as may cast light upon this
question. Any expense which you may incur in making the
necessary investigations will be borne by the Department.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 418.
1849] TO MR. HOPKINS 297
TO MR. HOPKINS.'
(No. 9.) Department of State,
Washington, 31st January, 1849.
George W. Hopkins, Esqre.,
&c., &c., Lisbon.
Sir:
I transmit to you, herewith, a copy of a Memorial addressed
to me on the 15th instant, by the owners and underwriters of the
Schooner " Col : Blum," Captain Tate, Master, — presenting a
claim against the Portuguese Government for losses sustained
in consequence of her alleged illegal seizure, and subsequent
destruction, at the Isle of Sal, one of the Cape Verdes.
I transmit at the same time the various documents, in sup-
port of the claim, which accompanied the memorial, — lettered
A, B, C, D, and E.
This case will be brought by you to the immediate attention
of the Portuguese Government. It calls for prompt inquiry;
and the proximity of the theatre of the alleged outrage precludes
the necessity of any considerable delay in ascertaining the truth
of the facts stated by the parties aggrieved. Should the state-
ment prove correct, — of which there does not seem to be a
reasonable doubt, — full indemnity will be due, and should be
accordingly demanded by you in strong but respectful language ;
and you will insist upon ample reparation for all the consequences
of acts so flagrantly unjust and inhuman, committed by the
Portuguese authorities at the Cape Verdes, — whose conduct on
the occasion should meet, at the hands of their Government, with
appropriate punishment. You will, also, indicate to the Minister
of Foreign Affairs the importance of adopting measures to
prevent a recurrence of similar acts; whose repetition can not
fail to jeopard the friendly relations now subsisting between
the two countries.
The parties interested will be desired to correspond directly
with you, and to furnish any further information that may be
needed ; of which you will apprise them.
I am. Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Portugal, XIV. 109.
THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. MARCY/
Department of State,
Washington, 31st January, 1849.
Hon. William L. Maecy,
Secretary of War.
Sir:
Referring to my communications of the i ith & 17th instant,
on the subject of Spanish claims upon the U. S. for alleged losses
during the Mexican War, I beg leave now to transmit the original
and translation of a note addressed to me by the Minister of
Spain on the 15th Instant, relating to the respective claims of
Jose Valverde or Villaverde,- — the Laura Virginia, and Don
Caspar de Oliva, &c.
The original papers and translations in the first and last
cases are herewith submitted, copies of which have been already
sent, and those in the case of the Laura Virginia, just translated,
are now for the first time transmitted.
These papers, together with those heretofore sent, are
believed to contain all the matters of complaint submitted by the
Spanish Minister which concern your Department, and I ask that
they may be returned.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, February i, 1849.
The Secretary of State has the honor respectfully to submit
to the President a report just received at this department from
the Commissioner of Patents, respecting the use by this govern-
ment of an alleged invention of Mr. John B. Emerson.
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 134.
This report was transmitted by President Polk to the Senate, with
the following message (S. Report 294, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. 11) :
To THE Senate of the United States :
I communicate herewith reports from the Secretary of State, the
Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Secretary of the
Navy, together with the accompanying documents, in answer to a resolution
1849] TO SENOR CALDERON DE LA BARCA
TO SENOR CALDERON DE LA BARCA/
Department of State,
Washington, ist February, 1849.
Don a. Calderon de la Barca,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of the 26th ultimo, on the subject of the arrest, at Havana, of
William H. Bush, steward of the packet " Childe Harold," for
an alleged violation of the laws of that port, prohibiting the
fraudulent introduction of letters and other printed matter.
In compliance with the request contained in your note of the
30th ultimo, I transmit, herewith, the act of the President recog-
nising Mr. John G. Doon as Vice Consul of Spain for the port
of Savannah, in> Georgia, and return, at the same time, Mr.
Doon's commission, which accompanied your note.
All the reclamations of Spanish subjects for alleged injuries
occasioned by our forces in Mexico, which have been presented
by you from time to time, have now been submitted to the
Secretary of War, whose decision upon them will be communi-
cated to you as soon as received. — The delay that has attended
some of these cases has arisen solely from the length of time
required to translate the voluminous documents which accom-
panied them.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance
of my distinguished consideration.
James Buchanan.
of the Senate of the 15th January, 1849, "that the petition and papers of
John B. Emerson be referred to the President of the United States, and
that he be requested to cause a report thereon to be made to the Senate,
wherein the public officer making such report shall state in what cases, if
any, the United States have used or employed the invention of said
Emerson contrary to law, and, further, whether any compensation therefor
is justly due to said Emerson, and, if so, to what amount in each case."
James K. Polk.
Washington, February i, 1849.
'MSS. Department of State, Notes to Spanish Legation, VI. i73-
300 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. McClelland.'
Department of State,
Washington, ist February, 1849.
To THE Hon. R. McClelland,
of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
House of Representatives.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 29th Ultimo, upon the subject of claims of citizens
of the United States against the Mexican Government, under
the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In reply, I have the honor
to refer you to the subjoined statement of sums stipulated to be
paid to the United States by other foreign Governments, in dis-
charge of claims of our citizens against them, and the amounts
awarded to the claimants by Boards of Commissioners appointed
to carry the respective Conventions into effect. At the time of
the departure of Mr. Slidell on his mission, an estimate of the
pending claims of our citizens upon the Mexican Government,
other than those which had been presented to the Board of
Cornmissioners, was prepared for his use. This you can examine
if you will call at the Department. I am not aware that we have
any unpublished information in regard to the empresario grants.
I have the honor to be &c.
James Buchanan.
MEMORANDUM.
February 2, 1849. — I obser\'ed to Mr. Crampton that the
inference drawn in the foregoing despatch, that " the United
States itself admits that this right (the right of navigation which
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 103.
° S. Ex. Doc. 20, 31 Cong. 2 Sess. 11-12. The despatch referred to in
the above memorandum is as follows (S. Ex. Doc. 20, 31 Cong. 2 Sess.
lo-ll) :
Foreign Office, September 18, 1848.
Sir: I am directed by Viscount Palmerston to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the nth instant, enclosing minutes of conversations
between the agents of the Hudson's Bay Company and the United States
Secretary of State, and the opinions of Mr. Webster and Mr. Coxe upon
the question whether the Hudson's Bay Company has any power to convey
to the United States the right of navigating the Columbia river which is
secured to her Majesty's subjects by virtue of the second article of the
treaty which was signed at Washington on the 15th June, 1846, for th6
1849] MEMORANDUM 301
the treaty gives) is not a thing which the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany can be entitled to sell," from the fact that this " government
wants it to be surrendered by a new treaty between the two
governments," is a non sequitur. In expressing a decided opin-
ion for myself, individually, that this right, as it had been
acquired by treaty, should, in order to avoid future difficulties,
be surrendered by a new treaty, (an opinion expressed at the
very time when the question was before the Senate with a view
to the negotiation of such a treaty,) I never admitted, nor
intended to admit, that it could not be legitimately purchased,
without a treaty, by the United States from the Hudson's Bay
Company, together with their other property and possessions in
Oregon, in case Congress should make an appropriation for this
purpose.
To this Mr. Crampton replied, that upon referring to his
despatch to Lord Palmerston, detailing the conversation referred
settlement of the Oregon boundary, and you propose that Lord Palmerston
should authorize you to consult her Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor Gen-
eral upon the above mentioned question.
I am to state to you, in reply, that Lord Palmerston sees no necessity
for any such reference to the law officers, because he cannot conceive how
any doubt can exist as to the meaning and effect of the article in question,
the words of which appear to his lordship to be perfectly plain and clear.
Lord Palmerston considers that the right therein mentioned belongs
to the Hudson's Bay Company and to all and any other British subjects
trading with that company; for he agrees with you in presuming that the
words " the same," employed in the first clause of article second of the
treaty of July 17, 1846, must be construed as meaning the Hudson's Bay
Company; and his lordship is of opinion that, although the Puget's Sound
Agricultural Company may, by virtue of the fourth article of the same
treaty, sell to the United States the farms, lands, and other property of
every description belonging to that company on the north side of the
Columbia river and south of the boundary line between the United States
and the British territory, yet there is no provision in the treaty authorizing
the Hudson's Bay Company to sell the right of navigation, which is described
in the second article of that treaty, and which belongs to others as well as
themselves.
If the Columbia river is navigable only up to the forty-ninth parallel
of north latitude, and if the Hudson's Bay Company should sell everything
they possess south of that parallel, and should retire altogether from the
country south of that line, then indeed it seems evident that the article
giving to them and others the right of navigating the Columbia will become
a dead letter, because they will not be there to trade or be traded with,
and no British subject can, therefore, want or ask to go up the Columbia
in order to trade with them.
But Lord Palmerston apprehends that the Columbia is navigable for
302 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
to, he found, and w;e agreed, that it contained nothing incon-
sistent with the above statement ; but to avoid all misunderstand-
ing upon the subject hereafter, he would communicate my ex-
planation to his lordship. On the same day I gave Mr. Crampton
a copy of this memorandum.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. STILES.'
(No. 26.) Department of State,
Washington, February 2, 1849.
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatch No. 46, which reached the Department on the 15th
ultimo.
You were placed in a novel and embarrassing position by
the application made to you, in behalf of Mr. Kossuth, to " under-
take an intervention for the settlement of the differences existing
between the Imperial Government and the Kingdom of Hun-
gary; " and I am gratified that your prudence and ability were
equal to the occasion. In our foreign policy we must ever be
some craft or other higher up than the forty-ninth parallel ; and the country
above that parallel, which belongs to the British crown, has been granted to
the Hudson's Bay Company for at least a limited time to come, and the
grant so made may be renewed and extended. The country to the north of
the forty-ninth parallel which is thus accessible by the Columbia is not so
easily accessible by land ; and when that country becomes settled, British
subjects may want to get at it by the Columbia, in order to trade with the-
settlements of the Hudson's Bay Company therein. Lord Palmerston there-
fore thinks that it would be inexpedient for the British government to sur-
render the right of navigation which the treaty gives.
The United States itself admits that this right is not a thing which the
Hudson's Bay Company can be entitled to sell, because that government
wants it to be surrendered by a new treaty between the two governments.
H the United States wish to negotiate such a treaty, it is for them to propose-
it, and to say what equivalent they are prepared to offer, not to the Hudson's
Bay Company, but to the British crown, in exchange for the right which
they want the British crown to give up; but her Majesty's government have
no proposal to make, they being quite content to leave these things as
they are. I am, &c., &c.,
H. U. Addington.
Sir John H. Pelly, Bart.,
Hudson's Bay House.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Austria, I. 55 ; S. Ex. Doc. 43,.
31 Cong. I Sess. 11.
1849] TO THE CHEVALIER HULSEMANN 303
governed by the wise maxim not to interfere with the domestic
concerns of foreign nations; and from this you have not de-
parted. You have done no more, in your own language, than
to attempt to open the door of reconcihation between the oppos-
ing parties, leaving them to adjust their differences without your
intervention. Considering there was reason to believe that the
previous offers of the Hungarian Government, for a reconcilia-
tion, had never reached the Imperial Government, and that no
other practicable mode of communicating these offers existed,
except through your agency, you acted wisely in becoming an
intermediary for this purpose alone. Had you refused thus to
act upon the request of Mr. Kossuth, you might have been
charged with a want of humanity, and been held, in some degree,
responsible for the blood which has since been so profusely shed
in the war. The President entirely approves your conduct.
It may be remarked that the request of Mr. Kossuth to
yourself, in his letter of the 29th November, 1848, does not seem
to be confined to the single object which alone you had informed
his friend you would attempt to accomplish.
T am, sir, respectfull}^ your obedient servant.
James Buchanan.
WiiXiAM H. Stiles, Esq., &c., &c., Vienna.
TO THE CHEVALIER HULSEMANN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 6th February, 1849.
Chevalier Hulsemann,
&c., &c., &c. Austria.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of the 2nd ultimo, announcing, by direction of your Government,
that His Majesty the Emperor Ferdinand I. had abdicated the
imperial throne, in favor of his nephew, the Arch-Duke Francis
Joseph.
Cabinet letters communicating intelligence of these im-
portant changes were received by the President, and his replies
have been transmitted to Vienna. — That these events may be
'MSS. Department of State, Notes to German States, VI. 196.
304 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
followed by order and tranquillity, and promote the lasting hap-
piness of the Austrian People, is the sincere wish of the
American Government.
I am, Sir, with great consideration,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. BREEDLOVE.'
Department of State,
Washington, 6th February, 1849.
To James W. Breedlove, Esq.
New Orleans.
Sir:
Your letter of the 26tli Ultimo, relative to the claim upon
the late Government of Colombia in the case of the Brig Sarah
Wilson, has been received. In reply, I transmit a copy of the
Convention upon the subject signed by Mr. Shields and the
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, on the 12th of April
last. In consequence of the pressure of other business, this
Convention was not acted upon by the Venezuelan Congress at
its last Session. Mr. Shields, however, expressed an opinion
that if another Congress of that Republic should assemble at the
usual period, the Convention would be ratified.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. RICHARDS ET AL.'
Department of State,
Washington, 6th February, 1849.
Benjamin Richards, Esq.
J. Harrison, Esq., President Mutual Security Insurance Co.
and others, New York.
Gentlemen : I have the honor to inform you that a
copy of your letter of the 15th Ult. and the documents which
accompanied it, on the subject of the illegal seizure and subse-
quent destruction of the Schooner Col. Blum, Capt. Tate, Master,
have been transmitted to Mr. Geo. W. Hopkins, U. S. Charge
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 105.
1849] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 305
d' Affaires at Lisbon, who has been instructed after investigation
to present your claim to the Government of Portugal and to
demand indemnification.
Mr. Hopkins has also been informed that the parties inter-
ested would be desired to correspond directly with him upon the
.subject, and to furnish him with any further information in
relation to the case which may be necessary to its prosecution.
I am, gentlemen, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 8th February, 1849.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolu-
tion of the House of Representatives of the 5th Instant requesting
the President to communicate to that Plouse a correct copy of
the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, of the instructions of this
Government to Commissioners A. H. Sevier and N. Clifford,
together with such other correspondence as appertains to said
Treat}^ has the honor to lay before the President the papers
mentioned in the subjoined list, which embrace all the papers in
this Department called for by the Resolution.
Respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT POLK
ON THE TREATY OF PEACE WITH MEXICO.^
[February 8, 1849.]
To THE House of Representatives of the United States :
In reply to the resolutions of the House of Representatives, of the fifth
instant, I communicate herewith a report from the Secretary of State,'
accompanied with all the documents and correspondence relating to the
treaty of peace concluded between the United States and Mexico, at Guada-
"MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 276; H. Ex. Doc. 50,
30 Cong. 2 Sess. 9.
^H. Ex. Doc. so, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. i.
' See the report preceding.
Vol. VIII— 20
306 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
lupe Hidalgo, on the 2d of February, 1848, and to the amendments of the
Senate thereto, as requested by the House in the said resolutions.
Amongst the documents transmitted will be found a copy of the
instructions given to the commissioners of the United States who took to
Mexico the treaty as amended by the Senate and ratified by the President
of the United States. In my message to the House of Representatives of
the twenty-ninth of July, 1848, I gave as my reason for declining to furnish
these instructions, in compliance with a resolution of the House, that, " in
my opinion, it would be inconsistent with the public interests to give pub-
licity to them at the present time." Although it may still be doubted whether
giving them publicity in our own country, and, as a necessary consequence,
in Mexico, may not have a prejudicial influence on our public interests; yet,
as they have been again called for by the House, and called for in connexion
with other documents, to the correct understanding of which they are indis-
pensable, I have deemed it my duty to transmit them.
I still entertain the opinion expressed in the message referred to, " that,
as a general rule, applicable to all our important negotiations with foreign
powers, it could not fail to be prejudicial to the public interest to publish the
instructions to our ministers, until some time had elapsed after the conclu-
sion of such negotiations."
In these instructions of the 18th of March, 1848, it will be perceived
" that the task was assigned to the commissioners of the United States of
consummating the treaty of peace, which was signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo
on the second day of February last, between the United States and the
Mexican republic, and which, on the tenth of March last, was ratified by
the Senate with amendments."
They were informed " that this brief statement will indicate to you
clearly the line of your duty. You are not sent to Mexico for the purpose
of negotiating any new treaty, or of changing in any particular the ratified
treaty which you will bear with you. None of the amendments adopted by
the Senate can be rejected or modified, except by the authority of that body.
Your whole duty will then consist in using every honorable effort to obtain
from the Mexican government a ratification of the treaty, in the form in
which it has been ratified by the Senate, and this with the least practicable
delay.'' " For this purpose, it may, and most probably will, become necessary
that you should explain to the Mexican minister for foreign affairs, or to
the authorized agents of the Mexican government, the reasons which have
influenced the Senate in adopting these several amendments to the treaty.
This duty you will perform, as much as possible, by personal conferences.
Diplomatic notes are to be avoided unless in case of necessity. These might
lead to endless discussion and indefinite delay. Besides, they could not have
any practical result, as your mission is confined to procuring a ratification,
from the Mexican government, of the treaty as it came from the Senate,
and does not extend to the slightest modification in any of its provisions."
The commissioners were sent to Mexico to procure the ratification of
the treaty as amended by the Senate. Their instructions confined them to
this point. It was proper that the amendments to the treaty adopted by
the United States should be explained to the Mexican government, and
explanations were made by the Secretary of State in his letter of the 18th
of March, 1848, to the Mexican minister for foreign affairs, under my direc-
1849] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 307
tion. This despatch was communicated to Congress with my message of
the 6th of July last, communicating the treaty of peace, and published by
their order. This despatch was transmitted by our commissioners, from the
city of Mexico to the Mexican government, then at Queretaro, on the 17th
of April, 1848, and its receipt acknowledged on the 19th of the same month.
During the whole time that the treaty, as amended, was before the congress
of Mexico, these explanations of the Secretary of State, and these alone,
were before them.
The president of Mexico, on these explanations, on the 8th day of
May, 1848, submitted the amended treaty to the Mexican congress, and, on
the 2Sth of May, that congress approved the treaty as amended without modi-
fication or alteration. The final action of the Mexican congress had taken
place before the commissioners of the United States had been officially
received by the Mexican authorities, or held any conference with them, or
had any other communication on the subject of the treaty except to transmit
the letter of the Secretary of State.
In their despatch, transmitted to Congress with my message of the
6th of July last, communicating the treaty of peace, dated " City of Quere-
taro, May 25, 1848, 9 o'clock, p.m.," the commissioners say : " We have the
satisfaction to inform you that we reached this city this afternoon at about
5 o'clock, and that the treaty, as amended by the Senate of the United
States, passed the Mexican senate about the hour of our arrival, by a vote
of 33 to 5. It having previously passed the house of deputies, nothing now
remains but to exchange the ratifications of the treaty."
On the next day (the 26th of May) the commissioners were, for the
first time, presented to the president of the republic, and their credentials
placed in his hands. On this occasion the commissioners delivered an address
to the president of Mexico, and he replied. In their despatch of the 30th of
May, the commissioners say : " We enclose a copy of our address to the
president, and also a copy of his reply. Several conferences afterwards
took place between Messrs. Rosa, Cuevas, Conto, and ourselves, which it is
not thought necessary to recapitulate, as we enclose a copy of the protocol,
which contains the substance of the conversations. We have now the satis-
faction to announce that the exchange of ratifications was effected to-day."
This despatch was communicated with my message of the 6th of July last,
and published by order of Congress.
The treaty, as amended by the Senate of the United States, with the
accompanying papers, and the evidence that in that form it had been ratified
by Mexico, was received at Washington on the 4th day of July, 1848, and
immediately proclaimed as the supreme law of the land. On the 6th of
July, I communicated to Congress the ratified treaty, with such accompanying
documents as were deemed material to a full understanding of the subject,
to the end that Congress might adopt the legislation necessary and proper
to carry the treaty into effect. Neither the address of the commissioners,
nor the reply of the president of Mexico, on the occasion of their presenta-
tion, nor the memorandum of conversations embraced in the paper called a
protocol, nor the correspondence now sent, were communicated, because they
were not regarded as in any way material ; and in this I conformed to the
practice of our government. It rarely if ever happens that all the cor-
respondence, and especially the instructions to our ministers, is communi-
308 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
cated. Copies of these papers are now transmitted, as being within the
resolutions of the House calling for all such " correspondence as appertains
to said treaty."
When these papers were received at Washington, peace had been
restored, the first instalment of three millions paid to Mexico, the blockades
were raised, the city of Mexico evacuated, and our troops on their return
home. The war was at an end, and the treaty, as ratified by the United
States, was binding on both parties, and already executed in a great degree.
In this condition of things it was not competent for the President alone, or
for the President and Senate, or for the President, Senate, and House of
Representatives combined, to abrogate the treaty, to annul the peace and
restore a state of war, except by a solemn declaration of war.
Had the protocol varied the treaty, as amended by the Senate of the
United States, it would have had no binding effect.
It was obvious that the commissioners of the United States did not
regard the protocol as in any degree a part of the treaty, nor as modifying
ox altering the treaty as amended by the Senate. They communicated it as
the substance of conversations held after the Mexican congress had ratified
the treaty, and they knew that the approval of the Mexican congress was as
essential to the validity of a treaty in all its parts as the advice and consent
of the Senate of the United States. They knew, too, that they had no
authority to alter or modify the treaty in the form in which it had been
ratified by the United States, but that, if failing to procure the ratification
of the Mexican government otherwise than with amendments, their duty,
imposed by express instructions, was to ask of Mexico to send, without
delay, a commissioner to Washington to exchange ratifications here, if the
amendments of the treaty proposed by Mexico, on being submitted, should
be adopted by the Senate of the United States.
I was equally well satisfied that the government of Mexico had agreed
to the treaty as amended by the Senate of the United States, and did not
regard the protocol as modifying, enlarging, or diminishing its terms or
effect. The president of that republic, in submitting the amended treaty to
the Mexican congress, in his message on the 8th day of May, 1848, said:
" If the treaty could have been submitted to your deliberation precisely as
it came from the hands of the plenipotentiaries, my satisfaction at seeing the
war at last brought to an end would not have been lessened as it this day
is in consequence of the modifications introduced into it by the Senate of
the United States, and which have received the sanction of the President."
" At present it is sufficient for us to say to you that if, in the opinion of the
government, justice had not been evinced on the part of the Senate and
government of the United States, in introducing such modifications, it is
presumed, on the other hand, that they are not of such importance that they
should set aside the treaty. I believe, on the contrary, that it ought to be
ratified upon the same terms in which it has already received the sanction
of the American government. My opinion is also greatly strengthened by
the fact that a new negotiation is neither expected or considered possible.
Much less could another be brought forward upon a basis more favorable
for the republic."
The deliberations of the Mexican congress, with no explanation before
that body from the United States, except the letter of the Secretary of
1849] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 309
State, resulted in the ratification of the treaty, as recommended by the
president of that republic, in the form in which it had been amended and
ratified by the United States. The conversations embodied in the paper
called a protocol took place after the action of the Mexican congress was
complete; and there is no reason to suppose that the government of Mexico
ever submitted the protocol to the congress, or ever treated or regarded it
as in any sense a new negotiation, or as operating any modification or change
of the amended treaty. If such had been its effect, it was a nullity until
approved by the Mexican congress; and such approval was never made or
intimated to the United States. In the final consummation of the ratification
of the treaty by the president of Mexico, no reference is made to it. On
the contrary, this ratification, which was delivered to the commissioners of
the United States, and is now in the State Department, contains a full and
explicit recognition of the amendments of the Senate just as they had been
communicated to that government by the Secretary of State, and been
afterwards approved by the Mexican congress. It declares that, " having
seen and examined the said treaty, and the modifications made by the Senate
of the United States of America, and having given an account thereof to
the general congress, conformably to the requirement in the XlVth para-
graph of the lioth article of the federal constitution of these United States,
that body has thought proper to approve of the said treaty, with the modifica-
tions thereto in all their parts ; and, in consequence thereof, exerting the
power granted to me by the constitution, I accept, ratify, and confirm the
said treaty with its modifications, and promise, in the name of the Mexican
republic, to fulfil and observe it, and to cause it to be fulfilled and observed."
Upon an examination of this protocol, when it was received with the
ratified treaty, I did not regard it as material, or as in any way attempting
to modify or change the treaty as it had been amended by the Senate of
the United States.
The first explanation which it contains is " that the American govern-
ment by suppressing the ninth article of the treaty of Guadalupe, and sub-
stituting the third article of the treaty of Louisiana, did not intend to
diminish, in any way, what was agreed upon by the aforesaid article (ninth)
in favor of the inhabitants of the territories ceded by Mexico. Its under-
standing is that all of that agreement is contained in the third article of the
treaty of Louisiana. In consequence, all the privileges and guarantees, civil,
political, and religious, which would have been possessed by the inhabitants
of the ceded territories, if the ninth article of the treaty had been retained,
will be enjoyed by them, without any difference, under the article which has
been substituted."
The ninth article of the original treaty stipulated for the incorporation
of the Mexican inhabitants of the ceded territories, and their admission into
the Union " as soon as possible, according to the principles of the federal
constitution, to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United
States." It provided, also, that in the mean time they should be maintained
in the enjoyment of their liberty, their property, and their civil rights, now
vested in them according to the Mexican laws. It secured to them similar
political rights with the inhabitants of the other territories of the United States,
and at least equal to the inhabitants of Louisiana and Florida when they
were in a territorial condition. It then proceeded to guarantee that ecclesi-
310 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
astics and religious corporations should be protected in the discharge of
the offices of their ministry, and the enjoyment of their property of every
kind, whether individual or corporate, and finally, that there should be a
free communication between the Catholics of the ceded territories and their
ecclesiastical authorities, " even although such authorities should reside
within the limits of the Mexican republic, as defined by this treaty."
The ninth article of the treaty, as adopted by the Senate, is much more
comprehensive in its terms and explicit in its meaning, and it clearly
embraces, in comparatively few words, all the guarantees inserted in the
original article. It is as follows : " Mexicans who, in the territories afore-
said, shall not preserve the character of citizens of the Mexican republic,
conformably with what is stipulated in the preceding article, shall be incor-
porated into the Union of the United States and be admitted at the proper
time (to be judged of by the Congress of the United States) to the enjoy-
ment of all the rights of citizens of the United States, according to the prin-
ciples of the constitution; and in the mean time shall be maintained and
protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property, and secured
in the free exercise of their religion without restriction." This article,
which was substantially copied from the Louisiana treaty, provides equally
with the original article for the admission of these inhabitants into the
Union; and in the mean time, whilst they shall remain in a territorial state,
by one sweeping provision, declares that they " shall be maintained and
protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property and secured in
the free exercise of their religion without restriction."
This guarantee embraces every kind of property, whether held by
ecclesiastics or laymen, whether belonging to corporations or individuals. It
secures to these inhabitants the free exercise of their religion without
restriction, whether they choose to place themselves under the spiritual
authority of pastors resident within the Mexican republic or the ceded
territories. It was, it is presumed, to place this construction beyond all
question that the Senate superadded the words " without restriction " to
the religious guarantee contained in the corresponding article of the
Louisiana treaty. Congress itself does not possess the power under the con-
stitution to make any law prohibiting the free exercise of religion.
If the ninth article of the treaty, whether in its original or amended
form, had been entirely omitted in the treaty, all the rights and privileges
which either of them confers would have been secured to the inhabitants of
the ceded territories by the constitution and laws of the United States.
The protocol asserts that " the American government, by suppressing the
tenth article of the treaty of Guadalupe, did not in any way intend to annul
the grants of lands made by Mexico in the ceded territories ; " that " these
grants, notwithstanding the suppression of the article of the treaty, preserve
the legal value virhich they may possess, and the grantees may cause their
legitimate titles to be acknowledged before the American tribunals ; " and
then proceeds to state that, "conformably to the law of the United States,
legitimate titles to every description of property, personal and real, existing
in the ceded territories, are those which were legitimate titles under the
Mexican law in California and New Mexico up to the thirteenth of May,
1846, and in Texas up to the second of March, 1836." The former was the
date of the declaration of war against Mexico, and the latter that of the
declaration of independence by Texas.
1849] MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT 311
The objection to the tenth article of the original treaty was not that it
protected legitimate titles, which our laws would have equally protected
without it, but that it most unjustly attempted to resuscitate grants which
had become a mere nullity, by allowing the grantees the same period after
the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty to which they had been
originally entitled after the date of their grants, for the purpose of per-
forming the conditions on which they had been made. In submitting the
treaty to the Senate, I had recommended the rejection of this article. That
portion of it in regard to lands in Texas did not receive a single vote in
the Senate. This information was communicated by the letter of the Secre-
tary of State to the minister for foreign affairs of Mexico, and was in pos-
session of the Mexican government during the whole period the treaty
was before the Mexican congress, and the article itself was reprobated in
that letter in the strongest terms. Besides, our commissioners to Mexico
had been instructed that " neither the President nor the Senate of the United
States can ever consent to ratify any treaty containing the tenth article of
the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in favor of grantees of land in Texas or
elsewhere.'' And again : " Should the Mexican government persist in retain-
ing this article, then all prospect of immediate peace is ended; and of this
you may give them an absolute assurance.''
On this point the language of the protocol is free from ambiguity; but,
if it were otherwise, is there any individual, American or Mexican, who
would place such a construction upon it as to convert it into a vain attempt
to revive this article which had been so often and so solemnly condemned?
Surely no person could for one moment suppose that either the commis-
sioners of the United States or the Mexican minister for foreign affairs
ever entertained the purpose of thus setting at naught the deliberate decision
of the President and Senate, which had been communicated to the Mexican
government with the assurance that their abandonment of this obnoxious
article was essential to the restoration of peace.
But the meaning of the protocol is plain. It is simply that the nullifica-
tion of this article was not intended to destroy valid legitimate titles to
land which existed and were in full force independently of the provisions
and without the aid of this article. Notwithstanding it has been expunged
from the treaty, these grants were to " preserve the legal value which they
may possess." The refusal to revive grants which had become extinct was
not to invalidate those which were in full force and vigor. That such was
the clear understanding of the Senate of the United States, and this in
perfect accordance with the protocol, is manifest from the fact that, whilst
they struck from the treaty this unjust article, they at the same time
sanctioned and ratified the last paragraph of the eighth article of the treaty,
which declares that, " in the said territories, property of every, kind, now
belonging to Mexicans not established there, shall be inviolably respected.
The present owners, the heirs of these, and all Mexicans who may hereafter
acquire said property by contract, shall enjoy, with respect to it, guarantees
equally ample as if the same belonged to citizens of the United States."
Without any stipulation in the treaty to this effect, all such valid titles
under the Mexican government would have been protected under the con-
stitution and laws of the United States.
The third and last explanation contained in the protocol is that " the
312 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
government of the United States, by suppressing the concluding paragraph
of article twelfth of the treaty, did not intend to deprive the Mexican republic
of the free and unrestrained faculty of ceding, conveying, or transferring,
at any time, (as it may judge best,) the sum of the twelve millions of
dollars which the same government of the United States is to deliver in the
places designated by the amended article."
The concluding paragraph of the original twelfth article, thus sup-
pressed by the Senate, is in the following language, " certificates in proper
form, for the said instalments respectively, in such sums as shall be desired
by the Mexican government, and transferable by it, shall be delivered to
the said government by that of the United States.''
From this bare statement of facts, the meaning of the protocol is obvious.
Although the Senate had declined to create a government stock for the
twelve millions of dollars, and issue transferable certificates for the amount,
in such sums as the Mexican government might desire, yet they could not
have intended thereby to deprive that government of the faculty which
every creditor possesses of transferring for his own benefit the obligation
of his debtor, whatever this may be worth, according to his will and pleasure.
It cannot be doubted that the twelfth article of the treaty, as it now
stands, contains a positive obligation, " in consideration of the extension
acquired by the boundaries of the United States," to pay to the Mexican
republic twelve millions of dollars, in four equal annual instalments of three
millions each. This obligation may be assigned by the Mexican government
to any person whatever ; but the assignee in such case would stand in no
better condition than the government. The amendment of the Senate,
prohibiting the issue of a government transferable stock for the amount,
produces this effect and no more.
The protocol contains nothing from which it can be inferred that the
assignee could rightfully demand the payment of the money, in case the
consideration should fail, which is stated on the face of the obligation.
With this view of the whole protocol, and considering that the explana-
tions which it contained were in accordance with the treaty, I did not deem
it necessary to take any action upon the subject. Had it varied from the
terms of the treaty as amended by the Senate, although it would, even then,
have been a nullity in itself, yet duty might have required that I should
make this fact known to the Mexican government. This not being the case,
I treated it in the same manner I would have done had these explanations
been made verbally by the commissioners to the Mexican minister for foreign'
affairs, and communicated in a despatch to the State Department.
James K. Polk.
Washington, February 8, 1849.
1849] TO THE PRESIDENT 313
TO MR. TOUCEY.'
Department of State,
Washington, February 8th, 1849.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose to you a translation of
a letter which I have just received from the French Minister,
Mr. Poussin, respecting what he considers as an infraction of
his diplomatic privileges; and request that you would give me
your opinion whether any thing and what can be legally done
for the relief of Mr. Marie, his attache.
I am Sir &c.
James Buchanan,
To THE Hon. Isaac Toucey, Secretary of State.
Attorney General. U. S.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
[February 9, 1849.]
To THE President of the United States.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolu-
tion of the Senate of the 6th Inst, requesting the President to
" MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 106.
' MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 277. This report was
transmitted on the same day by President Polk to the Senate, with the fol-
lowing message (Richardson's Messages, IV. 687) :
To THE Senate of the United States :
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 6th instant,
requesting the President to cause to be laid before that body, in " executive
or open session, in his discretion, any instructions given to Ambrose H.
Sevier and Nathan Clifford, commissioned as ministers plenipotentiary on
the part of the United States to the Government of Mexico, or to either of
said ministers, prior to the ratification by the Government of Mexico of the
treaty of peace between the United States and that Republic," and certain
correspondence and other papers specified in the said resolution, I com-
municate herewith a report from the Secretary of State, together with copies
of the documents called for.
Having on the 8th instant, in compliance with a resolution of the House
of Representatives in its terms more comprehensive than that of the Senate,
communicated these and all other papers appertaining to the same subject,
with a message to that House, this communication is made to the Senate in
" open " and not in " executive " session.
James K. Polk.
Washington, February 9, 1849.
314 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
communicate to that Body certain documents relative to the
ratification by the Mexican Government of the Treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo as amended by the Senate, has the honor to
lay before the President the papers mentioned in the subjoined
list, which embrace all in this Department called for by the
Resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
Department of State, Washington, 9th February, 1849.
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 9th Feby., 1849.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your note of the 17th ultimo, together with the accompany-
ing memorandum on the existing navigation laws of Great
Britain, was, immediately after its receipt, referred to the
Treasury Department; and I have now the honor to enclose to
you a copy of the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, dated
on the 31st ultimo, in relation to the subject.
You state that you have been " directed to ascertain, at the
earliest possible period, whether the United States will be pre-
pared to accept advances made on the part of Great Britain for
placing the ships of the two countries on a footing of equality,
with the single reservation of the coasting trade; or whether the
United States Government would prefer to preserve any par-
ticular privileges or exemptions to their national vessels, on the
understanding that they inay thereby render it impossible for
this country to concede to United States shipping the whole of
the advantages which will, under the contemplated measure, [the
bill to modify the British navigation laws,] attach to the shipping
of such States as may place British and national vessels upon a
footing of more perfect equality."
The most satisfactory answer which I can give to these
inquiries is contained in the first section of the act of Congress,
approved on the 24th May, 1828, entitled " An Act in addition
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 194.
1849] TO MR. CRAMPTON 315
to an Act entitled ' An Act concerning discriminating duties of
tonnage and impost,' and to equalize the duties on Prussian
vessels and their cargoes." The following is a copy of this
section :
" [Sect, i.j Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled. That, upon satisfactory evidence being given to the
President of the United States, by the Government of any
foreign nation, that no discriminating duties of tonnage or impost
are imposed or levied in the ports of the said nation upon vessels
wholly belonging to citizens of the United States, or upon the
produce, manufactures, or merchandise imported in the same
from the United States, or from any foreign country, the
President is hereby authorized to issue his proclamation, declar-
ing that the foreign discriminating duties of tonnage and
impost, within the United States, are, and shall be, suspended
and discontinued, so far as respects the vessels of the said foreign
nation, and the produce, manufactures, or merchandise imported
into the United States in the same, from the said foreign nation,
or from any other foreign country; the said suspension to take
effect from the time of such notification being given to the
President of the United States, and to continue so long as the
reciprocal exemption of vessels belonging to citizens of the
United States, and their cargoes, as aforesaid, shall be continued,
and no longer."
You will thus perceive that the Congress of the United
States, more than twenty years ago, by this act, offered to open
their ports to the vessels of all nations, — with their cargoes, —
no matter to what country these cargoes might owe their origin,
or from what foreign place they might be imported into our
country, upon payment of the same duties " of tonnage or im-
post " with our own vessels ; provided such nations should extend
similar privileges in their ports to the vessels belonging to citizens
of the United States, and their cargoes. Great Britain may,
therefore, at any moment, by complying with the fair and equit-
able conditions required by this act, place her vessels and their
cargoes, both in our direct and indirect foreign trade, upon the
same footing with vessels of the United States. Tlie coasting
trade is of course reserved.
Indeed, the liberal principles of reciprocity in commerce and
navigation sanctioned by this act had been practically adopted
previous to its passage, in treaties which had been concluded by
316 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
the United States with Denmark, Sweden, the Hanseatic Repub-
lics, and Prussia, and have since been carried into effect in
treaties conckided with Austria, Russia, and other Powers; all
of which are still in force. Besides, proclamations have, also,
been issued at several periods, conferring the benefits which the
act proposes on different foreign nations who had furnished " the
satisfactory evidence " required by its provisions.
The United States, therefore, so far from having waited
" to accept advances made on the part of Great Britain for
placing the ships of the two countries on a footing of equality,
witli the single reservation of the coasting trade," had them-
selves, more than twenty years ago, bj' an act of Congress, made
advances for this very purpose to Great Britain and all other
nations. I might add, that the President, in accordance with
the spirit of this act, has already made a specific proposal to
Great Britain, by a note from Mr. Bancroft, our Minister at
London, to Lord Palmerston, dated 3d November, 1847, to
conclude a treaty providing " that British ships may trade from
any port in the world to any port in the United States, and be
received, protected, and, in respect to charges and duties, treated
like American ships; if, reciprocally, American ships may, in like
manner, trade from any port of the world to any port under
the dominion of Her Britannic Majesty." Of course, this
proposal was not intended to embrace the coasting trade of either
country.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. HYATT.'
(No. 5.) Department of State,
Washington, 9th February, 1849.
Thomas H. Hyatt, Esqre.,
United States Consul, Tangier.
Sir: —
I wrote to you on the 5th December last, and I have now
the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches Nos. 7,
8, and 9 — the last on the ist instant.
The depredations committed by the barbarians who dwell
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Barbary Powers, XIV. 87.
1849] TO MR. HYATT 317
on the Reef Coast of Morocco — of which the details conveyed
in your No. 7 show you to be fully aware — will demand of you
unceasing vigilance; and it is highly probable, from what you
state, that the English Government may find itself constrained
to repress and punish the cruelties recently practised upon some
of their subjects on that Coast.
Your predecessor, Mr. Carr, was early informed that the
United States would hold the Emperor responsible for every
wrong of this character to the persons or property of their
citizens, inflicted or tolerated within his dominions, in violation
of the established laws of civilized nations. In consequence of
suggestions on the part of your predecessor, that piracies had
probably been perpetrated on American vessels, both on the
Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts of Morocco, inquiries were
instituted, and one of our vessels of war even visited the port
of Wednoon; but no facts were elicited to confirm the sus-
picion. The result, indeed, strengthened me in the opinion which
I had previously formed, that no outrages had really occurred.
If such had been the case, we should almost certainly have
learned at least that American vessels on that Coast had been
missing; a fact which was never asserted to our knowledge.
Mr. Carr, notwithstanding, believed, and continues to believe,
that the rumors in question were not without foundation.
You will, on the receipt of this despatch, lose no time in
investigating the subject fully, in order to ascertain the truth
of the statements or rumors in question. If there shall appear
to you, upon inquirjr, to be any good grounds for believing that
mischief has been done or is menaced by these pirates, you are
at once to communicate with the Commander of our Mediter-
ranean Squadron, and acquaint him with any facts or suspicions
within your knowledge, which may require prompt interposition
on his part.
You will as early as possible report to this Department on
the subject; and, if necessary, suitable instructions will be trans-
mitted to you. This Government will not patiently suffer the
Corsairs of Barbary to make the entrance of the Mediterranean
a place of danger or even of apprehension to civilized commerce.
I have directed an extract to be made, and published in the
" Union," of that portion of your No. 8 which announces a
reduction of export duties on several staples of Morocco.
It is necessaiy to remind you that, by instruction, your
salary was made to commence on the ist April, 1848; and that
318 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
you are, therefore, without any warrant in assuming another
date.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
FROM MR. DE LA ROSA.'
[Translation.]
Mexican Legation,
Washington, February lo, 1849.
The undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of
the republic of Mexico, has the honor to address the honorable Secretary of
State of the United States in order to make known to him that the Mexican
government, being anxiously interested in preserving and drawing more
closely together the relations of peace and friendship which happily subsist
between the two republics, cannot but see with surprise and with pain the
questions which have been raised within a few days in the very bosom of
Congress respecting the character and validity of the Protocol of the con-
ferences which were held, previous to the ratification and exchange of the
treaty of peace at Queretaro on the 26th of May of the last year, between
the Minister of Foreign Relations of Mexico and the Commissioners Pleni-
potentiary of the United States.
The undersigned believes that if, unfortunately, these questions should
not be brought to a prompt and happy termination, they would, in the end,
place in jeopardy the amity and good understanding which, for the benefit
of humanity and civilization, and to the advantage of both nations, actually
subsist between Mexico and the United States, how great soever might be
the efforts which the governments of the two nations might make to avoid
a fatal disagreement between themselves.
The government of the undersigned might be, to a certain extent, reas-
sured, on seeing in the message of his Excellency the President, addressed
to the House of Representatives, that the government of the United States
gives to certain articles of the treaty of Guadalupe the same sense and the
same understanding which should be given to them agreeably to the expla-
nations assigned in the Protocol above mentioned. But as there may be,
at the same time, in that message, certain passages from which it may be
inferred that no value is attributed to the Protocol in question, the under-
signed believes that these expressions will exceedingly alarm his govern-
ment, and may possibly occasion a serious and dangerous agitation among
the Mexican people.
In order to avert this evil and its consequences, the undersigned anxiously
desires to be enabled to assure his government, in a manner firm, clear, and
positive, that the government of the United States will never give to the
articles and modifications of the treaty, to which the Protocol relates, any
other sense or other interpretation than that resulting from the explanations
' S. Ex. Doc. I, 31 Cong, i Sess. 69.
1849] TO MR. BANCROFT 319
of the said articles and modifications which were given by the plenipoten-
tiaries of the United States on signing the Protocol in question at Queretaro.
If the undersigned should receive from the honorable Secretary of State
a clear and categorical answer, by which he would be enabled to give to
his government the assurance mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the
question of the Protocol will have no serious consequences, nor will it in
the least degree endanger the peace and the amicable relations which the
treaty of Guadalupe re-established between Mexico and the United States.
As the newspapers of the United States may speedily reach Mexico, and
there occasion a most fatal alarm, the undersigned hopes that the Secretary
of State will afford him the pleasure of receiving as promptly as possible
an answer, which he may despatch to his government.
The undersigned embraces this occasion to repeat to the honorable
Secretary of State the assurance of his most distinguished consideration.
Luis de la Rosa.
Hon. James Buchanan,
Secretary of State of the United States.
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
(No. 47.) Department of State,
Washington, 12th Feby., 1849.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatch No. 112, of the 12th January, was received
at the Department on the ist instant.
You seem to doubt the propriety of presenting to the British
Government a protest, according to my instructions of the i8th
December last, against the orders of the Irish Government issued
on the 2d and i8th of the previous August. Your suggestions
on this subject have been submitted to the President ; and after a
careful reexamination of the documents, he still believes you
ought to prepare and present the protest.
In reiterating this instruction, it is not intended to convey
the slightest intimation that you have not done your whole duty
in the case of Messrs. Bergen and Ryan. " The full significance "
of your very able despatch to Lord Palmerston, of the loth
November, wjis properly appreciated by the President, and
received his cordial approval. This appears from the general
phraseology of my despatch to you of the i8th December, in
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 379.
320 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
which I state that " the President has directed me to express to
you his approbation of your able, persevering, and successful
efforts to obtain the release of Mr. James Bergen and Mr.
Richard F. Ryan, the two American citizens imprisoned in
Newgate, Dublin, under the Act of the British Parliament of
25th July last, (nth and 12th Victoria, Cap. 35) upon suspicion
of treasonable practices against the British Government." The
protest which you have been instructed to make, far from de-
tracting from the President's previous approbation of your
conduct in regard to these offensive orders, is setting his seal to
all you have already done in this particular, and confirming it in
the strongest manner.
You express the opinion that it would be somewhat late to
protest now ; because " the orders have long since been inopera-
tive, and the laws under which they were issued are already a
dead letter, and will expire in a few weeks." But these facts
neither cancel nor change the character of the offensive orders.
Besides, the in.struction was sent to you as soon as possible after
I had received the necessary information on which to found it.
You doubt whether the letter of your Irish correspondent
is a sufficient authority "on which to ground a protest;" and
any protest which you could have made before the receipt of that
instruction would necessarily have been without the express
authority of your Government. He, as we both know, is a
highly respectable individual; and you have strong evidence to
corroborate his statement.
There is your note to I^ord Palmerston of the 12th Septem-
ber, 1848, asking for copies of these orders, with which you
ought to have been furnished without hesitation, because they
related exclusively to " all persons coming from America " and
arriving in Ireland, and we had therefore a right to know the
penalties denounced against them in advance ; and then we have
Lord Palmerston's refusal, in his note to you of the 30th Sep-
tember, to grant your request, without even intimating that
such orders had not been issued. On the contrary, he admits
their existence by the strongest implication; and concludes his
note with an expression not very unlike a defiance. " But," says
his Lordship, " Her Majesty's Government are responsible for
all acts which may be done in consequence of such instructions;
and from their responsibility, in this respect, they have no wish
or intention to shrink." There is also your own letter to Lord
Palmerston, of the loth November, 1848, in which you state
1849] TO MR. HAMILTON 321
specifically the existence and substance of the order of the 2d
August, 1848; and this statement has never been denied. In-
deed, if I correctly understand the lettter of Sir William Somer-
ville to Mr. G. Cornewall Le-wis, of the 28th November, 1848,
communicated with your No. 105, this is expressly admitted,
accompanied by a labored attempt to justify the order.
You will remark that your instruction does not require that
you should renew the discussion of the case of Messrs. Bergen
and Ryan. It is confined specifically to the character of these
very offensive orders.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. HAMILTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, Feb: 13th, 1849.
Robert M. Hamilton Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Montevideo.
Sir,
Your despatches Nos. 153, 154, 155, & 156, the latter
covering a duplicate of No. 152, have been received.
A copy of your No. 154 respecting the Brig " Carolina,"
E. M. Jefferson, Master, has been sent to the Agent of the
Protection Insurance Company of Hartford, residing at New
York.
The Department is gratified to see that no efforts are
spared on your part to protect the Commercial interests of
our Country in Montevideo, and the remonstrances addressed
by you to the Minister of Foreign Affairs against the onerous
Impost levied by a Decree of that Government, on the 4th of
May last, of $15 per Barrel on Flour, to take effect from that
date, without anterior notice, are fully approved.
Enclosed is a duplicate of my letter of the 25th September
last, in reply to your No. 151, upon the subject of the proposi-
tion made by the Montevidean Government for the payment of
the Claim of Messrs. Musser & Co.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
'MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XIII. 148.
Vol. VIII— 21
322 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. WELLER/
Department of State,
Washington, 13th February, 1849.
Sir: In my instructions to you of the 24th Ultimo, I
promised to send you further instructions before your departure
from the United States. I now proceed to perform this duty.
The fifth article of our Treaty with Mexico, of the 2d Feb-
ruary, 1848, as amended by the Senate, (two copies of which
are herewith transmitted) clearly prescribes your duties. This
article places you in a highly responsible position; because it
declares that the Boundary line between the two Republics, which
shall be run and marked by the joint commission, shall be deemed
a part of the Treaty, " and shall have the same force as if it were
inserted therein." The action of the Commission, therefore, will
be final and conclusive; and the President has full confidence
that in the discharge of your important duties your conduct will
be characterized by prudence, firmness, and a conciliatory spirit.
Whilst he desires no advantage over the Mexican Government,
you will take care, in running the boundary, that all our just
rights, under the Treaty, shall be maintained.
Your first duty will be to run and mark that part of the
Boundary, consisting of a straight line, from a " point on the
Coast of the Pacific Ocean, distant one marine league due South
of the Southernmost point of the port of San Diego " to " the
middle of the Rio Gila, w-here it unites with the Colorado."
It is not apprehended that you will encounter much difficulty
in determining either of these points. This Southernmost point
of the Port of San Diego is to be ascertained by the Treaty,
" according to the plan of said port made in the year 1782 by
Don Juan Pantoja, second Sailing Master of the Spanish fleet,
and published at Madrid, in die year 1802, in the atlas to the
voyage of the Schooners Sutil and Mexicana, of which plan a
copy is hereunto added, signed and sealed by the respective
Plenipotentiaries." You are furnished with a certified copy of
this plan, which appears to fix precisely what is the Southern
limit of the port of San Diego, and a point on the Pacific " one
marine league due South " of this is the place of beginning.
The middle of the Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado,
' MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 165 ; S. Ex. Doc. 18,
31 Cong. I Sess. 87; S. Ex. Doc. 34, 31 Cong, i Sess. 3; H. Ex. Doc. 17.
31 Cong. I Sess. 63.
1849] TO MR. WELLER 323
being a natural object, there can be but little difficulty in ascer-
taining this point.
The duties of the Sur\'eyor are sufficiently indicated by the
Treaty itself; those of Major William H. Emory, the Chief
Astronomer, will be to determine all astronomical points, and to
direct the mode of running all astronomical lines on the boundary.
Lieutenant J. W. Whipple and Brevet Captain E. L. F. Hard-
castle of the Corps of Topographical Engineers have been desig-
nated, under the authority of the President, to accompany Major
Emory as his assistants.
The remainder of the Boundary runs along the middle of
the Rio Gila and the Rio Grande, with the exception of that
portion of it between " the point where the Rio Grande strikes
the Southern Boundary of New Mexico; thence Westwardly,
along the whole Southern Boundary of New Mexico (which
runs north of the Town called Paso) to its western termination;
thence Northward, along the Western line of New Mexico until
it intersects the first branch of the Rio Gila (or if it should not
intersect any branch of that river, then to the point on the said
line nearest to such branch, and thence in a direct line to the
same)."
In regard to this latter position of the line it is impossible
to give you specific instructions, for the want of accurate Geo-
graphical information. It can only be ascertained by examina-
tions and surveys upon the ground. Besides, the Treaty itself
declares that " the Southern and Western limits of New Mexico,
mentioned in this article, are those laid down on the Map " of
the United Mexican States, published at New York, in 1847, by
J. Disturnell, of which a copy was added to the Treaty, bearing
the signature and seals of the Plenipotentiaries. You are now
furnished with a certified copy of this Map.
You are, also, furnished, as bearing upon this subject, with
the copy of a Map of New Mexico which was attached to the
atlas to Thompson's edition of the Geographical and Historical
Dictionary of America and the West Indies, by Col. Don Antonio
de Alcedo, published at London in 1812, — a work of the highest
authority.
My successor in office will most probably obtain further
information in regard to this portion of the line; and as the
work progresses will doubtless deem it proper to give you
further instructions. I deem it unnecessary, therefore, to say
more at present upon the subject.
324 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
I need scarcely add, that the President expects you will
perform your duties under the Treaty with as little delay as
practicable consistently with accuracy.
As it is indispensable that each Government should be fur-
nished with a full and circumstantial record of the proceedings
of the Commissioners, they will doubtless order such record to
be kept in duplicate. This duty will naturally devolve upon the
Clerks appointed on both sides, under the supervision of the
respective Commissioners, who will be responsible for the
accuracy of such records and for their safe delivery, properly
certified, to the respective Governments, at the expiration of the
Commission. You will, with that view, provide the Clerk ap-
pointed on the part of the United States with suitable instructions
respecting this and any other duty which it shall be deemed
proper to assign to him.
As soon as the boundary shall have been ascertained and
marked, you will cause a true and accurate map to be made of
the country through which it passes, in its entire extent. A
duplicate copy of said Map certified by the Commissioners and
Surveyors, on both sides, will accompany the records of the
proceedings of the Commission. The joint report or declaration
by the Commissioners of " the final result agreed upon by them "
under the fifth article of the Treaty will also be transmitted to
the Department, to be filed with the journal or record of their
proceedings and the Map.
As soon as the Commission shall be organized, you will
transmit to this Department a list containing the names of the
several persons composing it, the nature of the duties assigned
to each individual, and the compensation allowed to them re-
spectively ; and will, also, from time to time inform the Secretary
of State of any change which you may, by circumstances, be
induced to make in its organization.
The sixth article of the Treaty provides that " If, by the
examinations which may be made, it should be ascertained to be
practicable and advantageous to construct a road, canal, or
railway which should in whole or in part run upon the river
Gila, or upon its right or its left bank, within the space of one
Marine league from either margin of the river, the Governments
of both Republics will form an agreement regarding its con-
struction, in order that it may sei-ve equally for the use and
advantage of both Countries."
Although you are not required to make the examinations
1849] TO MR. WELLER, 325
referred to in this article under the appropriation made by
Congress on the 12th of August last, which is limited to " the
expenses of running and marking the boundary line," yet the
President would be gratified if you could cause these examina-
tions to be made, incidentally, without seriously interfering with
your appropriate duties. The enquiry is one of great importance
to the country; and any information which you can communicate
to the Department on the subject will be highly appreciated by
our fellow citizens.
Major Emory has received from Major Graham under my
instructions all the instruments belonging to the Department
which he believed to be suitable for running the Boundary line
between the two Republics. In a report which he made to the
Department, dated at New York on the 4th Instant, he states
that these are not sufificient, and furnished a list of those which
will be required. Several of the latter he deems indispensable
that he should carry with him: to wit,
I Box chronometer $285
I Heliotrope 100
I Reconnoitring glass 50
I Portable astronomical telescope 190
4 Nautical almanacs 1849 1°
I Copy catalogue stars B. Assoc. 20
I Set of charts coast of California 2
1 Daniels's hygrometer 15
4 Hassler's logarithms at $1 4
6 Thermometers at $4 24
6 Observing lamps 15
4 Cases drawing instruments at $10 40
4 Bottles ether (sulphuric)
Yi Bushel plaster of Paris
2 Observing tents at $40 80
I Equatorial stand, price estimated at 100
In your absence, the President has not hesitated to advise
him to purchase these instruments, not doubting that you would
promptly pay for them out of the appropriation. As it will be
impossible for him to reach New Orleans before the 28th
Instant; you will not take your departure thence until after his
arrival.
The President has determined that your salary shall be at
the rate of $ per annum and that of the Surveyor at the
326 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
rate of $ per annum; but should Congress before its ad-
journment fix your salaries at different rates, this will be the
guide in settling your accounts from the beginning.
The military escort on the part of the United States, to
accompany the Commission, has been placed by the President
under the direction of the Secretary of War.
I am, Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
To J. B. Weller, Esq., Commissioner &c.
FROM MR. DE LA ROSA.'
Mexican Legation,
Washington, February 14, 1849.
The undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of
Mexico, has the honor to address Mr. James Buchanan, Secretary of State
of the United States, in order to remind him of the answer to his note of
the loth of the present month.
It is so urgent upon the undersigned to tranquillize his government in
some degree, by communicating to it the result of the note above mentioned,
that he cannot do less than entreat the Secretary of State to consider that
the question which has been raised as to the character and validity of the
Protocol may seriously jeopard the amity and good understanding which
happily exist between Mexico and the United States ; and that upon this
consideration he will be pleased to give to this affair some preference over
the others which occupy his attention.
If the Secretary of State should think proper to delay his communication
much longer, the undersigned, without incurring censure for precipitation
and thoughtlessness, would find himself under the necessity of adopting some
measure which may place the rights of Mexico in security on this question.
The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to repeat to the Secre-
tary of State of the United States the assurances of his distinguished
consideration.
Luis de la Rosa.
Hon. James Buchanan,
Secretary of State of the United States.
' S. Ex. Doc. I, 31 Cong, i Sess. 70.
1849] TO M. POUSSIN 327
TO M. POUSSIN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 15th Feby., 1849.
Mr. William Tell Poussin,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of
yesterday, referring to your previous letter, dated the 8th instant,
in which you complain of an act of violence committed by an
innkeeper of this city, in regard to Mr. Marie, an attache of
your Legation, and claim that the necessary measures may be
taken to assure to that gentleman the protection to which his
position entitles him, and, in the absence of a reply to that appli-
cation, renewing and insisting on your claim for the intervention
of this Government in obtaining prompt reparation of the alleged
insult offered to one of the members of the Legation of France.
You had expected, you state, that, under the peculiar circum-
stances of the case, the matter would have received immediate
attention. You were right in that expectation, so far as it regards
this Department, since your letter, on the very day of its receipt,
was promptly referred to the Attorney General of the United
States for his opinion on certain legal points which your com-
plaint involved, and on which it was necessary to have his advice
before I could address you a definitive reply. The opinion of
Mr. Toucey in relation to the case reached me last evening, and
I hasten at the earliest moment to communicate to you a copy
of it, in answer to your application. Trusting that its contents
will prove entirely satisfactory to you, and sincerely regretting
that any difficulty of the kind referred to should have arisen, I
have the honor to be, with high consideration. Sir, your obedient
servant,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 126.
THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. DE LA ROSA.'
Department of State,
Washington, 15th February, 1849.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive the note of Your
Excellency of the loth instant.
This note expresses the surprise and pain which Your Excel-
lency experiences on account of " the questions which have been
raised, within a few days, in the very bosom of Congress, respect-
ing the character and validity of the Protocol of the conferences "
at Queretaro, to which you refer, between the Mexican Minister
of Foreign Relations and the Commissioners of the United States.
Your Excellency believes " that if, unfortunately, these questions
[in Congress] should not be brought to a prompt and happy ter-
mination, they would in the end place in jeopardy the amity and
good understanding " now so happily subsisting between the two
Republics. You state that the Mexican Government " might be to
a certain extent reassured, on seeing in the Message of His Excel-
lency the President, addressed to the House of Representatives,
that the Government of the United States gives to certain articles
of the Treaty of Guadalupe the same sense and the same under-
standing which should be given to them, agreeably to the expla-
nations assigned in the Protocol above mentioned ; " but you
then proceed to observe that there are other passages of the
Message, without specifying what these are, " from which it
may be inferred that no value is attributed to the Protocol in
question," and you believe " that these expressions will exceed-
ingly alarm your Government," and " may probably occasion a
serious and dangerous agitation among the Mexican people."
" In order to avert this evil," arising from " the questions
which have been raised " in Congress and " in certain passages "
in the Message of the President, you express the anxious desire
that the Government of the United States would enable you to
assure your Government, " in a manner firm, clear, and positive,
that the Government of the United States will never give to the
articles and modifications of the Treaty to which the Protocol
relates," any other interpretation than that contained in the
Protocol itself.
I have been thus minute in detailing the substance of your
^MSS. Department of State, Notes to Mexican Legation, VI. 197; S. Ex.
Doc. I, 31 Cong. I Sess. 71.
1849] TO MR. DE LA ROSA 329
note, for the purpose of showing that it clearly raises the ques-
tion, whether a foreign Minister accredited to the United States
has the right to ask explanations from the President concerning
the debates and proceedings of Congress, or any Message which
he may transmit to either House in the exercise of his constitu-
tional power and duty.
Under the constitution of the United States, Congress is a
distinct, independent, and coordinate branch of the Federal Gov-
ernment. Their legislative powers and duties are of the most
important and responsible character. The President himself pos-
sesses no power whatever to question or to control their proceed-
ings, except in the single case of the qualified veto conferred upon
him by the Constitution. To secure their absolute freedom of dis-
cussion, a vital principle in every popular Government, the Con-
stitution itself declares, in regard to Senators and Representa-
tives, that " for any speech or debate in either House, they shall
not be questioned in any other place." The President would
violate the most sacred rights of the legislative branch of the
Government, if he were to criticise or condemn any portion of
their proceedings, even to his own countrymen ; much less, there-
fore, can he be called upon by the Representative of a foreign
government for any explanation, condemnation, defence, or ap-
proval of these proceedings. For them Congress is responsible to
their own constituents and their country, and to no other human
power. This inviolability is essential to the permanence of our
free institutions.
It is believed that so far as regards the debates or proceed-
ings of Congress, this is the first occasion in our history on which
it has become necessary to address the Representative of any
foreign Government. Not so in relation to the Messages of the
President to Congress. There is at least one case of a similar
character which you may find in the archives of your own Lega-
tion. Mr. Castillo, one of your predecessors, in a note of the nth
December, 1835, addressed to Mr. Forsyth, then Secretary of
State, called upon him for an explanation of the meaning of a
paragraph relating to Mexico contained in President Jackson's
annual message to Congress of December, 1835. The answer of
Mr. Forsyth was prompt and decided. In a note dated on the
i6th December, 1835, he informed Mr. Castillo, " that remarks
made by the President in a Message to Congress are not deemed
a proper subject upon which to enter into explanation with the
Representative of a foreign Government." On a somewhat simi-
330 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
lar occasion, Mr. Livingston, then our Minister to France, on
the 13th January, 1835, informed the French Minister for Foreign
Affairs that in the Message of President Jackson to Congress of
the previous December, " there was nothing addressed to the
French nation," and he hkened it very properly " to a proceeding
well known in the French law, a family council, in which the
concerns and interests are discussed, but of which, in our case, the
debates were necessarily public."
Under our Constitution, it is the duty of the President " from
time to time to give to the Congress information of the state of
the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures
as he shall deem necessary and expedient." It is indispensable
to the independent action of the Government that these communi-
cations between its coordinate branches should be free and unre-
served. These are properly likened by Mr. Livingston to a family
council. It is a domestic concern with which foreign nations have
no right to interfere. If this were otherwise; if the Representa-
tive of a foreign Government could ask the President for expla-
nations of such parts of his Messages to Congress or of their
proceedings as might in the opinion of such Minister prove unsat-
isfactory to his Government at home, this would necessarily either
impose a restraint on the freedom of action both of the President
and Congress, or involve the Executive in endless and useless
discussions with the other Powers of the world.
A case could not be imagined more proper than the present
to illustrate how useless such discussions would generally prove.
Congress have not adopted any resolution concerning the Pro-
tocol ; and the only portion of the President's Message in which
the interests of Mexico would seem to be involved has not proved
unsatisfactory to Your Excellency ; because you state that " it
gives to certain articles of the Treaty of Guadalupe the same
sense and the same understanding which should be given to them
agreeably to the explanations assigned in the Protocol above
mentioned." It is of other passages of the Message which you
do not specify that you complain. Now how useless would it
be, even if this were possible, for us to enter into a correspondence
upon these other portions of the Message, discussing, as they do,
the powers and duties of the President and Senate under the
Federal Constitution in relation to the subject of Treaties. These
passages may be right or they may be wrong; and yet Mexico has
no practical interest in the question.
The President will be ever ready, in the kindest spirit, to
1849] TO MR. DE LA ROSA 331
attend to all representations of the Mexican Government com-
municated in a form which does not interfere with his own rights
or those of Congress. It is to vindicate a great principle which he
deems essential to the free and hamionious working of our insti-
tutions, that he has resolved upon the answer which I communi-
cate to you upon the present occasion. His desire to cultivate
the most amicable relations with Mexico has been evinced by his
whole course of conduct ever since the termination of the late
war. There is no wish nearer his heart than that Mexico may
be a great and prosperous Republic bound to the United States in
bonds of the most intimate and equal friendship. So far as
depends upon himself, it has ever been his determination to
execute every part of the late Treaty in the strictest good faith ;
and certainly no portion of it is less liable to cavil or doubt than
the three points explained by our Commissioners in the Protocol.
If in the process of time any case should arise, an event deemed
highly improbable, which might cause the Mexican Government
to suppose either that the perfect and absolute freedom of religion
and security of property will not be guarantied to former Mexican
citizens within the ceded territory; or that valid and legitimate
grants of land made by the Mexican Government within this ter-
ritory will not be acknowledged and enforced by our Judicial
Tribunals ; or that the United States will attempt to interfere with
the right vested in that Government, in common with every other
creditor, of transferring, to whomsoever they may please, the
whole or any part of the debt of $12,000,000 referred to in the
Treaty, all that will be necessary is to specify the points of sup-
posed difficulty either through their Minister in this country or
through our Minister in Mexico, and these will be promptly and
I have no doubt satisfactorily answered.
I had written thus far when your note of yesterday was
received at the Department. Not deeming it proper to give it
any other answer than merely to acknowledge its receipt, I for-
bear from making such comments upon its last paragraph as this
would seem to deserve.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer to your Excellency
renewed assurances of my very distinguished consideration.
James Buchanan.
To Senor Don Luis de la Rosa, &c. &c. &c.^
^This correspondence was continued by Mr. de la Rosa and Mr.
Buchanan's successor, John M. Clayton. See S. Ex. Doc. i, 31 Cong, i Sess.
73-89.
332 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. CASS.'
(No. 2.) Department of State,
Washington, i6th February, 1849.
Lewis Cass, Junr., Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I communicate, herewith, a Letter of Credence addressed to
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Papal States, and an ofifice
copy of the same.
From the poHtical condition of the Papal States, at the
present time, it is not deemed proper that you should deliver this
letter either to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pius IX. or of
the existing Government at Rome, without further instructions.
The Pope, by our last advices, still remains at Gaeta, within the
territories of the King of Naples; and it is only as a temporal
Prince, exercising actual authority within his own Dominions,
that the Government of the United States can have any relations
with His Holiness. This you have already learned from my
instructions to Mr. Martin, your lamented predecessor, dated on
the Sth April, 1848.
In regard to the present Government at Rome : — although it
has been the constant policy and practice of this Government to
recognise existing Governments, without inquiring into their
legitimacy, yet with this exception, that they shall have first
afforded evidence of their will and their power to maintain their
independence, this cannot yet be asserted in regard to the existing
Government at Rome. Its recent origin and the almost insuper-
able difficulties by which it is surrounded, render it extremely
doubtful whether it will be able to maintain itself. Indeed, I
consider the speedy restoration of the Pope highly probable, if not
absolutely certain.
Under these circumstances, you are instructed to withhold
the Letter of Credence which you bear with you, until you shall
have received specific directions from this Department, desig-
nating the Minister of Foreign Affairs to whom it shall be deliv-
ered. These will be given to you as soon as the Department
shall have obtained the information necessary to decide the
question.
The President considers it expedient, however, that you
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Papal States, I. 11.
1849] TO MR. EAMES 333
should proceed immediately to Rome. The present disturbed con-
dition of the Papal States, and of Italy generally, renders it
important that the Department should obtain, as speedily as pos-
sible, all the information which you can procure in regard to their
actual political condition and future prospects. This you will
not fail to communicate by every opportunity.
I would, also, refer you to the concluding paragraph, but
one, of my instructions to Mr. Martin ; and you will consider this
as specially addressed to yourself. All the information thereby
sought, you will procure and communicate as soon as possible.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. EAMES.'
(No. I.) Department of State,
Washington, i6th February, 1849.
To Charles Eames, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
The opportunity which has been afforded you to peruse the
instructions to your predecessors and their communications to
this Department has made you acquainted with the history and
present state of our diplomatic relations with the Hawaiian Gov-
ernment. Neither Mr. Brown nor Mr. Ten Eyck has been able
to succeed in negotiating a treaty with that government under
their instructions. This is a principal object of your mission, and
all the instructions addressed to either of them upon this subject
you will consider applicable to yourself.
You are authorized, as your predecessors were, to conclude
a Treaty with the Hawaiian Government similar in all respects to
their Treaties with Great Britain and France. But surely that
Government would prefer to conclude a Treaty of commerce and
navigation with the United States similar to our Treaties with
other civilized and independent Nations, and this the President
would prefer.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Hawaii, II. 14. Mr. Eames
was commissioned as commissioner to Hawaii, Jan. 12, 1849. He met Mr.
Judd, the Hawaiian plenipotentiary, in San Francisco, and there concluded a
treaty with him. He resigned Oct. 22, 1849.
334 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
■ The commercial treaties between the United States and
foreign powers are based upon principles recognized by the laws
of the United States which have from time to time been enacted
for the purpose of regulating our foreign trade. The only two
enactments upon this subject now in force are contained in the
4th Section of the Act of Congress approved the 7th January,
1824, entitled an " Act concerning discriminating duties of ton-
nage and impost," Davis' edition Laws U. S. vol. 7, p. 208, Little
and Brown's edition, vol. 4, p. 2, and the first section of the Act
approved 24th May, 1828, entitled " An Act in addition to an
Act entitled ' An act concerning discriminating duties of Tonnage
and Impost,' and to equalize the duties on Prussian vessels and
their cargoes," Davis' edition of the laws, vol. 8, p. 124, Little and
Brown's, vol. 4, p. 308.
The effect of these enactments is to authorize the 'President
to admit the vessels of foreign Countries into the United States
upon the same terms with our own vessels, either when those
vessels bring the productions of the Countries to which they
belong or those of any other foreign country, provided similar
privileges are extended to vessels of the United States. Con-
sequently, the coasting trade is the only branch of our commerce
in which foreigners cannot participate. The President is willing
to conclude with the Hawaiian government a treaty of reciprocity.
To entitle a Treaty to this appellation, however, it will be neces-
sary to take the circumstances of the respective countries into
consideration. To offer to admit the Hawaiian vessels into our
ports upon the basis of the act of Congress of 1828 would obvi-
ously give those sailing or claiming to sail under that flag an
undue advantage. The vast extent, the great and increasing pop-
ulation of the United States, with their various wants, would offer
to Hawaiian vessels inducements for supplying them with the
productions of other countries, either from Hawaiian ports or
elsewhere, which the comparatively limited territory and sparse
population of the Sandwich Islands could not in return offer to
the vessels of the United States. This basis for a treaty would
be the more objectionable if the Department is correctly informed
that the right to use the Hawaiian flag is easily obtained by
foreigners, and that many engaged in the navigation of the
Islands are enterprising and not very scrupulous Europeans.
The President is consequently of opinion that a Treaty with
the Sandwich Islands based upon the Act of Congress of 1824,
above referred to, the principles of which were adopted in the
1849] TO MR. EAMES 335
two first articles of our Convention with Great Britain of 1815,
would be the most equitable and expedient. As those parts of
the Treaty which do not relate to trade are comparatively unim-
portant, you can introduce any other articles of our recent
Treaties which you may deem necessary. It would be advisable,
however, to make the Treaty for a term of years, say eight, to
end at a year's notice by either party after that time.
In the 8th volume of the Statutes at large you will find a
collection of all our Treaties with Foreign nations up to the date
of that publication. Several of these Treaties are of Direct reci-
procity, such as you are authorized to conclude with the Hawaiian
Government. The last of the kind concluded by the United States
was with the Two Sicilies, with a copy of which, dated on the ist
December, 1845, you are furnished. You may adopt this as your
general model. The sixth article of it provides for the succession
to personal property only. This ought, also, to be extended to
real estate; because -many American citizens hold lands in the
Islands. If this cannot be accomplished in its full extent, then
you might agree to the 7th article of our Treaty with Hanover
of the 20th May, 1840, substituting this for the 6th article of
the Treaty with Naples.
Should the Hawaiian Government decline to conclude a
general Treaty of direct reciprocity with the United States, and
object to the conclusion of a Treaty similar to those with Great
Britain and France on account of objections to the third and
sixth articles of these Treaties, you can answer that whilst the
United States are unwilling to be placed in a worse condition
than the most favored nation, yet they will agree to any reason-
able modification of these articles which may be made in the
existing Treaties with these Powers. Indeed, should this become
necessary, you might propose to insert the following article or
something like it in the Treaty.
Article 9. Should the Hawaiian Government and the Gov-
ernments of Great Britain and France, abolish, change, or modify
the third and sixth articles of their existing Treaties, the cor-
responding third and sixth articles of the present Treaty shall no
longer remain in force, provided the United States shall continue
in all respects to be placed on the footing of the most favored
nation.
This would obviate every objection, and still place us in as
favorable a position as any other nation ; and it cannot be denied
that these articles are open to serious objections.
The Hawaiian authorities have uniformly professed a
336 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
friendly disposition towards the United States. It must be
acknowledged that this profession is vouched for by too many
obvious motives of sympathy and interest to allow its sincerity
to be disbelieved. Still under all the circumstances we shall have
a right to consider and shall in fact consider the issue of your
negotiatioi^ for a treaty the test of the sincerity of the professions
of that Government.
The great impulse which the intercourse between the Islands
and our territory on the Pacific has recently received, and the
probability that this intercourse will augment in a rapid ratio,
makes it important that the commercial relations between the two
countries should be regulated by a treaty. This is important, not
to the United States alone. Without a treaty, the productions
of the Islands introduced into the United States in Hawaiian
vessels would, according to the nth section of the tariff act of
1842, be chargeable with an addition of ten per cent, to the
respective rates of duty imposed on the articles of merchandize
of which the cargo may consist, by the Tariff act of 1846. The
exaction of this duty would, it is believed, seriously and injuri-
ously affect the trade between the United States and the Islands
in Hawaiian vessels, and even if that government should counter-
vail it, by the adoption of any regulation which would discourage
United States vessels from engaging in the same trade, the restric-
tion would probably so increase the freight on Hawaiian sugar
and other productions which now find a nearer and ready market
in California and Oregon, as to give a preference to similar
articles from the Mexican or Peruvian coast. As the encourage-
ment of the cultivation of sugar is understood to be a favorite
object of Hawaiian policy, the willingness of that government to
avoid a result apparently so well calculated to thwart it cannot be
doubted.
You are aware how greatly the Sandwich Islanders are
indebted to the Christian missionaries resident among them for
their progress in civilization. The zealous and disinterested labors
of those missionaries have probably resulted in causing their
advice and opinions upon other subjects than those relating to
their calling to be respectfully listened to, and to be perhaps
decisive with the Hawaiian people and government.
You will consequently by all honorable means cultivate the
most friendly relations with the missionaries.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant
James Buchanan.
1849] TO MR. BANCROFT 337
TO MR. BANCROFT.'
(No. 48.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th Feby., 1849.
George Bancroft, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
In my despatch to you of the 12th instant, I did not refer
to the construction which you allege the Fifth Auditor has placed
upon my circular of the 25th July, 1845, in regard to the disburse-
ment of the contingent fund of our Legations abroad; because
illness then prevented him from attending his office. I have since
called upon him for the purpose of directing an immediate settle-
ment of your accounts ; when I was informed that they had been
all settled up till the 30th September last, and that the whole
difference between you and himself amounted to $19.76. I then
requested him to cause an abstract of the items constituting this
difference to be furnished to me, which I shall examine without
delay.
Whilst this circular itself had become indispensably neces-
sary, I should certainly except from its operation " printed books
and maps," purchased by Ministers abroad, having a direct bear-
ing upon questions pending between this Government and that
to which they are accredited, or such as they may require for the
purpose of executing the instructions of this Department.
Since my conversation with Mr. Pleasonton, your quarterly
account, ending on the 31st December, has been received. I shall
see that it is speedily settled; and whatever items in it or your
former accounts can be allowed under the exception which I
have stated, shall be passed to your credit.
Your despatch No. 114, of the 26th ultimo, was received on
the 15th instant, and was immediately communicated to the Presi-
dent. In answer, he has instructed me to say, that he is highly
gratified with the ability displayed by you in the discussion of
the question of expatriation contained in your note to Lord
Palmerston of that date ; but he still entertains the opinion that
you should protest specifically against the two orders of the 2d
and 18th August last, issued under the authority of the Irish
Government, in accordance with my despatch to you of the 12th
instant, which was carefully prepared under his direction; and
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Great Britain, XV. 381.
Vol. VIII— 22
338 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
this more especially because the first made an offensive and invid-
ious distinction between " all persons coming from America,"
and those coming from any other foreign country ; and the second
because it made a distinction equally offensive and invidious
between our naturalized and native citizens.
I am, Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CRAMPTON.'
Department of State,
Washington, 17th Feby., 1849.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of
the 20th December last, with which you transmit a letter addressed
to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
by certain ship owners of Liverpool, who are engaged in the
business of carrying passengers from that port to the United
States, representing that notwithstanding the care taken by them
to comply with the regulations in force in the United States as to
the space to be allotted to each passenger, their ships are frequently
seized and detained in the ports of this country for being over-
crowded; and suggesting that the American Consuls in Great
Britain should be authorized to issue certificates of measurement,
or some official document of that description, which may enable
the ship owners to be certain that they have properly complied
with the regulations above referred to, and that their vessels will
not be subject to seizure or detention on arriving in the United
States.
In inviting the attention of the Department to this subject,
you add that Her Majesty's Government hope that the United
States Government may find it practicable to direct the adoption of
some arrangement such as that suggested in the enclosed letter,
in order that British ship owners may be enabled accurately to
conform to the American laws relating to the proper accommoda-
tion of passengers.
I have the honor to state in reply, that the legislation now
' MSS; Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 197.
1849] TO MR. CRAMPTON 339
in force here respecting passenger vessels, so far as it relates
to the immediate subject in question, is contained in the first
section of an act of Congress of 226. February, 1847, and the 8th
section of the act of the 17th of May, 1848. By the former, there
is allowed for each passenger a space, unoccupied by stores or
other goods, not being personal luggage, of fourteen clear super-
ficial feet of deck, if such vessel is not to pass within the tropics
during the voyage ; and if passing within the tropics, twenty clear
superficial feet of deck for each passenger ; and on the orlop deck,
(if any,) thirty clear superficial feet for each passenger. And
by the latter, it is provided that when the height or distance
between the decks of such vessels shall be less than six feet, and
not less than five feet, there shall be allowed to each passenger
sixteen clear superficial feet on the deck, instead of fourteen as
prescribed in said first section of the law of February, 1847; ^^'^
if the height or distance between the decks shall be less than five
feet, there shall be allowed to each passenger twenty-two clear
superficial feet on the deck.
Founded in motives of humanity, and principally designed
to guard immigrants against the cupidity of masters, charterers,
owners, and others engaged in this trade, who overcrowd their
vessels to the great inconvenience, and not infrequently to the
imminent peril of the health and even lives of the passengers, the
expediency of these enactments is not controverted. The partic-
ular point to which the representations of the Liverpool merchants
are addressed respects the practical application of these provisions
in the admeasurement of the vessel's deck, and the adoption of
some regulation by which the parties interested may be enabled
accurately to conform to them. Unfortunately, however, — even
if the laws in this respect are susceptible of improvement, — no
authority is vested in either of the executive branches of this
Government to meet the wishes of the memorialists in the way
they suggest. This could only be effected by the Congress of
the United States.
Under these circumstances, and trusting that a practical
remedy may be attainable, the whole matter will be referred to the
Secretary of the Treasury, who, if any thing can be done in our
own ports, will doubtless take every step within his power to
lessen or remove the difficulty complained of, and to render exist-
ing legal provisions relating to this subject of easy execution.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you. Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
340 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. CLIFFORD.'
(No. 14.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th February, 1849.
To Nathan Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I enclose you copies of two extraordinary notes addressed
by Mr. de la Rosa to myself on the 12th and 14th instant, together
with a copy of my answer to them dated on the 15th instant.
These, together with a copy of the Union of the 9th instant con-
taining the President's Message to the House of Representatives
on the subject of the " Protocol," which is also enclosed, will
enable you to make any explanations to the Mexican Government
which may become necessary.
For a few days the most absurd and unfounded rumors were
circulated in regard to this Protocol, and for a brief period made
some impression on the public mind. This has, I think, been
entirely removed by the publication of the President's Message
and the documents which accompanied it. Still, it would seem
that Mr. de la Rosa is highly excited on the subject, and may
therefore make representations to his Government which it will
be your duty to counteract. Your perfect familiarity with the
whole subject renders it unnecessary for me to make any further
observations respecting it.
I anticipate that Mr. de la Rosa will reply to my note of the
15th instant. If he should, I shall immediately transmit you a
copy of his reply with that of my rejoinder, should one become
necessary.
I hasten, in the midst of important and pressing avocations,
to send you this despatch at so early a period as to ensure its
transmission from New Orleans by the next British Steamer.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 122.
1849] TO MR. DAVIS 341
TO MR. DAVIS.'
No. 5. Department of State,
Washington, 17th Feb., 1849.
John W. Davis, Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatches to No. 8, inclusive, with the accompanying copies of
recent correspondence between yourself and the Imperial High
Commissioner.
The exemplary punishment which, at the date of your last
letter, seemed about to overtake the pirates engaged in the murder
of the late Reverend Mr. Lowrie, will, it is hoped, when inflicted,
strike terror into the hearts of a large class of Chinese subjects
who can only be acted upon by the fear of punishment ; and will
have a widely beneficial effect in preventing a recurrence of similar
outrages.
The course which you have pursued in regard to the case of
the Reverend Mr. Roberts appears to have been proper; but as
it would seem that the Chinese Government have finally re-
fused to pay him any indemnity, the case has reached a point
when it must be decided whether the claim shall be abandoned
or enforced ; and, if the latter, by what means. Under this new
aspect of the affair, I do not deem it proper to commit the new
administration, which will come into power in a little more than a
fortnight, by any instructions of mine on the subject.
Your instruction to the Consul of the United States at
Shanghai, respecting the hoisting of the American flag at his
Consulate, is approved by the President. Mr. Griswold's right
to do so appears to me to be incontestable, and it is not easily per-
ceived how the exercise of it can injuriously affect British inter-
ests. Under the peculiar circumstances attending the admission
of Mr. Wolcott into that part of the town set apart for the resi-
dence of the merchants of Great Britain, — a distinct commu-
nity,— he was morally bound to observe the regulations made for
the good order, security, and welfare of the whole society, where
these were not in conflict with his duties as an American oflicer.
If, therefore, the present Consul at Shanghai occupies the prem-
ises formerly in the possession of Mr. Wolcott, I cannot but hope
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, China, I. 59.
342 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
that he will take pleasure in conforming to these regulations, so
far as he can do so without injuring the interests of American
citizens or compr omitting the honor of his Government.
There is no authority in law warranting you to grant sea
letters, or any documents of a like character, to foreign vessels
purchased by Americans residing in China, designed to be used
in the coasting trade of that country. You were, therefore, per-
fectly right in declining to entertain the application to this effect
of John D. Sword & Co.
I am. Sir, respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. DONELSON.'
(No. 26.) Department of State,
Washington, 17th February, 1849.
Andrew J. Donelson, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your despatches Nos. 108, 109, no, in, 113, and 116 have
been received.
Your Nos. 113 and 116, received on the 15th Instant, were
submitted to the President in Cabinet Council to-day. After
mature consideration, he did not deem it proper to depart from
the ground occupied in my despatch to you. No. 22, of the 6th
November last.
Baron Roenne was received and recognised by the President
as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the
German Empire alone, on the 26th ultimo. His appointment as
Minister from Prussia must have been revoked. Baron Gerolt
certainly left this country under the conviction that Baron Roenne
had been appointed his successor. Indeed, he often stated this
fact to me, positively, in conversation.
Considering that the present administration is within two
weeks of its termination, — that the German Parliament have not
yet adopted a Constitution, — and that the establishment of the
German Empire is still, unfortunately, involved in doubt, the
President does not yet deem it expedient to transmit you full
^ MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Prussia, XIV. 146.
1849] TO MR. MURPHY 343
powers and instructions to conclude a Treaty of Commerce and
Navigation with that Empire.
Ardently desiring that the period may speedily arrive when
such a Treaty may be concluded,
I remain, yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
TO MR. JORDAN.'
Washington, 20th February, 1849.
Dear Sir: I have received your favor of the 3rd Instant;
and should the facts when they shall be ascertained raise the
question of international law which you have now so clearly pro-
pounded, the arrest of Mr. McManus will then well deserve the
serious attention of the Government.
I thank you for the copy of " the Nation " containing the
trial of Mr. McManus, which I have perused with deep interest.
This has been placed upon the files of the Department, with your
letters.
Yours Very Respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Matthew Jordan, Esquire.
Albany, New York.
TO MR. MURPHY.^
Department of State,
Washington, Feb: 20th, 1849.
John Murphy Esqre.
U. S. Consul, Cork.
Sir,
Referring to my Despatch to you of the 25th Ultimo, in
addition to the enquiries which you were thereby instructed to
make, I have now to request that you would ascertain and report
to the Department whether the American Ship " N. D. Chase,"
with Mr. McManus on board, had proceeded beyond British juris-
diction, and from what port she had cleared and sailed; also
•MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, no.
°MSS. Department of State, Despatches to Consuls, XII. 420.
344 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
whether after this she had been compelled by stress of weather
or any other cause to return within British Waters previous to
the Arrest. You will be careful to ascertain the day on which
Mr. McManus went on board, and the circumstances attending
it; when the Vessel sailed, how far she had proceeded on her
voyage, when and for what cause she returned, and the day when
and the place where he was arrested. As this information may
involve important consequences, you will be careful to obtain it
with as much accuracy as possible ; and report to the Department
with all practicable despatch.
I am. Sir, &c.
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
20th February, 1849.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred a resolu-
tion of the Senate of the 23d ultimo, requesting the President " to
transmit to the Senate, so far as is consistent with the public
service, any correspondence between the Department of State
and the Spanish authorities in the island of Cuba, relating to the
imprisonment in said island of WilHam Henry Bush, a citizen of
the United States," has the honor to report that there has been
no such correspondence as that referred to " between the Depart-
ment of State and the Spanish authorities in the island of Cuba."
He submits, however, all the correspondence between the consul
of the United States and the captain general of Cuba on that
subject, together with the instructions of this department to the
said consul, and a note addressed to it by the Spanish minister,
as coming within the spirit of the resolution.
James Buchanan.
'This report was sent by the President to the Senate, Feb. 23, 1849, and
was printed in S. Ex. Doc. 33, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. i.
1849] TO M. POUSSIN 345
TO MR. CRAMPTON/
Department of State,
Washington, 22d Feby., 1849.
John F. Crampton, Esqre.,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of the note which you did
me the honor to address to me on the 23d March last, in behalf of
certain inhabitants of Canada, relative to the placing of impedi-
ments in a position to interrupt the navigation of the waters con-
necting Missisquoi Bay with the river Richelieu; and, at the
same time, to transmit to you a copy of the letters written by me
to the Governors of New York and Vermont, respectively, on
the subject; replies to which have not yet reached the Department.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you. Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO M. POUSSIN.
Department of State,
Washington, 23d Feby., 1849.
Mr. William Tell Poussin,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
In answer to your several notes on the subject, I have the
honor to inform you that I have sent for Philip B. Key, Esquire,
the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, ex-
plained to him the nature of Mr. Marie's case, and requested him
to afford that gentleman his professional advice and assistance
against Mr. Favier. Mr. Key has promptly consented to comply
with my request, and will be prepared to institute the necessary
legal proceedings whenever Mr. Marie may call upon him for
this purpose. Under our laws these proceedings cannot be
commenced without the personal agency of Mr. Marie, and, if a
criminal prosecution should be deemed proper, without his oath.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration,
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Great Britain, VII. 201.
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 127.
346
THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN
[1849
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 26th February, 1849.
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the Sen-
ate's Resokition of the 3rd Ultimo, has the honor to report to
the President the accompanying " Hst of all the treaties of Com-
merce and Navigation, between the United States and Foreign
Nations, conferring upon the vessels of such nations the right
of trading between the United States and the rest of the world,
in the productions of every country, upon the same terms with
American vessels; with the date of the proclamation of such
treaties. Also, a list of the proclamations, conferring similar
rights upon the vessels of foreign nations, issued by the Presi-
dent of the United States under the provisions of the ist Section
of the Act entitled, ' An Act in addition to an Act entitled, " an
act concerning discriminating duties on tonnage and impost, and
to equalize the duties on Prussian vessels and their cargoes," '
approved May 24, 1848."'
Respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
List of Treaties, &c.
Name of country.
Denmark.
Sweden.
Hanse Towns.
Prussia.
Austria.
Russia.
Venezuela.
Greece.
Sardinia.
Ecuador.
Hanover.
Hanover.
New Granada.
Oldenburg.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
Date of Treaty.
April 26, 1826.
July 4, 1827.
December 20, 1827.
May I, 1828.
August 27, 1829.
December 6 and 18, 1832.
January 20, 1836.
December 10 & 22, 1837.
November 26, 1838.
June 13, 1839.
May 20, 1840.
May 10, 1846.
December 12, 1846.
March 10, 1847.
December 9, 1847.
Date of Proclamation.
October 14, 1826.
January 19, 1828.
June 2, 1828.
March 14, 1829.
February 10, 1831.
May II, 1833.
June 20, 1836.
August 30, 1838.
March 18, 1839.
September 23, 1842.
January 2, 1841.
April 24, 1847.
June 12, 1848.
April 24, 1847.
August 2,
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 278. This report was
sent by the President to the Senate, Feb. 27, 1849, and was printed in S. Ex.
Doc. 35, 30 Cong. 2 Sess. i.
1849] TO MR. LOUGHEAD 347
List of Proclamations, &c.
Date. Country.
Proclamation. June 3, 1829. Austria,
do. September 18, 1830. Oldenburg,
do. November 4, 1847. Brazil.
TO MR. CARVALLO.'
Department of State,
Washington, 27th February, 1849.
To Senor Don Manuel Carvallo, &c. &c. &c.
The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States,
has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note of Mr.
Carvallo, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of
the Republic of Chile, of the 19th ult., giving notice, pursuant to
the 31st article of the treaty of Navigation and Commerce con-
cluded at Santiago on the i6th of May, 1832, that his Govern-
ment desires to terminate that treaty, and that, in conformity
with the article referred to, the notice will take effect on the
20th of January, next.
The intimation which Mr. Carvallo also expresses that the
Chilean Government is disposed to renew the Treaty with some
modifications, shall be submitted to the consideration of the
President.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer
to Mr. Carvallo renewed assurances of his very distinguished
consideration.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. LOUGHEAD.^
Department of State,
Washington, February 27, 1849.
R. A. Loughead, Esq.
No. 29 South Fourth Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Sir: In reply to your letter of the 25th Instant on the
subject of passports for the transit through Mexico of the
' MSS. Department of State, Notes to Chilean Legation, VL 10.
°MSS. Department of State, 37 Domestic Letters, 114.
348 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
" Mutual California Company of Philadelphia," you are informed
that it would be better for each member of the' company to have
a passport, that their nationality might be known in case of need.
The enclosed circular relative to the issuing of them is sent for
your information. It is understood that persons travelling
through Mexico have permission to carry arms for self-defence,
provided the Companies do not assume a Military organization.
I regret that it is not in my power to furnish you the works
you request, but have no doubt if you were to apply to some
one of your representatives in Congress, that your wishes in this
particular would be gratified.
I am. Sir, respectfully &c.
James Buchanan.
TO M. POUSSIN.'
Department of State,
Washington, 28th Feby., 1849.
Mr. William Tell Poussin,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note
of the 14th December last, communicating the substance of two
claims which you prefer against this Government on the part of
M. Anselme Curnillon, a Frenchman residing in the neighbor-
hood of Vera Cruz, whose establishments near that place, it is
alleged, were pillaged and laid waste by the American volunteers,
in 1847.
These claims were immediately submitted to the Secretary
of War, who has made a report upon them to this Department,
accompanied with documents, copies of which I now have the
honor of transmitting to you.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you, Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.
James Buchanan.
'■ MSS. Department of State, Notes to French Legation, VI. 128.
1849] TO MR. GAINES 349
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State
Washington, ist March 1849.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resoki-
tion of the House of Representatives of the 23rd of December,
last, which is in the following words, " Resolved, That the
President of the United States cause to be transmitted to this
House, if compatible with the public interest, the correspondence
of George W. Gordon, late, and Gorham Parks, the present
Consul of the United States at Rio de Janeiro, with the Depart-
ment of State on the subject of the African Slave Trade, also
any unpublished correspondence on the same subject by the Hon:
Henry A. Wise, our late Minister to Brazil," has the honor to
lay before the President the papers mentioned in the subjoined
list, which embrace all those on file in this Department called
for by the Resolution.
Respectfully submitted.
James Buchanan.
To THE President of the United States.
TO MR. GAINES.^
(No. I.) Department of State
Washington, ist March, 1849.
Marcus Junius Gaines, Esquire.
Appointed United States Consul for Tripoli.
The bankers will be requested, moreover, to pay your drafts
for the contingent expenses of the Consulate, not to exceed the
sum of eight hundred dollars, per annum, to be in part expended
in occasional presents and gratuities to the officers of the Re-
gency according to the established usage of the place.
It was formerly customary to furnish Consuls of the
United States appointed to the Barbary Powers with a large
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 279; H. Ex. Doc. 61,
30 Cong. 2 Sess. 2. This report was transmitted by President Polk to the
Senate, March 2, 1849.
'MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Barbary Powers, XIV. 92.
350 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
sum of money for the purpose of procuring presents for the
Bey and for various officers of his Government. This custom
has been discontinued in reference to the other Barbary Powers,
and must be dispensed with, in regard to TripoH. Upon proper
explanations by you, should it become necessary, no just offence
can be taken by the Tripolitan Government, and accordingly no
such allowances will in future be made, the Department being
disposed, so far as the United States have commercial relations
Avith those Powers, to carry on that intercourse as nearly as
may be according to the manner adopted in our intercourse
with European States.
James Buchanan.
TO MR. CLIFFORD.'
(No. 15.) Department of State,
Washington, 2nd March, 1849.
To Nathan Clifford, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
Sir:
I enclose to you copies of two notes, the one of the 23d
and the other of the 24th tiltimo, received at the Department
from Mr. de la Rosa, since the date of my last despatch.
It is difficult to conceive what can be the object of Mr. de la
Rosa in pursuing so pertinaciously the question of the Protocol.
He nowhere states or even intimates in what particular the
explanations contained in it are, in his opinion, at variance with
the amendments of the Senate to the original Treaty. Indeed,
he expressly declares that he " will not enter into the discussion
of the question whether the explanation thus recorded in this
document and the understanding therein given to certain articles
of the Treaty are, or are not, at variance with the intention and
design of the Senate of the United States which modified those
articles."
The President, in his message to the House of Representa-
tives of the 8th February, last, expresses the opinion that these
explanations are in accordance with the Treaty, and gives his
reasons for this opinion. If this be correct, as we believe it to
' MSS. Department of State, Instructions, Mexico, XVI. 123.
1849] TO MR. CLIFFORD 351
be, then no practical question can ever arise between Mexico and
the United States on the subject of the Protocol. Why, then,
the pertinacity of Mr. de la Rosa? Does he not believe that he
has gained some advantage over Mr. Sevier and yourself by the
Protocol, but this of a character which he is unvialling to specify?
ITie first rumors circulated in this City concerning the
Protocol were that it had annulled the amendment of the Senate
striking from the Treaty the loth Article, and restored to gran-
tees of land in Texas all the rights which they would have
enjoyed under this article. These rumors were speedily dissi-
pated by the publication of the President's Message and the
accompanying documents. Still, it may be possible that the
Mexican Government, urged thereto by Mr. de la Rosa, will
insist upon this outrageous construction of the Protocol. At all
events, that Government should now be clearly and distinctly
reminded of the character of this instrument under the Consti-
tution of the United States, "although upon this subject it is
morally impossible they could have been mistaken. The notes
of Mr. de la Rosa to myself have rendered this necessary. As
you were one of the chief actors on the occasion, and are conse-
quently well acquainted with all the particulars, the President has
deemed it proper to entrust you with the performance of this
duty. Besides, this can be done more advantageously in Mexico
than Washington, because it is almost certain from the circum-
stances that Mr. de la Rosa has been acting without express
instructions, and I fear under unhappy influences, to which he is
peculiarly exposed from his entire ignorance of the English
language. Had he sought an interview with me upon the subject
in the first instance, instead of adopting the course which he
has pursued, it is probable I might have convinced him, that
although the Protocol is of no validity considered as a new
agreement between the parties, yet that the exposition of the
three points which it embraces is a fair and legitimate construc-
tion of the Treaty and ought to be entirely satisfactory to his
Government.
Mr. de la Rosa, in his note of the 24th ultimo, asserts that
" this Protocol is a real Diplomatic Convention concluded be-
tween the Government of Mexico and that of the United States,
and equally binding on both." And again: "In whatsoever
light the Protocol may be considered, the Undersigned firmly
believes that the Government of the United States cannot do less
than recognise in it a Diplomatic Convention, as obligatory as the
352 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
Treaty of Peace signed at Guadalupe." Now although the ex-
planations contained in the Protocol present, in my opinion, the
true exposition of the Treaty, yet if this were otherwise and they
should contain any new stipulation, any change or modification
whatever of any article in the Treaty, not in conformity with
its letter and spirit, to this extent they are an absolute nullity.
Under forms of Government where the Sovereign or Chief
Magistrate possesses exclusively the Treaty making power, he
may by a Protocol or any other instrument agree with the other
party to modify or change a Treaty in any manner he may think
proper after it has received his ratification. But under such
Governments as those of Mexico and the United States, where
the approval of the Congress under the Constitution of the
former and the advice and consent of the Senate under that of
the latter are necessary to give validity to Treaties, no change
can be made in any Treaty between such parties which has not
previously received the constitutional sanction of those respective
bodies. If this were not the case, diplomatic agents, on whom
it would be impossible to confer any such legitimate authority,
might, by means of a Protocol, usurp the powers of the American
Senate and bind the Govei^nment of the United States in express
violation of the Constitution. No case could be presented more
striking than the present to illustrate the absurdity of such a
pretension. Here is a Treaty which had been ratified by the
President of the United States by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, and had been approved by the Mexican
Congress; and yet the monstrous proposition is advanced, that
the diplomatic agents of the two Governments, by an agreement
in the form of a Protocol, possess the power to change, modify,
and annul the articles of this Treaty at pleasure. Had the
Mexican Government attached any serious importance to the
Protocol, their course was plain. The Congress of Mexico ought
to have approved and the President ratified the Treaty with
amendments. It would then have been returned to the Presi-
dent of the United States, who might, in his discretion, have
submitted it to the Senate for their advice and consent, and if this
had been given, he would again have ratified it in its amended
form. But without any resort to these constitutional sources of
power, it is now contended by Mr. de la Rosa that this mere
Protocol between the diplomatic agents of the two governments,
which has never received the sanction of the Senate of the one
or the Congress of the other, — which has never been and could
1849] TO MR. CLIFFORD 353
not be published by either Government as a part of the Treaty,
is " a Diplomatic Convention as obligatory as the Treaty of peace
signed at Guadalupe."
It is impossible that the Mexican Government could have
been ignorant of the provisions of the Constitution of the United
States in regard to the Treaty making power. They had at
different periods concluded Treaties with this Government. The
very form of our ratification of the Treaty in question, as well
as of all these former Treaties, must have taught them that the
President, without the advice and consent of the Senate, could
enter into no valid Treaty stipulation whatever with a foreign
Government. Much less were mere diplomatic agents, however
exalted in rank, competent to exert this high power of binding
the Government and people of the United States and declaring
what should be the supreme law of the land. That the Mexican
Government knew all this, is demonstrated by my letter of the
i8th March, 1848, to the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs.
From this I extract the following quotation : " Your Excellency
is doubtless aware that, under the Constitution of the United
States, ' the advice and consent of the Senate ' is necessary to
the validity of all Treaties, and that this must be given by a
majority of two thirds of the Senators present. Every Treaty
must receive the sanction of this august Executive Council, in
the manner prescribed by the Constitution, before it can be
binding on the United States."
And yet if rumor be correct, Mr. de la Rosa, in the face of
all this knowledge, will contend that the tenth article of the
Treaty, which he was informed in the letter just referred to had
proved so obnoxious to the Goverrmient of the United States that
the portion of it in regard to lands in Texas did not receive a
single vote in the Senate, has been revived in this very particular
by the paper called a Protocol, and is now to be held as sacred
as if it had received every vote of the Senate. It is to be hoped
that the Mexican Government will not adopt any such absurdity
upon the suggestion of their Minister.
When the Senate of the United States deem it proper to
make amendments to a Treaty, it often becomes an indispensable
though a delicate duty for the Secretary of State, under the
direction of the President, to afford to the Government of the
other party explanations of these amendments. In preparing
the letter of explanation to the Mexican Minister for Foreign
Affairs, I used the utmost caution and care and resorted to the
Vol. VIII— 23
354 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
best sources of infoi-mation. I am not aware that any portion
of this letter has ever been criticised, much less condemned. The
President considers that the explanations in the Protocol are in
conformity both with the Treaty and this letter. In communi-
cating with the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon the subject,
I trust, therefore, that you may be able to convince him that the
Protocol contains a correct exposition of the Treaty, and that
the Treaty thus explained secures to Mexico all her legitimate
rights, in the same manner and to the same extent as though
the Protocol had been made a part of the Treaty, under the
authority of the Mexican Congress and the Senate of the United
States.
It would be lamentable indeed should this question, which
does not appear to be of the least practical importance, produce
unkind feelings between the two Republics at a moment when
the future relations between them promise to be of the most
auspicious character.
Your despatches to No. 38, inclusive, have been received.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
James Buchanan.
TO THE PRESIDENT.'
Department of State,
Washington, 2d March 1849. •
To the President of the United States.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred a Resolu-
tion of the House of Representatives of the 20th Instant, re-
questing the President to communicate to that House, a list of
all Consuls, Vice Consuls, and Commercial Agents now in the
service of the United States, their residence, distinguishing such
as are citizens of the United States from such as are not, and
to inform the said House whether regular returns of their fees
and perquisites and the tonnage and commerce of the United
States within their respective consulates or agencies have been
regularly made by each, and to communicate the amount of such
fees and perquisites for certain years therein specified, together
'MSS. Department of State, Report Book, VI. 256; H. Ex. Doc. 60,
30 Cong. 2 Sess. 2. This report was transmitted on the same day by Presi-
dent Polk to the House.
1849] TO MR. PARKER 355
with the number of vessels and amount of tonnage which entered
and cleared within each of the Consulates and Agencies for the
same period, also the number of seamen of the United States
who have been provided for and sent home from each of the
said Consulates for the time aforesaid, has the honor to submit
the enclosed statements, which comprise all the information
which could, under the said resolution, be prepared at this
Department in time to transmit during the present session of
Congress.
Respectfully submitted,
James Buchanan.
List of Statements Enclosed.
No. I. Statement showing the names of the Consuls and Commercial
Agents of the United States — their places of residence — of what country a
citizen, and the amount of fees received by each in 1846 and 1847, as far as
is shown by the Returns received at the Department of State.
No. 2. Statement showing the number of destitute American Seamen who
have been provided for by U. S. Consuls and Commercial Agents in Foreign
ports; the number sent home whose passages have been paid by the Consuls,
and the Commissions allowed on their disbursements for the relief of said
seamen, during the fiscal years ending 30th June, 1846^ & 1847.
No. 3. Statement showing the number of destitute American Seamen
brought to the United States from the different Consulates and their depend-
encies, whose passages were paid at the Treasury, during the two fiscal years
commencing ist July, 1845, and ending 30th June, 1847.
TO MR. PARKER ET AL.^
Washington, 12 March 1849.
Gentlemen/
I have received your very kind invitation to a public dinner
proposed to be given to me by my political friends in this City,
on the occasion of my retirement from the Department of State.
The high estimate placed by you upon my public & private char-
acter, with which you have been long & intimately acquainted,
will be ever remembered with sentiments of profound gratitude.
The value of this testimonial is enhanced by the fact that it
'Although the Report Book in the Department of State reads "30th
Jan'y 1846," the tabulated statement following shows that the date should
read "30th June, 1846."
''Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
356 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
proceeds from Democrats in a private station whose worth &
intelligence are known to the whole community.
Whilst you do more than justice to the ability, — I feel
proudly conscious that you have not overrated the fidelity —
with which I have discharged my duties to the Country, in
Congress & in the .State Department. A Democrat from deep
conviction, the best years of my life have been devoted to the
defence & promotion of the great principles of the Democratic
party. Their ascendancy in the Legislative & Executive branches
of the Government has secured to us liberty, order, & unex-
ampled prosperity at home, and has elevated us to a high &
enviable rank among the most powerful nations of the earth.
Any serious departure from the line of public policy which has
been pursued by successive Democratic administrations, will, I
firmly believe, result in disastrous consequences to the people,
and excite dangerous jealousies & divisions among the States
of the Union ; whilst, should this policy continue to be our guide,
we shall soon surpass every other nation in wealth, power, &
prosperity. The day will not then be distant when to be an
American Citizen will constitute as proud a title & command as
much respect throughout the world as ever did the name of a
Roman Citizen. Whilst these are my deliberate sentiments,
they are not entertained in a prescriptive or unfriendly spirit
towards our political opponents, and especially those of this City.
Far, very far from it. Having been intimately acquainted with
the citizens of Washington of all political parties for a quarter
of a century, I can truly say, that in my opinion, a more
intelligent, moral, hospitable, & patriotic society does not exist
in any Country. I shall part from them with deep regret, and
next to the State which gave me birth, there is no place in
Christendom where I should more willingly pass the remainder
of my days.
You refer kindly to the course which I have pursued in the
Senate when measures touching the interests of the City of
Washington have been the subjects of Legislation. Whenever
I could support such measures without violating my obligations
to my own Constituents, this has been done, with hearty good
will. It is the duty & ought to be the pleasure of Congress, by
all Constitutional & proper means, to build up the permanent
capital of this great nation, which has been honored by the
name of the father of his Country.
Entertaining such sentiments, it would afford me cordial
1849] TO MR. CLAYTON 357
pleasure to accept your invitation & mingle with you around
the festive board : and I have, therefore, to regret that the time
which I must devote to the necessary arrangements incident to
my speedy removal from Washington renders this impracticable.
From your friend & fellow citizen
James Buchanan.
George Parker, B. B. French, John W. Maury, J. D.
Hoover, Jesse E. Dow, G. W. Phillips, John Boyle,
& B. B. Edmonston, Esquires, & others.
TO MR. CLAYTON."
Lancaster 9 April 1849.
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 6th Instant has been received. I have never
felt the least inclination to follow your own precedent and tell
you to go to the D — 1. Although you have played me a shabby
trick, yet I sincerely desire that you should serve your Country
with honor to yourself in the Department of State, and lead a
long and prosperous life in this world before the old gentleman
shall obtain his due.
Had you not been harassed by far more important and
pressing engagements, you would, doubtless, before you had
deprived Mr. Weaver of Mr. Glossbrenner's salary to which I
had appointed him, have informed me of the reasons why you
intended to make the change. Had this been done, I could have
assured you that you were mistaken in the facts; and, in any
event, all would have passed ofif smoothly.
It is impossible, with any regard to the public service, that
promotions can be made uniformly in the Department of State
according to seniority. Indeed I know not how I could have
got along at all without the aid of Mr. Hunter first and after-
wards Mr. Glossbrenner ; and had I remained in the Department,
I should have selected in Mr. Glossbrenner's place the ablest
writer and the best Scholar, especially with reference to a knowl-
edge of foreign languages, I could have found in the Country
for a salary of $1400.
From I\Tr. Derrick's letter I had feared that my note to Mr.
' Clayton MSS., Library of Congress.
358 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
Chew contained some incautious expression unintentionally com-
mitting myself to make promotions according to Seniority. I
have since obtained a copy of that note and am glad to find it
will bear no such construction.
It was my pride and my pleasure to treat all the clerks not
only with justice but kindness. The three who could alone be
affected by the appointment of Mr. Weaver were Mr. Reddall,
the younger Mr. Derrick, and Mr. Zantzinger ; all excellent clerks
in their permanent places. I had shewn my kindness to Mr.
Reddall and Mr. Zantzinger by urging actively and successfully
the passage of an appropriation for them of between 7 & 8
hundred dollars for extra services; and had greatly increased
my own labors by temporarily assigning the younger Mr. Derrick
to his brother's place at the head of the most important Diplo-
matic Bureau. The term " overslaughing " which you employ
can only apply to those who have a right to promotion, as in the
army or navy, according to Seniority, — a right which none of
your predecessors have found it possible to recognize in practice.
Had General Cass been elected, though I should not have
remained in the Department, it was my purpose to provide places
at higher salaries, in the other Departments, for Messrs. Derrick
and Zantzinger, where they could have been eminently useful.
This justice would have required ; and the salary of Mr. Reddall
ought to have been increased by Congress.
I shall not use the naughty word " untrue," which you have
employed in the conclusion of your letter, because I do not suffer
myself to get into a passion; but until I perused it, who could
blame me for applying the rule both of law and ethics that every
person is presumed to intend the fair consequences of his own
actions.
The subject is disagreeable and I shall say no more upon it.
Mr. Weaver will probably remain some time with your permis-
sion at $rooo; because by returning home, at the present moment,
both he and I would be placed in an awkward and almost
ridiculous position. I trust, however, that he may not long
prove a source of embarrassment to you ; and I unaffectedly
regret that I brought him from Meadville to Washington, and
this in a great degree because it has occasioned a misunder-
standing between us.
With sentiments of the highest respect, I remain
Yours sincerely
James Buchanan.
Hon. John M. Clayton.
1849] FROM MR. CLAYTON 359
P. S. In justice to Mr. Weaver, I ought to observe that
my letters have been written without any instigation on his part.
On the contrary, he has always spoken of you kindly and
respectfully, and I have no doubt he will do his best to serve
you in whatever position you may place him.
FROM MR. CLAYTON.'
Washington, April 14, 1849.
Dear Sir,
Late at night after a hard day's work, I sit down to pay my respects to
you. I am in a good humour with myself and you and all the world. So do
not expect your deserts.
The first part of your last letter, which informs me that the Devil will
get his due when my life of care and labour is ended, is capital. I shall
then be summoned to give evidence against you, and what a tale I shall be
compelled to tell on you! The Mexican protocol — the Brazilian quarrel — ■
the Spanish mission and projected purchase (a blunder worse than a crime)
— the violation of our neutrality law of 1818 and of the treaty with Denmark
by building a ship for the German confederation or rather fitting her out to
force the blockade of the Weser, all done by orders from Washington and
under the direction of an American commodore, with other enormities too
tedious to mention, and last (not least) your getting in a passion with an
old friend about a clerk — these will all rise up in judgment against you and
I shall be compelled
" Even to the teeth and forehead of your faults
To give in evidence."
If I go to the devil, it will be because I am here daily engaged in cover-
ing up and defending all your outrageous acts. I have already gone so far
in this, that I now feel that I am " little better than one of the wicked."
As to the protocol — Rosa & I are in a quarrel about that. I have replied
to his two last notes to you and told him we will never acknowledge that
his protocol is of any value. If I have not proved it to be moonshine, I have
made a great failure.
Baron Von Roenne's ship may go out on his assuring me she will not
violate our neutrality. And (hark in your ear,) if he does not give me that
assurance, the law may take its course without my interfering to save his
ship. Do you not seriously feel ashamed of your part in that business?
Make a clean breast to me, and I will make the best of your case when
called upon to prove old Nick's title to you.
The Brazilian Macedo laboured hard to revive your naughty discussion
about Lieut. Davis and the drunken seamen in Rio. I refused to revive it,
assumed that you were altogether right (God assoilzie me for that!) and
dismissed him with compliments !
^Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
360 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
What will you give me to recall Romulus Saunders from Spain? Speak
out— do not be bashful. Shall I try to buy Cuba after you have made such 4
botch of that business? Do you still wish like Sancho to have an island?
What ought to be done with Mr. Reynolds?
As to young Weaver, he minds his business and will be contented &
happy, provided his great uncle will let him alone. I have turned out Lund
Washington, who figured with other politicians at Jackson Hall, put Hill in
his place, and procured an able lawyer to be Librarian & Commission Clerk
who can assist me in hunting up law to cover your manifold delinquencies.
When you come to Washington (which I hope may soon happen) do
not bear malice, but come to my House and stay with me. I am in your
shoes now fully, and you can do yourself great credit by showing me how
to wear them gracefully.
Kindly & Sincerely yours
John M. Clayton.
TO MR. CLAYTON.'
Lancaster 17 April 1849.
Dear Sir/
Your letter of the 14th has afforded me sincere pleasure;
although I deny your right to select the tribunal before which
I shall be tried. What chance, Christian man as I am, could
I expect, you being the witness & accuser, before a Judge con-
cerning whom it has passed into a proverb that he is always
partial to his own ? In vain might I allege in my defence that
the protocol was necessary for the glorification of my successor,
as without it he would have had no adequate opportunity to
display his patriotism to the world & exhibit his ability & skill
in a diplomatic encounter with the illustrious & far famed Don
Luis de la Rosa; — that the Brazilian quarrel which gave fair
promise at one time of producing a tempest in a Teapot was
virtually settled by your predecessor in the only effectual manner
by assuming a just & lofty attitude in support of the lamb-like
Wise ; — and that the late glorious Loco Foco administration had
played into your hand by committing itself in favor of acquiring
" the gem of the ocean " for which you are now longing. It
must be admitted that a more skilful agent might have been
selected to conduct the negotiation in Spain, as our present
minister speaks no language except English, & even this he
sometimes murders ; but you ought not to complain, because the
contrast will be so striking between him & the world renowned
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1849] TO MR. CLAYTON 361
Col: I. W. W. that this alone would be sufficient to immortalise
the administration of " old Zach."
We must have Cuba. We can't do without Cuba, & above
all we must not suffer its transfer to Great Britain. We shall
acquire it by a coup d'etat at some propitious moment, which
from the present state of Europe may not be far distant. How
delighted then am I to feel that you have selected a diplomatist
& fit for the work, — one who, possessing no vanity himself &
knowing when to speak & when to be silent, is so well calculated
to flatter the pride of the Dons, — who by the gentle arts of
insinuation & persuasion can gradually prepare the queen mother,
the ministers & courtiers for the great surrender,— & who above
all is a perfect master both of the language of Louis le Grand &
of the knight of the rueful countenance. Cuba is already ours.
I feel it in my finger ends.
The glory of fitting out a vessel of war for the German
empire belongs to the Navy Department; and I am glad to
perceive that no partiality for the patronising Whig Bodisco nor
dread of his Imperial master will cause you to arrest our im-
portant commerce in ships, since you have determined that the
word of Baron Roenne shall prevent the execution of our
neutrality laws. Great Britain, I perceive, is, also, furnishing
steamers for the use of the German navy. Prussia will probably
reap the benefit of the concern.
If I were to consult my personal predilection, although you
are but little better than one of the wicked, I should rather stay
at your house, when I visit Washington, than any where else.
But this I cannot do for two reasons : i . Your Whiggery might
be suspected should I become your guest, & 2. I have not yet
learned, though I am learning, " to look upon blood & carnage
with composure." Alas poor Washington !
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
Hon : John M. Clayton.
P. S. I may have occasion to visit Washington for a day
or two in June: & if so, shall most certainly do myself the
pleasure of spending an hour with you should your engagements
permit.
362 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
TO MR. TOUCEY.i
Wheatland, near Lancaster, i June 1849.
My dear Sir/
It is now nearly three months since we separated at Wash-
ington, & yet we have had no more intercourse with each other
than though we were strangers. Indeed I have not had a hne
from any member of the late Cabinet except Governor Marcy.
As it is my sincere desire to keep the chain of friendship bright
between us, I have determined to break the ice & open a cor-
respondence with you.
I am now residing at this place, which is an agreeable
country residence about a mile & an half from Lancaster. If
yoii should at any time visit Washington, I hope you may not
fail to come this way. There is a better rail road from Phila-
delphia to Baltimore, via Lancaster, than by the direct route:
& you would pass through a beautiful country. I should be
delighted with a visit from Mrs. Toucey & yourself.
I can say in all sincerity that I am contented & even happy
in my retirement. Since 1 left Washington, I have led a more
idle & worthless life than at any former period. It is true I
have read a great deal; but this only for amusement. I intend
now to turn over a new leaf.
For the character of the Country, I regret that the adminis-
tration of General Taylor has been so prescriptive. Pledges
solemnly made by a candidate for the highest office under
the sun ought to be sacredly redeemed. If these can be
violated with impunity, then all faith in public men is at an end:
& a struggle for the Presidency must become a game of false
promises. What will then become of public virtue? It is true,
these pledges ought never to have been made, & there would
have been great difficulty in resisting the assaults of hungry office
hunters : but the old General ought to have weighed well the
consequences before he committed his honor.
On yesterday I received a letter from an intelligent &
ztiell informed friend in the City of Mexico under date of the
14th ultimo. He says that Mr. Clifford " is most deservedly
popular with his Countrymen & influential & popular with the
Mexican Government & people." He informs me that the
protocol is perfectly understood in Mexico just according to our
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1849] TO MR. HOOVER 363
interpretation of it & he "' knows that Mr. Rosa has acted in
whatever he has done without instructions from his Government
on this subject." He proceeds — " So far as I can judge from
reports from the U. S., he has been made a cat's-paw to gratify
the vindictive feehngs of one who it pains me to see has not
hesitated to strike over the heads of some who had claims on him
for better things, & even to disregard the ashes of a long &
intimate political friend, to reach the President who I presume
to have been the object of attack."
I cordially congratulate you upon the recent success of the
Democratic party in Connecticut. I think we shall elect our
Canal Commissioner in October next, & entertain no doubt of
our success, should an unobjectionable candidate be nominated at
Pittsburg. The Democratic party are still in the majority in
this State; but in order to bring out our strength we must
consult their wishes in the selection of candidates. The time has
passed when a nomination is equivalent to an election even for
State offices, not to speak of U. S. offices.
Please to remember me most kindly & respectfully to Mrsi.
Toucey & believe me ever to be sincerely your friend
James Buchanan.
Hon. Isaac Toucey.
TO MR. HOOVER.'
Private.
Wheatland 4 July 1849.
My dear Sir/
I have just received your kind letter of the 29th ultimo,
postmarked July 3d, & hasten to give it an answer before setting
out for the Bedford Springs. Had I received it, with the Re-
public, sooner, I might have deemed it necessary to cause an
article to be prepared in reply. A week has now passed & I do
not consider it worth the while.
The ■' drop of blood lie " has been often refuted : & finally
in my absence by a large number of the most respectable Demo-
crats & Whigs of Lancaster Avhen the charge was made against
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Of J. D. Hoover,
J. Buchanan Henry, Esq., in a letter to the editor, says that he was " marshal
of the District of Columbia under President Pierce ; was a good Democrat,
and a friend of Mr. Buchanan."
364 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
me in the Convention to reform our Constitution. I did serve
as a volunteer in the war with Great Britain & this the Repubhc
does not deny. That I dehvered an oration, not zvhilst the war
was raging, but after the peace, containing some things which I
regret, on the 4th July 181 5, — now thirty-four years ago, is
certain. Mr. Gregg never zvas a federalist. The truth is that
my family were federal; & I commenced life under that name.
The war was declared against Great Britain whilst I was a
student at law; & outraged at the course of the Eastern fed-
eralists, the very first public speech I ever made was in favor of
raising volunteers to march against the enemy, & I was the first
man of the assemblage to volunteer myself. As soon as I
directed my mind to the subject of politicks, I became a Democrat,
& for at least a quarter of a century, through good & evil report,
I have employed all my powers in support of Democratic prin-
ciples. So uniform & consistent have I been, that my enemies
are obliged to go back more than a quarter of a century to find
charges of the least plausibility against me ; & these are confined
to such statements as are contained in the Republic.
From the few numbers I have seen of this paper, it is a
poor concern & will before very long die the death of the Whig.
It is my purpose in the course of the present year to have
a volume of my select speeches published commencing in 1822:
& probably a sketch of my life may precede them. These & it
will shew what I have been & what I am. In the mean time, I
consider it best not to notice the Republic.
I regret that I did not see you whilst I was in Washington.
The weather was so hot & I was so oppressed by it that I was
glad to make my escape after I had transacted the private
business which took me there.
In haste, I remain
Very respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
J. D. Hoover.
P. S. I rejoice that you did not go to California.
1849] FROM MR. BLAIR 365
FROM MR. BLAIR.'
Silver Spring, 22 Nov. 1849.
My dear Sir:
It touches me sensibly to observe in your note, that the deep grief felt
at the loss of a sister awakens regrets for our estrangement. Nothing costs
a kind heart severer pangs, than alienation from the friend of many years,
at a time of life too late to make new attachments. Hence I never com-
plained to you nor of you, unwilling to allow political repulsions to be
ripened into personal ill-will, by heated controversy, which, from your posi-
tion, I foresaw would be inevitable if I expressed my dissatisfaction. I
silently dropped the intimacy, which had been a source of so much gratifica-
tion to me. It is due, however, since you ask it, that I should let you know
how my mind has been impressed.
It was a long time before you were connected in my suppositions with
Mr. Polk's ungrateful & insidious treatment of the great & good men who
gave him his public consequence. His heartless sacrifice of the most anxious
wishes of the noble old chief who raised his inferiority through successive
distinctions to the highest (the overthrow of the Press which the General
had built up with such fond hopes for the vindication of his policy— the dis-
mission of friends for whom he implored with the feeble pen which showed
it was the last boon he could ever ask) could not have accorded well with
the sympathies you were known to entertain. Nor could the sinister policy
which gave the enemies of Van Buren & Wright the power of the adminis-
tration to sap their strength at home, at the hazard of ruining the Democratic
party, have had your approbation. Every body perceived the selfish design,
and you not less evidently than others, because the same policy was brought
to bear on you in your own State. Everywhere the leading men of the party
were to be undermined in their strongholds by local rivalries, that the
re-election of the presidential incumbent might become a party necessity.
It was in the case of Col. Benton that I first had reason to believe that
you entered into this policy of Mr. Polk; whether as likely rather to enure
to your own advantage, is a suggestion that might not have entered into
the calculation, inasmuch as public considerations may, with you, have had
controlling weight. Mr. Polk's prospects, however, were well nigh extin-
guished, when he threw himself on Colo. Benton's counsels, to deliver him
in that crisis of the Mexican war when the frontier conquests promised
nothing but an eternal border foray. The plan of the Whigs — of Genl.
Taylor — of Calhoun — and it is believed of the cabinet for the most part, was
a defensive war of Posts, which must have out-lived the administration &
ended its career overwhelmed with the country's dissatisfaction. Colo.
Benton's plan of operations, (striking at the heart of Mexico in her capital)
being adopted, put an end to the war — ^bringing with it extensive conquests,
guarantied by a treaty of peace instead of a war of posts. Mr. Polk after
appropriating Col. Benton's bold conception and adopting his written chart,
to carry it out, asked him to take upon himself the execution & proposed
to him the Lieutenant Generalship. That this failed, though favored by the
people's immediate Representatives, through latent jealousy producing a
'Buchanan Papers, 'Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
betrayal in the quarter whence the proposal came, is pretty generally
believed. When the Senate by an unhesitating confirmation of Col. Benton
as Major General gave the power & threw the responsibility on the admin-
istration of clothing him with the command in chief which had been offered
by it, in the first instance, the real state of feeling in the cabinet was
revealed. It was at the point of time when this matter was just decided
that I met you on my way to Col. Benton's to ascertain the result. On
learning my errand, you smiled somewhat jeeringly and exclaimed, "Why,
Mr. Blair, do you think the Colonel at his time of life capable of such a
command ? " The conversation which ensued left no doubt as to the result
& that you had contributed to it.
Apart from the bad faith to Colo. Benton or its effects on himself, the
selfish motives of the course adopted & its consequences to the democratic
party were enough to array all its true hearted friends against the plotters
in power. The Whigs were to have the command in the war. The Demo-
crats were obliged to bear whatever responsibility might attach to it; and
the Administration fancied, doubtless, that the democratic party would place
the glory of the achievements of the Whig Leaders to the account of those
who were at the head of affairs, and who were also charged with the party's
interests & identified with its success : whereas those managers saw, that if
Democratic Generals led our armies to victory, they might supplant the
power at Washington in the affections of its supporters, on all the considera-
tions upon which they relied themselves. But what a fond calculation, to
put the whole military power & treasure of the country in the hands of
political enemies with democratic armies to lead, & to suppose that the
masses would carry their exploits and lay them at the feet of a board of
Secretaries far from the field of action. The Administration notwithstand-
ing was, doubtless, encouraged in its course by the thought that their party
friends would be reluctant to give Scott & Taylor the glories of a war on
which one had turned his back at the threshold and the other prosecuted
reluctantly with a protest against having advised it. But the President and
his friends were sure that if Benton or any other eminent Democrat who
had declared the war & boldly supported it in debate, were to bring it to a
triumphant close, the laurels gathered round his brow might crown him
with the highest honor of the Republic. There was more danger, then, it was
thought, in Benton or Houston than in Taylor or Scott, achieving democratic
victories.
The denouement of this policy is now upon us, but I apprehend we have
only " the beginning of the end." It is a sad sight to witness the simple but
noble structure built up & consecrated to Democracy by Jackson, Van Buren,
Wright, Benton, Buchanan, & other illustrious Statesmen undermined & over-
thrown by the selfish schemes of an administration, — striking down the man
by whom it was installed, — a very sorry sight even for one who only carried
a hod in the building. But what may we not expect, when we have already
seen that devoted party whose spirit & patriotism have triumphed in all the
wars of the country, & recently enriched it by conquests extending from
ocean to ocean, marched under the Caudine forks of federalism & made to
surrender the govt, to an opposition which has been at heart against the
Republic in every battle since the Revolution.
But I am now a dead man in politics, and would not revive buried griefs.
1849] TO MR. BLAIR 367
Your letter has called up the bitterest — that of making Scott and Taylor
heroes at the expense of the life's blood of a party that owed them no such
sacrifice. I would rather remember the friendly offices & kindly social feeling
exhibited during my intercourse with the chiefs of my party, in their happier
days. With none of them have I enjoyed more cheerful pleasant hours than
with you. I would gladly renew our friendly meetings. In the meantime
I recur with pleasure, as you say you do, to " auld lang syne " — in its remem-
brance banishing the present.
With offerings of tender sympathy for your late bereavement I am.
Dear Sir,
Cordially your friend
F. P. Blair.
TO MR. BLAIR.'
Wheatland 27 November 1849.
My DEAR Sir/
I received, on yesterday evening, your favor of the 22d
Instant: & most heartily do I rejoice that our ancient friendly
relations have been restored, never again, I trust, to be inter-
rupted. I shall ever consider that it was a fortunate inspiration
which prompted me to take the first step towards such a gratify-
ing result.
There are some parts of your letter which might excuse me
for making an extended answer; but I am determined both now
& hereafter to avoid any discussion which might by possibility
revive unpleasant feelings. Besides, my delicate relations as a
member of Mr. Polk's cabinet would prevent me from speaking
of what occurred in Cabinet Council.
Still duty to myself impels me again explicitly to declare
that I have never wronged in thought, word, or deed : & further
to state that up till the day of Mr. Wright's death, he had reason
to know I was his sincere & devoted friend both personally &
politically. As a public evidence of this, you are aware that
without hesitation, I assumed the responsibility of changing the
printer of the laws from the Argus to the Atlas simply because
the latter was his friend & the former his opponent. Of all the
public men I have ever known, he combined the soundest head
with the warmest heart.
It is my duty to say one word concerning the conduct of
the late President in regard to the Lieutenant Generalship. If
" Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
368 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1849
I were called upon in a Court of Justice to give testimony, I
should be obliged to declare it as my opinion, from all I ever
saw or heard, that he is guiltless of the imputation of having by
any means, direct or indirect, endeavored to defeat the Bill
before the Senate. From a high, it may have been a mistaken
sense of public duty, I was opposed to placing any civilian at
the head of the army, & this I did not conceal from Col: Benton
himself. In arriving at this conclusion I can truly say that all
my personal feelings were in conflict with my judgment. After
the President, however, had determined upon the measure, I
never either directly or indirectly attempted to thwart or oppose
it in either branch of Congress. Upon recurring to the ayes &
noes in the Senate, I find that every Democrat present voted
against laying the Bill on the table except Messrs. Butler &
Calhoun of South Carolina & Yulee of Florida: & surely these
three votes may be accounted for without supposing that Mr.
Polk desired or attempted to defeat this Bill. I know that he
expected the votes of Mr. Crittenden & some other Whig
Senators in its favor.
But enough & more than enough of this. With you I
deplore the fatal effects of the dissensions wliich have arisen in
the glorious old Democratic party at the head of which stood
the noblest Roman of them all, sustained by a Press which
has not since been equalled & in this country has never been
surpassed. For my own part, so intent was I on giving to Mr.
Van Buren an unanimous nomination in 1844, that in December,
1843, 1 publickly declined being a candidate in order that he might
from the beginning obtain the vote of Penna. in the Convention.
The Texas question was the Grecian horse that entered our
Camp. It came there without any previous knowledge on my
part : & I have always believed that had you been then in sound
health, we should have been saved from this calamity.
Nothing would afford me more sincere pleasure than to wel-
come Mrs. Blair & yourself to Wheatland. I cannot expect the
pleasure of such a visit during the winter; but if we all should
live until the next summer, I shall take no denial. You often
go North, and there is an excellent & well conducted rail road
from Baltimore to Lancaster & from thence to Philadelphia.
In sincerity & truth, I remain your friend
James Buchanan.
Francis P. Blair.
1850] TO W. R. KING 369
1850.
TO W. R. KING.'
Wheatland 6 March 1850.
My dear Sir/
I wish you to be my Mentor & I now write to you for
advice. It is my determination to publish a letter on the Slavei"y
question, if I thought it would do good ; but the Missouri Com-
promise must be the basis of this letter, should I publish at all.
I observe that Mr. Foote is convinced that his Committee will
settle the whole difficulty. What is the plan? If it should be
different from that Compromise, my letter might do harm instead
of good. Besides, if the South should yield, without any per-
mission express or implied, the liberty to take slaves to any
portion of the territory, this would place me in a most embar-
rassing position at the North, for then I should go further than
they require. The Baltimore resolutions are very tame &
coming from a slave holding State will do harm.
My letter, for it is already prepared, goes against
1. The agitation, of which I give a history.
2. Against the Wilmot Proviso.
3. Against the abolition of Slavery in the District.
4. In favor of an efficient Act concerning fugitives & of
the repeal of all counteracting State Laws.
5. In regard to the territories, — it goes in favor of running
the Missouri Compromise to the Pacific, through California, &
admitting that portion North of 36° 30' as a State, admitting
the right of the South to carry their Slaves South of it.
6. It does not oppose the settlement of the whole question
contemporaneously if the South should agree to it by admitting
all California; measures being at the same time taken to admit
a State from Texas, the Missouri Compromise however to be
applicable to the remainder of the Territory.
I have prepared the letter with care & I think it would do
some good in this region ; but to do any thing efficient towards
the settlement of the question, it must not be in opposition to or
in conflict with the plan of settlement which may be adopted at
Washington.
I ought to add that finally I say the admission of California
^ Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Vol. VIII— 24
370 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
per se would not be an injury to the South of a character which
would justify the dissolution of the Union.
Will you be kind enough to put on your considering cap &
advise me. I am exceedingly pressed to publish, & would, there-
fore, thank you to write me as soon as convenient & consider
this perfectly confidential, as your letter shall be considered
by me.
Please to remember me in the very kindest terms to Mrs.
Ellis, & give my love to Margaret, & believe me always to be
sincerely & respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
Col: King.
P. S. I regretted some parts of Mr. Calhoun's speech very
much but was not astonished. If the South depend upon Web-
ster, I venture to predict they will depend on a broken reed;
but right glad will I be, should it prove to be otherwise. The
appointment of his son is ominous.
TO MR. KING.'
Wheatland 15 March 1850.
My dear Sir/
I have just received the National Intelligencer of yesterday
morning, & in looking over the proceedings of the Senate, I
find that Mr. Seward said, — '"' I think it was Jefferson who said
that the natural ally of Slavery in the South was the Democracy
of the North."
" Mr. Hale. It was Mr. Buchanan who said so."
Now, I have been greatly injured by the circulation of
brief, short sentences falsely attributed to me, witness the drop
of blood lie, & I have no doubt, unless this is put to rest on the
floor of the Senate, the abolition & free soil papers of the North
will have this sentence placarded in all their papers :
" The natural ally of Slavery in the South is the Democracy
of the North." James Buchanan.
General Cass & Mr. Foote were very ready to defend Mr.
Jefferson, but did not say a word about your absent friend.
The only observation which according to my best recollec-
" Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1850] FROM MR. DAVIS 371
tion I ever made that would give the least color to such an
imputation is to be found in my speech on the veto power de-
livered in the Senate of the United States on the 2d February,
1842, reported in the Appendix to the Congressional Globe for
that year, page 133. The particular portion of this speech to
which I refer you will find in page 137. It begins with the fol-
lowing sentence : — " Let me suppose another case of a much
more dangerous character," &c. &c.
I shall be very happy indeed to have the whole of this para-
graph read. I don't retract a word of it; but glory in it. This,
however, affords no foundation for the charge.
I may have said upon other occasions in the Senate, for I
have often said it in conversation, that beyond the limits of the
Slave States themselves, the Slaveholders have no friends or
allies to stand by their constitutional rights except the Democracy
of the North. This is true to the letter & has been true for many
years.
You might discover to what speech of mine Hale refers.
I have no fear that he can shew any such expression of mine
anywhere.
I am sorry to give you this trouble, but to whom else can I
refer to put me right but yourself.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
Hon : Wm. R. King.
P. S. If you choose, please to shew this letter to Col : Davis.
I know he would always be willing to defend an absent friend.
FROM MR. DAVIS."
Senate Chamber, isth March, 1850.
J. B. Buchanan
My dear Sir: I have delayed for some time a purpose not any time
abandoned of writing to you on a matter concerning both of us & yourself
particularly.
Soon after you left here, Mr. Cameron called on me and questioned the
propriety of my remarks made in relation to yourself in connection with the
Mo. Compromise. He produced an old newspaper in which an account was
given of a meeting in Lancaster, say in 1820. Among other resolutions my
attention was called to one taking decided ground against slavery, especially
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
372 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
against the admission of any more slave states. I saw the paper but once
and do not very clearly remember its contents.
I informed Mr. C. that I would write to you, as a matter of justice to
you and myself.
And now having commenced I will further say that it is reported here
that you recoiled from the proposition to extend the Mo. Comp. line with
the admission of the right to take slaves into the territory south of that
line. Thus you are unfavorably compared with Mr. Cass, who has, it is
reported, said to friends that he would go thus far.
As ever your friend
Jefferson Davis.
TO MR. DAVIS.'
Private & confidential.
Wheatland i6 March 1850.
My dear Sir/
I was in Town this afternoon & receiving your letter there
I gave it a hasty answer, provoked thereto by the conduct of
Cameron.
So far from having in any degree recoiled from the Missouri
Compromise, I have prepared a letter to sustain it written with
all the little ability of which I am master. You may ask, why
has it not been published? The answer is very easy. From a
careful examination of the proceedings in Congress, it is clear
that non-intervention is all that will he required by the South.
Webster's speech is to be the basis of the compromise; — it is
lauded to the echo by distinguished Southern men; — and what
is it? Non-intervention, & non-intervention simply because the
Wilmot Proviso is not required to prevent the curse of Slavery
from being inflicted on the territories. Under these circum-
stances it would be madness in me to publish my letter & take
higher ground for the South than they have taken for them-
selves. This would be to out-Herod Herod & to be more South-
ern than the South. It could do no good ; but might do much
mischief.
The truth is the South have got themselves into a condition
on this question from which it appears to me now they cannot
extricate themselves. My proposition of the Missouri Compro-
mise was at once abandoned by them: and the cry was non-
intervention. They fought the battle at the last Presidential
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1850] TO MR. DAVIS 373
election with this device upon their banners. The Democracy of
Pennsylvania are now everywhere rallying to non-intervention.
They suppose, in doing this, they are standing by the South in
the manner most acceptable to their Southern brethren. Our
Democratic Journals are praising the speech of Webster because
all the appearances are that it is satisfactory to the South. It is
now too late to change front with any hope of success. You
may retreat with honor upon the principle that you can carry
your slaves to California & hold them there under the Constitu-
tion & refer this question to the Supreme Court of the United
States. I am sorry both for your sakes & my own that such is
the condition in which you are placed.
I say for my oivn sake, because I can never yield the position
which I have deliberately taken in favor of the Missouri Com-
promise; & I shall be assailed by fanatics & free-soilers, as long
as I live, for having gone further in support of the rights of
the South than Southern Senators & Representatives. I am com-
mitted for the Missouri Compromise; & that committal shall
stand.
Should there be any unexpected change in the aspect of
affairs at Washington which would hold out the hope that the
publication of my Missouri Compromise letter would do any
good, it shall yet be published. I was about to write more ; but
this letter is long enough.
It may be & doubtless was the fact that in 1819 or 1820
my name was placed on a Committee which reported the resolu-
tions to which that scamp General Cameron refers. I was then
a young man — had a great veneration for the chairman of the
Committee as my l^al preceptor, & probably was under the
influence of the excitement then universal in Pennsylvania. I
first went to Congress in December, 1821 ; & throughout my
whole public career have been uniform in maintaining the just
constitutional rights of the South. I have made more speeches
on this subject both on the floor of the Senate & at home than
probably any other man now living. One of them I now enclose
to you marked, which fell into my hands last evening whilst I
was looking for other matters.
I wish you would read my speech through on the Veto
Power. It is the only one I ever made which fully pleases
myself.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
Hon : Jefferson Davis.
374 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
P. S. Why did not the Southern gentlemen agree upon a
common basis of settlement? Please to let me hear from you
soon. I am invited very specially to a wedding in Washington
& probably I may be there for one day on the 9th April. Would
to Heaven that General Taylor might come out in favor of the
Missouri Compromise! I should glory in .sustaining him.
FROM MR. KING.'
Washington City, March 20, 1850.
My dear Sir:
You will see by the papers of this morning that on yesterday I called
the attention of that scamp Hale to the statement he made on the 13 Inst, in
the Senate. It was not heard by me at the time it was made, nor do I
believe it was by any of your friends on this side of the House ; or it would
certainly have been contradicted instantaneously. You will perceive that Hale
proposes to make good his assertion, but I scarcely think he will attempt it,
after having heard your remarks read by Col. Davis, in whose hands I had
placed the Congressional Globe for that purpose. I had written thus far
when Hale informed me that he had written for information to sustain his
statement, and that he felt confident he would be able to do so. Should he
attempt it, you may rest assured that no injustice shall be done you, if
your Friends in the Senate can prevent it. Col. Davis has shewn me your
letters to him. I was before fully aware of the hostile movements of that
unprincipled intriguing fellow Simon Cameron. He has long been your
enemy; but I trust his entire destitution of all political principle, and I
would add in my opinion moral honesty, is too well understood in Pennsyl-
vania to enable him to injure you. I know no man more unfortunate than
yourself in having his opinions on this Slavery question tortured and mis-
represented, to subserve their selfish purposes. I doubt not you will live
them down, and that your patriotic course will in the end be appreciated by
the American people.
Your Friend sincerely
William R. King.
HoNL. James Buchanan.
TO MR. KING.'
Wheatland 20 March 1850.
My dear Sir/
I have this moment received your favor & hasten to make
my warm & grateful acknowledgments to Colonel Davis & your-
self for the able & judicious manner in which you have defended
me.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1850] TO MR. KING 375
It seems that Hale has written for information to sustain
his statement, which is that I had said " that the natural ally of
Slavery in the South was the Democracy of the North." To
whom or where has he written? The man who could carry in
his pocket the proceedings of a public meeting held more than
thirty years ago to prove that I was now opposed to the Missouri
Compromise & the admission of any more Slave States into the
Union, for the piU"pose of poisoning the mind of Col: Davis
against me, would be capable of going to Mr. Hale, on the other
side, & informing him that 1 had made the declaration imputed
to me. That same man can doubtless purchase a cei-tificate from
individuals to this effect. He & Senator Cooper are bosom
friends, — " two bodies with one soul inspired." His son &
Cooper are partners in the practice of the law at Pottsville, &
it is through the agency of Cooper that he expects to obtain
the united Whig vote in the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which
with a few fishy Democrats whom he may seduce will, he hopes,
in case our majority should be small, re-elect him to the Senate.
I venture to say that should the Collector of Philadelphia be his
friend, the patronage will be used & the effort will be untiring to
elect Whigs from the County of Philadelphia who will vote for
Cameron.
All his efforts will, however, in any event be vain: and
General Cass has greatly injured himself in this State by his
supposed identification with General Cameron.
But to the point : — every effort will be made to fasten that
short sentence upon me for the purpose of injuring me in the
North.
I made many speeches both before the Presidential election
of 1840 & 1844. In all of them, I believe, without exception, I
assailed the abolitionists. This was both just & politic. It was
my desire & purpose to keep them down in Pennsylvania. I
doubtless did say, more than once, after delineating the dangers
to the Union which might result from the accursed spirit of
abolition, that the South had no allies throughout the world,
save the Northern Democracy, in maintaining their constitutional
rights on the question of Slavery. This I believed then & to a
very great extent I believe now. The purpose, however, is to
prove that I am the advocate of slavery per se : and it is possible
that some abolitionists or free soilers who heard one or more
of my speeches may certify that I had declared nakedly &
without qualification " that the natural ally of Slavery in the
376 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
South was the Democracy of the North." If such should be
the case, you may pronounce it upon my authority to be a base
slander. Who would believe that I could be such a fool, espe-
cially before a Northern audience, as to make such an unqualified
declaration ? No man of sense. But they want to fasten it upon
m_e for the purpose of deceiving the ignorant. / have no doubt
it zivs a concerted scheme.
The truth is, I have a letter written, nay printed, on the
general subject of Slavery, in which I take strong ground in
favor of the Missouri Compromise. It is one of my own few
productions which exactly pleases myself. The sole reason why
it has not been published is that it might interfere with the settle-
ment of the question by Mr. Foote's committee, which will cer-
tainly agree upon non-intervention, if they should be able to agree
upon any thing. Besides it would be in direct opposition to
the Baltimore platform, the Nicholson letter, General Cass's
speech, & the proceedings of the noble Democracy of this State,
based upon these foundations. At the present moment, it would
do harm; but I think the time will arrive when it may do good.
If the question can be settled upon the principle of non-interven-
tion, I say Amen with all my heart. If this should fail, my letter
may yet come into play. When I sat down to write, I had a
great mind to send you a copy of it; but for the present it is
needless.
If the base conduct of Cameron towards myself could be
known throughout Pennsylvania, this would floor him. Should
the subject ever again come up, if Davis, as an instance of the
efforts made by the abolitionists & their friends to prostrate
every man in the North who sustained the constitutional rights
of the South, would refer to the incident in relation to Cameron,
it would have this effect. I do not advise or request this course,
however I might wish it, unless Cameron should be implicated
with Hale, which I only suspect.
Please to remember me very kindly to Mrs. Ellis & Miss
Margaret, & believe me to be your much obliged friend
James Buchanan.
Hon: Wm. R. King.
P. S. Please to remember me most kindly & gratefully to
Col : Davis : & do not suffer this letter to lie about on your table
for the inspection of those who may come into your room. I
except Mrs. Ellis & Margaret, who may see any thing I write.
1850] TO MR. GRUND 377
TO MR. GRUND.'
Private.
Wheatland 13 April 1850.
My dear Sir/
I observe from the Herald, that Greeley has been assailing
Mr. Polk'"s administration for not having maintained the Monroe
Doctrine against European colonization on this continent, which
it had asserted in December, 1845, ^^ the first annual message of
the President. An assault from this quarter I should not re-
gard, because I know that time will put all things right; but I
regret to observe that Mr. Bennett seems to agree in opinion
with Greeley on this subject. They may say what they will,
Bennett is an extraordinary man; and although he was never
friendly to the administration of Mr. Polk, he always did justice
to our foreign policy. I should be sorry, therefore, if he would
fall into error in regard to the Monroe doctrine; and I shall
now proceed to give you a few hints to refresh your memory so
that you may, if you think proper, at a convenient season, write
a letter to the Herald on the subject.
You will recollect that in April, 1846, General Arista com-
menced the Mexican war by crossing the Rio Grande & invading
the territory of Texas; & that on 13 May, 1846, the existence of
the war, in consequence of the act of Mexico, was recognized by
Congress. Peace was not concluded until the 4 July, 1848, when
the Treaty was proclaimed. Now although no prudent adminis-
tration during the war would voluntarily raise a question with
Great Britain on the subject of the Monroe doctrine, it being
wise "to be off with the old love before we are on with the
new," yet it so happens that this doctrine was twice asserted in
the face of Great Britain during this perilous period & with the
happiest effects.
It is known to the whole world, with what a longing desire
Great Britain viewed Cahfornia & especially the harbor of San
Francisco. It is one of those commercial points which it has
been her policy to appropriate to herself, per fas aut nefas.
Her feelings in favor of Mexico were openly expressed during
the war ; and it was believed, in case we should fail in conquering
California, that she would obtain possession of it from Mexico.
It, therefore, became necessary to apprise her clearly in advance.
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
378 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
so far as the Executive Government was concerned, that this
could only be accomplished at the expense of a war with the
United States. Mr. Polk, therefore, in his message of Decem-
ber, 1847, whilst the war was raging, declares, " That should
any foreign Government attempt to possess it (California) as
a colony, or attempt to incorporate it with itself, the principle
avowed by President Monroe in 1824, & reaffirmed in my first
annual messag^e, that no foreign power shall, with our consent,
be permitted to plant or establish any new colony or dominion
on any part of the North American Continent, must be main-
tained. In maintaining this principle & resisting its invasion by
any foreign power, we might be involved in other wars more
expensive & more difficult than that in which we are now
engaged."
Again : — A second occasion arose during the war for assert-
ing this principle in the face of Great Britain.
You will recollect that a terrible war, a war of extermina-
tion, was raging between the Indians & the whites of Yucatan:
& that the latter made a powerful & pathetic appeal to the
Government of the United States to save them from destruction.
We had been informed that the British authorities at Belize, in
the colony of British Honduras, had been furnishing the savages
with arms ; & that the eventual object of the British Government
most probably was to establish a protectorate over the Indians
along the coast of Yucatan as they had done along the Mosquito
shore. But such was the dreadful condition of Yucatan that
she offered to either the United States, Great Britain, or Spain
tfte " dominion & sovereignty of - the peninsula " as the price of
defending it against the Indians. In answer to the appeal of
the commissioners from Yucatan, Mr. Polk sent a message to
Congress on the 29 April, 1848 (Executive Doc. of the ist Ses-
sion of 30th Congress, No. 40 — Congressional Globe, page 709).
In this he declares : " Whilst it is not my purpose to recommend
the adoption of any measure with a view to the acquisition of the
' dominion & sovereignty ' over Yucatan ; yet according to our
established policy, we could not consent to a transfer of this
' dominion & sovereignty,' either to Spain, Great Britain, or any
other European Power." In the language of President Monroe,
in his message of December, 1823, "We should consider any
attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of
this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace & safety," &c. &c. &c.
Again : " Our own security requires that the established policy
1850] TO MR. GRUND 379
thus announced should guide our conduct, & this applies with
great force to the Peninsula of Yucatan," &c. &c. &c. Again :
" We have now authentic information that, if the aid asked from
the United States be not granted, such aid will probably be
obtained from some European power, which may hereafter
assert a claim to ' dominion & sovereignty ' over Yucatan,"
&c. &c.
The concluding sentence of the message, all of which I hope
you will read, is as follows : " I have considered it proper to
communicate the information contained in the accompanying
correspondence, & I submit to the wisdom of Congress to adopt
such measures as in their judgment may be expedient, to prevent
Yucatan from becoming a colony of any European power, which
in no event could be permitted by the United States; and, at the
same time, to rescue the white race from extermination or ex-
pulsion from their country."
Then comes the Protectorate assumed by Great Britain over
the King of the Mosquitos. Concerning this I cannot give you
specific information, because the documents have not yet been
published. Great Britain had assumed this protectorate for
many years before the commencement of the late administration,
though she had not actually attempted to plant any colony on the
Mosquito shore. What madness would it then have been for us
to raise a quarrel with her, whilst the Mexican war was raging,
concerning this protectorate! Besides, we could have accom-
plished nothing. Mexico was situated between us & the Isthmus :
& we could not have reached it by sea. Wisdom & policy re-
quired that we should wait for a more convenient season.
But above all it was necessary to wait until the States of the
Isthmus were united & willing themselves to resist British Coloni-
zation, before we should come to their assistance.
The Federation of the Centre of America had been rudely
broken up. The five petty states of which it had been composed
were each independent of the other : & such scenes of distraction,
civil war, & incessant change of rulers as existed in each of them
have probablv never heretofore been exhibited on a small scale
on the face of the earth. One of them, Costa Rica, had even
offered to go under the protection of Great Britain : & I have no
doubt this oflfer would have been gladly accepted, but for the
determination which Mr. Polk's administration had always
evinced to resist European Colonization on this continent.
The Mosquito Shore over which Great Britain claimed
380 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
the protectorate extended along the whole of the seacoast from
Cape Honduras to Escuda de Veragua, thus excluding from the
Caribbean sea that part of Honduras south of Cape Honduras,
& the entire states of Nicaragua & Costa Rica, as well as the New
Granadian State of Veragua.
The British Colony of Belize or British Honduras, more
properly called British Yucatan, was within about two hundred
miles of the so called Mosquito shore: and the States of Central
America were so feeble & distracted as to invite the aggressions
of Great Britain.
Under such circumstances what was the first duty of the
American Government, especially whilst engaged in a war re-
quiring all its resources? Most unquestionably to endeavor to
reunite the five Central American States in opposition to British
colonization on their coast, to convince them of their danger,
& to suppress, if possible, their intestine wars & revolutions,
which would make them an easy prey to the first invaders.
After the capture & occupation of the city of San Juan de
Nicaragua by the British, which took place some time in Feb-
ruary, 1848, this duty would still become more imperative. But
these States must first be willing to unite and help themselves
before calling upon Hercules for assistance; and if Hercules
did all he could to place them in this position, he performed
his preliminary duty. What the Government actually did I
am not at liberty to disclose. So much as was done publickly
is of course known to the whole world.
Mr. Polk, in his annual message of December, 1847, after
solemnly reasserting the Monroe doctrine, recommended the
establishment of a new mission to Guatemala, by far the most
populous & powerful of the five Central American States. The
necessary appropriation was made on the 27 March, 1848; and
Elijah Hise was appointed Charge d'affaires early in April. He
was not able to leave the United States until the beginning of
June : & what instructions he bore with him will be found in the
State Department, as well as those communicated to Mr. Ban-
croft. It would be improper for me to speak of than to any
person.
Mr. Hise, on account of sickness & accidents, was neces-
sarily but unfortunately so long detained on the way to Central
America that no despatch was received from him after he had
reached the place of his destination until Mr. Polk's administra-
tion had ceased to exist. This was a cause of severe mortifica-
1850] FROM MR. KING 381
tion to us all: & necessarily prevented Mr. Polk from laying
the whole subject before Congress.
The last administration have given so many proofs of their
devotion to the Monroe doctrine that it is now; too late in the
day to dispute it: & they were never afraid, upon any proper
occasion, to avow it to the world. They twice did so, in the
face of Great Britain, whilst the Mexican war was raging;
although they well knew how hostile the Government of that
Country was to us in this war & how friendly to Mexico.
Now, my dear Sir, I have furnished you the material to
write a letter upon this subject which will be historical. With
your well known ability, you can put this question to rest. It is
not necessary that it should appear immediately. You can take
your time for it ; if you should think proper to write at all. If
not, you will at least have a knowledge of the facts which may
be useful in future. Forney has so completely exposed the
ignorance of Greeley both of history and geography in regard
to Belize that I need say nothing on this subject. I send you
the extract from the Pennsylvanian.
I hope that the next time you visit Philadelphia you will be
able to stop a day with me on the road either in going or return-
ing. I shall give you a cordial welcome.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Francis J. Grund, Esq.
P. S. It would probably be best not to attack Greeley but
make the letter purely historical.
FROM MR. KING.^
Washington City, May 8, 1850.
Dear Buchanan
The strictures contained in your letter upon the Treaty lately entered
into with Sir Henry Bulwer, as you suppose it to be, satisfy me that you
& myself shall not concur in our views of the propriety of the Treaty as it
actually is. In the first place, I am decidedly opposed to any further acqui-
sition of Territory at this time in any quarter, and I never expect to live
to see the day when I shall be willing to have any portion of Central America
annexed to our Government. Its remote situation and degraded mongrel
population would involve us in constant difficulties, without bringing any
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
382 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
adequate remuneration. Our Territory is even now too extensive, I fear,
for the harmonious working of our system, and after witnessing the results
produced by our recent acquisitions on the Pacific, I am free to declare that
I regret most sincerely that it was ever dismembered from Mexico. What
are its gold mines and its commerce, when weighed in the balance against
the embittered strife of section against section, consequent upon its acquisi-
tion; & which, if it does not lead to a violent sundering of the bonds of
union, will, I much fear, so sap the foundation upon which the Union rests,
as to render its duration next to impossible. Hence I repeat, with our
present experience it is as I conceive hazardous in the extreme to add to
our already immense Territory. With these views, I saw no objection to
entering into a Treaty stipulation not to occupy or colonise any portion of
Central America, when by so doing we are practically enforcing the Monroe
doctrine, by requiring of England the abandonment of her claim to the
protectorate of the King of the Musquitoes, and a solemn stipulation that
under no pretext whatever will she occupy, fortify, colonise, or exercise any
right of ownership over any part of Central America. Great Britain had
notoriously taken possession in the name of the Musquito King of a large
portion of Nicaragua, and by arrangements with Costa Rica was extending
her protecting arm over nearly one half of Central America. This encroach-
ment we felt bound to resist, — first in accordance with the principle laid
down by Monroe ; and secondly because such possession would place it out
of our power to construct a Canal across the Isthmus, so as to give to us
an easy communication with our possessions on the Pacific. Which was
best? To effect these objects by pacific means, or by war? For all seemed
to agree that her removal must be effected, even by a resort to arms. Now
I am as you know a man of peace, and always disposed to adopt the most
gentle course to effect an object however desirable. The Treaty as I conceive
accomplishes all that we ought to desire, while it strengthens the position we
have heretofore taken, and avowed to the world. I may be mistaken in
the views I have expressed; but if so, four fifths of the Democratic Senators
whom I consulted before the signature of the Treaty were equally in error.
The Committee of thirteen reported this day ; and on the proposition to
print the report a debate sprung up, which showed any thing rather than a
spirit of compromise. I will send you the report when printed, and should
like to have your views on the various points it discusses. My great objec-
tion applies to the admission of California with her present limits, — without
a relinquishment of her right to tax the public lands, or to impose tolls on
her navigable streams ; but above all, her admission with two members of
Congress, no enumeration having been taken to show the number of inhab-
itants. I am forced to the conclusion that it is in violation of the Consti-
tution; and that she had just as much right to send a dozen members as two.
I should be glad if you would give me your opinion on this point; for I
earnestly desire to support the proposed adjustment of this distracting
question, if I can. Mrs. Ellis tenders you her best respects.
Your Friend &c.
William R. King.
HoNL. J. Buchanan.
1850] TO MR. KING 383
TO MR. KING.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 13 May 1850.
My dear Sir/
I have received your favor of the 8th Instant, & regret that
for the first time wq differ radically upon a question which I
deem of such vast importance as the Nicaragua Treaty. If it
were stripped of all stipulations except those relating immedi-
ately to the Canal, I would not enter into any Treaty engagement
with England even on this single point. The question was well
& carefully considered by Mr. Polk's cabinet, at the time of the
New Granada Treaty, & we determined that whilst we would use
our good offices, if necessary, to prevail upon Great Britain to
enter into a similar Treaty to our own with New Granada, we
would not ourselves become a party to any Treaty whatever
with G. B. relating to or connected with territory on any part
of this North American continent. But this is a very small
affair compared with the right which has been assumed by Great
Britain & yielded by us to limit our progress on this continent
throughout all future time. But as you are already committed,
I shall say no more on the subject & would not have written
to you at all, had I known you had consulted the Democratic
Senators upon the Treaty before its signature & obtained their
consent to it in advance. This shews the great influence of your
opinions, — an influence which I consider well deserved & emi-
nently beneficial. You have, however, in my humble opinion,
missed fire on this occasion.
You ask my opinion on the compromise reported by the
Committee of thirteen. On this subject you are far better
qualified to judge than myself. I have always believed that the
real difference in practical effect between non-intervention & the
Wilmot Proviso was that between tweedledum & tweedledee.
Non-intervention however saves the feelings of the South &
enables them to triumph over the free soilers. I was convinced
that in equity & justice the South ought to have a fair proportion
of the new territories, & I have, therefore, ever been & still am
an advocate of the Missouri Compromise.
But what is now the state of affairs? Our friend Foote,
from the commencement of the Session, has been urging the
appointment of the Committee. The avowed object was to
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
384 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
obtain just such a report as has been made. Non-intervention —
the Nicholson letter, has been the cry from the South. The
speeches made in favor of this pohcy have been lauded to the
echo by Southern men & the Southern press. In this state of
things, the Democracy of the North have moved in favor of what
they believed & had a right to believe to be the Southern plat-
form. The Missouri Compromise — any interference with
slavery in the territories on the part of Congress was denounced
as unconstitutional both by Messrs. Calhoun & Cass, for opposite
reasons to be sure, but they united in the same result. It is now
too late, I honestly believe, to induce the Democracy of the
North to remove from the platform on which they stand. Had
the South, at the commencement of the Session, gone for the
Missouri Compromise through to the Pacific, the Democracy, at
least in Pennsylvania, would have as freely sustained this meas-
ure as they have done Non-intervention. The Whig party in
Pennsylvania will go for Old Zach's platform of Non-interven-
tion. Neither Clay nor Webster has much influence with them.
And what is the difference between the President's non-interven-
tion & our non-intervention ? Only this. The President will not
provide even a territorial Government, whilst we propose to do
this; but so far as regards Slavery, the two plans are precisely
the same.
The South occupy a much weaker position in the North than
they did three months ago. The project of the Nashville Con-
vention, by exhibiting such a division of opinion in the South,
has quieted in a considerable degree the apprehensions of the
North in regard to disunion.
California is greatly too large for a single State ; & no per-
son would have thought of admitting her as such, had it not
been for the Slavery question. Her sea coast embraces as many
degrees of latitude as that of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con-
necticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
& North Carolina. Now what would be thought on this side of
the Rocky Mountains of a State of such dimensions? Cali-
fornia thus constituted would be an empire in herself. She may
soon determine to become independent. The best security for
her continuance in the Union is to divide her territory into two
or more States, of a convenient size, & thus create rival interests
on the Pacific, which will render each portion more dependent
upon the Federal Government. But perhaps a Southern man
ought to reflect, that every State which shall be carved out of
1850] TO MR. FOOTE 385
California will eventually be a free State. Still, if I were a
member of the Senate, I would vote for & strenuously support
Clemen's amendment running the Missouri Compromise through
California as well as through the territories. I should do this
especially in regard to the latter, if I were a Southern man;
because the doctrine of non-intervention will be unsatisfactory
& unpopular in the South within a brief period after it shall have
been adopted. But above all, & first of all, at the expense of my
political existence, I would adopt such a course as would preserve
& hanTionize the Union.
On the point which you specially present, — that of Cali-
fornia having sent two members to the House of Representatives,
without any previous enumeration of her inhabitants, — I have
not formed any decided opinion. This difficulty might be re-
moved by allowing her but one representative.
I have written you a long letter, with which I am not pleased
myself ; but shall send it for what it may be worth. I should be
very glad indeed to see you : & still more so, if you would bring
Mrs. Ellis along. My niece is here, & if she will come I shall
send for Mrs. Plitt. I hope she is more comfortably lodged &
in better health than she was. Miss King I presume has left
you, as you do not mention her in your last. The best letter
which I have ever written, — that on the Slave question & in
favor of the Missouri Compromise, — will now probably never
see the light.
Ever your friend
James Buchanan.
Hon : Wm. R. King.
TO MR. FOOTE.'
Private.
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 31 May 1850.
My dear Sir/
I have received yours of the 26th Instant, & most deeply
regret that I cannot comply with your request; & this simply
because I could not in conscience write such a letter as would
promote the object you have in view. There is no man in the
United States more anxious than myself to see the Slavery
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Vol. VIII— 25
386 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
question finally settled in a satisfactory manner both to the North
& the South ; and surely no honest Northern man, however much
he may be opposed to the extension of Slavery, could reasonably
expect better terms than those proposed by the Committee of
thirteen. If these terms should prove satisfactory to the South,
I say Amen, with all my heart. But how stands the fact?
The North support the Bill, because they are convinced that
the Mexican Constitution & laws abolishing slavery remain in
force in the Territories & are a sufficient Wilmot Proviso to
exclude slavery from them.
On the other hand, you & other Southern gentlemen sup-
port the Bill, because you are convinced that the Constitution of
the United States has abolished the Mexican Constitution & laws,
& that you can take your slaves to the territories & hold them
there beyond human control, until State Governments shall be
formed.
Well, the Bill becomes a law, and what then? Southern
emigrants take their Slaves to the territories, & there they are
at once met by emigrants from the North who conscientiously
believe these Slaves to be free. Tliey encourage them to leave
the service of their masters, & there is no law in existence, what-
ever the right may be, (& the territorial Legislature is prohibited
from passing such a law) to retain them in service until the
decision of the Supreme Court shall be known.
Under such circumstances, what will most probably be the
result? The controversy which has hitherto agitated the Coun-
try will for a season be transferred to the territories, to be
brought back again amongst us from thence, with quite as bitter
acrimony as exists at present.
It strikes me, therefore, with more convincing force than
it has ever done, that in this state of hostile opinions between
the North & the South, the division of the territories by the
Missouri Texas Compromise line is by far the best mode of
finally settling the question.
You may ask, do I expect the Missouri Compromise to
succeed? I fear not. If the South had, with any degree of
unanimity, sustained it from the beginning, it would have suc-
ceeded as easily as the non-intervention policy. After, however,
the Democracy, both North & South, throughout the late Presi-
dential campaign, have had this policy inscribed upon their ban-
ners, it is probably too late for them to change their position in
front of our watchful & skilful foe. If the time should arrive
1850] TO MR. FOOTE 387
when this shall be demonstrated, my position may then be differ-
ent. As a retired politician, who may never be, & most probably
will never be, again in public life, I desire, at least for the present,
to take no part betw^een political friends on the territorial ques-
tion, always exerting my best efforts against the common enemy
& their combined forces of abolitionists. Whig free soilers, & free
soilers proper.
Again : without reference to the Slavery question, I confess
I am in favor of building up & consohdating one grand Republic
of confederated States extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Nay more, I had even looked forward to the time when our
limits would be peacefully extended over all North America, until
your recent Nicaragua Treaty rendered this impossible without
a war with Great Britain. With these aspirations, I firmly
believe that the best means of presendng California permanently
to the Union is to create rival interests there by the formation
of two States, which shall each feel its dependence upon the
Federal Government, the one having its principal port at San
Francisco & the other at San Diego. I very much fear that a
single State on the Pacific embracing a sea coast of as many
degrees of latitude on that ocean as belongs on the Atlantic to
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jer-
sey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, & North Carolina, with all its
immense mineral, commercial, &, I believe, agricultural advan-
tages, would soon begin to think seriously of independence. The
Senate probably do not attach so much importance as I do to our
ultramontane possessions. If they had done so, they would,
whilst surrendering to Great Britain by the late Nicaragua Treaty
the power to arrest our progress on this Continent with the
virtual control of all Central America, & whilst acknowledging
her right to the protectorate of the Mosquitos, have insisted upon
securing a free commimication by the Canal from our Atlantic
to our Pacific ports, & so vice versa, in zvar as well as in peace.
If you will weigh all these circumstances, I am convinced
that, as my good friend, you would not ask me at the present
moment, contrary to my own judgment, to abandon the platform
of the Missouri Compromise on which I have so long stood, &
thus give offence to many individuals who doubtless expect me
to remain there whilst there is any hope of success.
I have thus written more freely to you upon the subject
than I have ever done to any human being, because I value your
friendship so highly that I would not have you believe I could
388 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
deny any request of yours, except from an imperative sense of
duty.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
Hon : Henry S. Foote.
TO MISS LANE.'
Bedford Springs 4 August 1850.
AIy dear Harriet/
I received your letter yesterday & was rejoiced to hear from
home, especially of Mr. Baer's visit to Miss Hetty, which, I
know, must have rendered her very happy. I hope he will do
better than Mr. Evans or Mr. Hiester.
I have found Bedford pleasant, as I always do ; but we have
had very few of the old set, & the new are not equal to them.
I will not tell you how many inquiries have been made for you,
lest this might make you vainer than you are, which to say the
least is unnecessary.
I intend, God willing, to leave here to-morrow morning.
Six of us have taken an Extra to Chambersburg ; — Mr. Witmer
& his daughter, Mrs. & Miss Bridges, Mr. Reigart, & mysdf. I
shall leave them at London, as I purpose & hope to be at home
on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday next, I know not which.^
Remember me afifectionately to Mrs. Dunham & Miss Hetty,
& believe me to be yours, " with the highest consideration,"
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland 12th October 1850.
My dear Harriet/
Mr. M'llvain of Philadelphia, with whom I had contracted
to put up a furnace & kitchen range this week, has disappointed
' Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 16.
' A paragraph relating to a personal matter is here omitted.
' Buchanan Papers, private collection. Extracts printed in Curtis's
Buchanan, II. 16.
1850] TO MISS LANE 389
me : & I cannot leave home until this work shall be finished.
He writes nie that he will certainly commence on Monday morn-
ing; & if so, I hope to be in New York the beginning of the
week after, say about the 22d Instant.
You ask what about your staying at Mrs. Bancroft's ? With
this I should be very much pleased ; but it seems from your letter
that she did not ask you to do so. She wished " to see a great
deal " of you when you came to New York, implying that you
were not to stay with her all the time. If she has since given
you an invitation, accept it.
Could I have anticipated that you would not pass some time
at Governor Marcy's, I should have arranged this matter by
writing to Mr. Bancroft. It is now too late.
I may probably pass a few days at the Astor House in New
York; but I may have to see so many politicians, that I should
have but little time to devote to you. I desire very much to
reach New York before the departure of Mr. Slidell, which will
be on the 26th Instant.
I shall be very glad if Clem. Pleasonton should accompany
you home; though the leaves are beginning to change color &
to fall.
I have received a letter from Mary Dunham. From it, I
doubt whether she will leave Jessie until the spring. Without
her. she does not perceive how Jessie can get along at house-
keeping this winter. Mary is much pleased with Washington.
Many of the ladies have called upon her, — a contrast with Lan-
caster. Ere this I presume she has heard from her husband, as
I forwarded a letter to her postmarked at Stockton, California.
Professor Muhlenberg, having been appointed a professor in
Pennsylvania College (Gettysburg), has ceased to teach school,
& James Henry left for Princeton on Thursday last.
We have no local news, at least I know of none that would
interest you. I think we shall have very agreeable neighbours
in the Gonders at Abbeville. Please to remember me very
kindly to Mr. & Mrs. Robinson & give my love to Rose.
Yours afTectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
390 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING/
Wheatland,- near Lancaster, Nov. 19, 1850.
Gentlemen — I have been honored by the receipt of your
very kind invitation, " in behalf of the friends of the Constitu-
tion and the Union, without distinction of party, resident in the
City and County of Philadelphia," to attend a public meeting, to
be held on the 21st instant, at the Chinese Museum. I regret
'that engagements, which I need not specify, will deprive me of
the pleasure and the privilege of uniting with the great, patriotic,
and enlightened community of your City and County in mani-
festing their attachment for the Constitution and the Union, in
the present alarming crisis in our public affairs.
On a recent occasion, at the celebration of the opening of
the Eastern portion of our great Central Rail Road from Phila-
delphia to Pittsburg, I said that the cordial support of that
magnificent improvement was a platform on which all Penn-
sylvanians, of every political denomination, could stand together
in harmony. The sentiment elicited an enthusiastic response
from all present, whether Democrats or Whigs. I now say that
the platform of our blessed Union is strong enough and broad
enough to sustain all true hearted Americans. It is an elevated,
a glorious platform, on which the down-trodden nations of the
earth gaze with hope and desire, with admiration and astonish-
ment. Our Union is the .Star in the West, whose genial and
steadily increasing influence will, at last, should we remain a
united people, dispel the gloom of despotism from the ancient
nations of the world. Its moral power will prove to be more
potent than millions of armed mercenaries. And shall this
glorious star set in darkness before it has accomplished half its
mission ? Heaven forbid ! Let us all exclaim, with the heroic
Jackson, " The Union must and shall be pi^eserved."
And what a Union this has been! The history of the
human race presents no parallel to it. The bit of striped bunting
which was to be swiftly swept from the ocean, by the British
Navy, according to the prediction of a British statesman previous
to the war of 1812. is now displayed in every sea and in every
port of the habitable globe. Our glorious stars and stripes, the
^ Reprinted from the North American and Gazette, Supplement, Phila-
delphia, Friday morning, Nov. 22, 1850, now in the rooms of the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania. Extracts printed in Curtis's Buchanan, II. ii-is;
Horton's Buchanan, 375-382.
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 391
flag of our country, now protects Americans in every clime. " I
am a Roman citizen ! " was once the proud exclamation which
everywhere shielded an ancient Roman from insult and injustice.
" I am an American citizen! " is now an exclamation of almost
equal potency, throughout the civilized world. This is a tribute
due to the power and the resources of these thirty-one United
States. In a just cause we may defy the world in arms. We
have lately presented a spectacle which has astonished even the
greatest Captain of the age. At the call of their country an
irresistible host of armed men, and men, too, skilled in the use
of arms, sprang up like the soldiers of Cadmus, from the moun-
tains and valleys of our great confederacy. The struggle among
them was not who should remain at home, but who should enjoy
the privilege of braving the dangers and the privations of a
foreign war in defence of their country's rights. Heaven forbid
that the question of slavery should ever prove to be the stone
thrown into their midst by Cadmus, to make them turn their
arms against each other, and perish in mutual conftict!
Whilst our power as a united people secures us against the
injustice and assaults of foreign enemies, what has been our
condition at home ? Here every citizen stands erect in the proud
proportions bestowed upon him by his Maker, and feels himself
equal to his fellow man. He is protected by a government of
jtist laws in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property. He
sits down under his o^vn ^ane and his own fig tree, and there
is none to make him afraid. A vast confederacy, composed of
thirty-one sovereign and independent States, is open before him,
in which he feels himself to be everywhere at home, and may
anywhere throughout its extended limits seek his own prosperity
and happiness in his own way. The most perfect freedom of
intercourse prevails among all the States.
Here the blessings of free trade have been realized under
the Constitution of the United States, and by the consent of all,
to a greater extent than the world has ever witnessed. Our
domestic tonnage and capital employed in this trade exceed,
beyond all comparison, that employed in our trade with all the
rest of the world. The mariner of Maine, after braving the
dangers of the passage around Cape Horn, finds himself at
home in his own country, when entering the distant port of San
Francisco, on the other side of the world.
Heaven seems to have bound these States together by
adamantine bonds of powerful interest. They are mutually
392 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
dependent on each other — mutually necessary to each other's
welfare. The numerous and powerful commonwealths which
are spread over the valley of the Mississippi must seek the
markets of the world for their productions, through the mouth
of that father of rivers. A strong naval power is necessary
to keep this channel always free in time of war; and an im-
mense commercial marine is required to carry their productions
to the markets of the world, and bring back their returns. The
same remark applies with almost equal force to the cotton
growing and planting States on the Gulf of Mexico and on the
Atlantic. Who is to supply this naval power and this com-
mercial marine? The hardy and enterprising sons of the North,
whose home has always been on the mountain wave. Neither
the pursuits nor the habits of the people of the Western and the
Southern States fit them for such an employment. They are
naturally the producers, whilst the Northern people are the
carriers. This establishes a mutual and profitable dependence
upon each other, which is one of the strongest bonds of our
Union.
The common sufferings and common glories of the past,
the prosperity of the present, and the brilliant hopes of the future,
must impress every patriotic heart with deep love and devotion
for the Union. Who that is now a citizen of this vast Republic,
extending from the St. Lawrence to the Rio Grande, and from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, does not shudder at the idea of being
transformed into a citizen of one of its broken, jealous, and
hostile fragments? What patriot would not rather shed the
last drop of his blood than see the thirty-one brilliant stars which
now float proudly upon our country's flag, amid the battle and
the breeze, rudely torn from the national banner, and scattered
in confusion over the face of the earth?
Rest assured that all the patriotic emotions of every true-
hearted Pennsylvanian, in favor of the Union and the Constitu-
tion, are shared l>y the Southern people. What battle-field has
not been illustrated by their gallant deeds; and when, in our
history, have they ever shrunk from sacrifices and sufferings in
the cause of their country? What then means the muttering
thunder which we hear from the South ? The signs of the times
are truly portentous. Whilst many in the South openly advo-
cate the cause of secession and disunion, a large majority, as I
firmly believe, still fondly cling to the Union, awaiting with
deep anxiety the action of the North on the Compromise lately
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 393
effected in Congress. Should this be disregarded and nullified
by the citizens of the North, the Southern people may become
united, and then farewell, a long farewell, to our blessed Union.
I am no alarmist ; but a brave and wise man looks danger steadily
in the face. This is the best means of avoiding it. I am deeply
impressed with the conviction that the North neither sufficiently
understands nor appreciates the danger. For my own part, I
have been steadily watching its approach for the last fifteen years.
During that period I have often sounded the alarm; but my
feeble warnings have been disregarded. I now solemnly declare,
as the deliberate conviction of my judgment, that two things
are necessary to preserve this Union from the most imminent
danger : —
1. Agitation in the North on the subject of Southern slavery
must be rebuked and put down by a strong, energetic, and
enlightened public opinion.
2. The Fugitive Slave Law must be executed in its letter
and in its spirit.
On each of these points I shall offer a few observations.
Those are greatly mistaken who suppose that the tempest
which is now raging in the South has been raised solely by the
acts or omissions of the present Congress. The minds of the
Southern people have been gradually prepared for this explosion
by the events of the last fifteen years. Much and devotedly
as they love the Union, many of them are now taught to believe
that the peace of their own firesides, and the security of their
families, cannot be preserved without separation from us. The
crusade of the abolitionists against their domestic peace and
security commenced in 1835. General Jackson, in his annual
message to Congress, in December of that year, speaks of it in
the following emphatic language : " I must also invite your
attention to the painful excitement produced in the South by
attempts to circulate through the mails inflammatory appeals,
addressed to the passions of the slaves, in prints and various sorts
of publications, calculated to stimulate them to insurrection, and
produce all the horrors of a servile war."
From that period the agitation in the North against South-
ern slavery has been incessant, by means of the Press, of State
Legislatures, State and County Conventions, Abolition Lectures,
and every other method which fanatics and demagogues could
devise. The time of Congress has been wasted in violent
harangues on the subject of slavery. Inflammatory appeals have
394 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
been sent forth from this central point throughout the country,
the inevitable effect of which has been to create geographical
parties, so much dreaded by the Father of his Country, and to
estrange the Northern and Southern divisions of the Union from
each other.
Before the Wilmot Proviso was interposed, the abolition of
slavery in the District of Columbia had been the chief theme of
agitation. Petitions for this purpose, by thousands, from men,
women, and children, poured into Congress session after session.
The rights and the wishes of the owners of slaves within the
District were boldly disregarded. Slavery was denounced as
a national sin and a national disgrace, which the laws of God
and the laws of man ought to abolish, cost what it might. It
mattered not to the fanatics that the abolition of slavery in the
District would convert it into a citadel in the midst of two
slaveholding States, from which the abolitionists could securely
scatter arrows, firebrands, and death all aromid. It mattered
not to them that the abolition of slavery in the District would
be a violation of the spirit of the Constitution and of the implied
faith pledged to Maryland and Virginia, because the whole world
knows that those States would never have ceded it to the Union,
had they imagined it could ever be converted by Congress into a
place from which their domestic peace and security might be
assailed by fanatics and abolitionists. Nay, the abolitionists
went even still further. They agitated for the purpose of abolish-
ing slavery in the forts, arsenals, and navy yards which the
Southern States had ceded to the Union, under the Constitution,
for the protection and defence of the country.
Thus stood the question when the Wilmot Proviso was inter-
posed, to add fuel to the flame, and to excite the Southern people
to madness.
President Polk was anxious to bring the war with Mexico
to an honorable conclusion with the least possible delay. He
deemed it highly probable that an appropriation by Congress of
$2,000,000, to be paid to the Mexican Government immediately
after the conclusion of peace, might essentially aid him in
accomplishing this desirable object. He sent a message to this
effect to Congress in August, 1846; and whilst the bill granting
the appropriation was pending before the house, Mr. Wilmot
offered his favorite proviso as an amendment, which was carried
by a majority of nineteen votes. This amendment, had it even
been proper in itself, was out of time and out of place; because
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 395
it had not then been ascertained whether we should acquire any
territory from Mexico ; and in point of fact, the Treaty of Peace
was not concluded until eighteen months thereafter. Besides,
this Proviso, by defeating the appropriation, was calculated,
though I cannot believe it was intended, to prolong the war.
The Wilmot Proviso, imtil near the termination of the last
session of Congress, defeated every attempt to fomi territorial
governments for our Mexican acquisitions. Had such govern-
ments been established at the proper time, California would
have changed her territorial into a State government, and would
have come into the Union as naturally as a young man enters
upon his civil rights at the age of twenty-one, producing scarcely
a ripple upon the surface of public opinion.
What consequences have resulted from the Proviso? It
placed the two divisions of the Union in hostile array. The
people of each, instead of considering the people of the other
as brethren, b^an to view each other as deadly enemies. Whilst
Northern Legislatures were passing resolutions instructing their
Senators and requesting their Representatives to vote for the
Wilmot Proviso, and for laws to abolish slavery in the District
of Columbia, Southern Legislatures and Conventions, prompted
and sustained by the indignant and united voice of the Southern
people, were passing resolutions pledging themselves to measures
of resistance. The spirit of fanaticism was in the ascendant.
To such a height had it mounted, that a bill introduced into the
House of Representatives, by Mr. Giddings, during the last ses-
sion of the last Congress, authorizing the slaves in the District
of Columbia to vote on the question whether they themselves
should be freemen, was defeated on the motion of my friend Mr.
Brodhead, of this State, by the slender majority of only twenty-
six votes.
Thus stood the question when the present Congress assem-
bled. That body at first presented the appearance of a Polish
diet, divided into hostile parties, rather than that of the Repre-
sentatives of a great and united people, assembled in the land
of Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson, to consult and act
together as brethren in promoting the common good of the
whole Republic.
It would be the extreme of dangerous infatuation to suppose
that the Union was not then in serious danger. Had the Wilmot
Proviso become a law, or had slavery been abolished in the
District of Columbia, nothing short of a special interposition of
396 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
Divine Providence could have prevented the secession of most,
if not all, of the slaveholding States.
It was from this great and glorious old Commonwealth,,
rightly denominated the " Keystone of the Arch," that the first
ray of light emanated to dispel the gloom. She is not conscious
of her own power. vShe stands as the talisman [daysman?]
between the North and the South, and can lay her hand on
either party, and say, thus far shalt thou go, and no farther.
The wisdom, moderation, and firmness of her people calculate
her eminently to act as the just and equitable umpire between
the extremes.
It vi'as the vote in our State House of Representatives, refus-
ing to consider the instructing resolutions in favor of the Wilmot
Proviso, which first cheered the hearts of every patriot in the
land. This was speedily followed by a vote of the House of
Representatives at Washington, nailing the Wilmot Proviso
itself to the table. And here I ought not to forget the great
meeting held in Philadelphia on the birthday of the Father of
his Country, in favor of the Union, which gave a happy and
irresistible impulse to public opinion throughout the State, and
I may add throughout the Union.
The honor of the South has been saved by the Compromise.
The Wilmot Proviso is forever dead, and slavery will never be
abolished in the District of Columbia whilst it continues to exist
in Maryland. The receding .storm in the South still continues
to dash with violence, but it will gradually subside, should
agitation cease in the North. All that is necessary for us to do
is to execute the Fugitive Slave Law, and to let the Southern
people alone, suffering them to manage their own domestic
concerns in their own way. A Virginia fanner once asked me,
if there were two neighbors living together, what would I think
if one of them should be eternally interfering in the domestic
concerns of the other? Could they possibly live together in
peace?
Without reference to the harmony and safety of the Union,
what a blessing would this policy of non-interference be, not
only to the slaves and the free negroes, but even to the cause
of constitutional emancipation itself !
Since the agitation commenced, the slave has been deprived
of many privileges which he formerly enjoyed, because of the
stern necessity thus imposed upon the master to provide for his
personal safety and that of his family.
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 397
The free negro, for the same overruling reason, is threat-
ened with expulsion f I'om the land of his nativity in the South ;
and there are strong indications in several of the Northern States
that they will refuse to afford him an asylum.
The cause of emancipation itself has greatly suffered by the
agitation. If left to its constitutional and natural course, laws
ere this would most probably have existed for the gradual aboli-
tion of slavery in the States of Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky,
and Missouri. The current of public opinion was running
strongly in that direction before the abolition excitement com-
menced, especially in Virginia. There is a measure having di-
rectly in view the gradual abolition of slavery, offered too by the
grandson of Thomas Jefferson, [that] came within one vote,
if my memory serves me, of passing the House of Delegates.
Throughout Virginia, as well as in the other three States which
I have mentioned, there was then a powerful, influential, and
growing party in favor of gradual emancipation, cheered on to
exertion by the brightest hopes of success. What has now
become of this party? It is gone. It is numbered with the
things that have been. The interference of Northern fanatics
with the institution of slavery in the South has so excited and
exasperated the people, that there is no man in that region now
bold enough to utter a sentiment in favor of gradual emancipa-
tion. The efforts of the abolitionists have long, very, long post-
poned the day of emancipation in these States. Throughout the
grain growing slave States, powerful causes were in operation
which must before many years have produced gradual emancipa-
tion. These have been counteracted by the violence and folly
of the abolitionists. They have done infinite mischief. They
have not only brought the Union into imminent peril, but they
have inflicted the greatest evils both on the slave and on the free
negro, the avowed objects of their regard.
Let me then call upon your powerful and influential meeting,
as they value the union of these States, the greatest political
blessing ever conferred by a bountiful Providence upon man;
as they value the well being of the slave and free negro ; as they
value even the cause of regular and constitutional emancipation,
to exert all their energies to put down the long continued agita-
tion in the North against slavery in the South. Is it unreasonable
that the South should make this demand? The agitation has
reached such a height that the Southern people feel their personal
security to be involved. It has filled the minds of the slaves
B98 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
with vague notions of emancipation, and, in the language of
General Jackson, threatens " to stimulate them to insurrection
and produce all the horrors of a servile war." Although any
such attempt on their part would be easily and speedily sup-
pressed, yet what horrors might not in the meantime be per-
petrated! Many a mother now retires to rest at night under
dreadful apprehensions of what may befall herself and family
before the morning. Self preservation is the first instinct of
nature; and, therefore, any state of society in which the sword
of Damocles is all the time suspended over the heads of the
people, must, at last, become intolerable.
To judge correctly of our relative duties towards the people
of the South, we ought to place ourselves in their position, and
do unto them as we would they should do unto us under similar
circumstances. This is the golden rule. It was under its benign
influence that our Constitution of mutual compromise and con-
cession was framed, and by the same spirit alone can it be main-
tained. Do the people of the North act in this Christian spirit,
whilst stigmatizing their brethren of the South with the harshest
epithets and imputing to them a high degree of moral guilt,
because slavery has been entailed upon them by their forefathers ;
and this, too, with a knowledge that the consequences of these
assaults must be to place in peril their personal safety and that
of all they hold most dear on earth ? I repeat that this constant
agitation must be arrested by the firm determination and resolute
action of the vast majority of the people of the North, who are
known to disapprove it, or the sacrifice of our glorious Union
may and probably will be at last the consequence.
2. I shall now proceed to present to you sorne views upon
the subject of the much misrepresented Fugitive Slave Law. It
is now evident, from all the signs of the times, that this is des-
tined to become the principal subject of agitation at the next
session of Congress, and to take the place of the Wilmot Proviso.
Its total repeal or its material modification will henceforward be
the battle cry of the agitators of the North.
And what is the character of this law? It was passed to
carry into execution a plain, clear, and mandatory provision of
the Constitution, requiring that fugitive slaves, who fly from
service in one State to another, shall be delivered up to their
masters. This provision is so explicit that he who runs may
read. No commentary can present it in a stronger light than
the plain words of the Constitution. It is a well known historical
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 399
fact that without this provision the Constitution itself could never
have existed. How could this have been otherwise? Is it pos-
sible for a moment to believe that the slave States would have
formed a union with the free States, if under it their slaves by
simply escaping across the boundary which separates them
would acquire all the rights of freemen? This would have been
to offer an irresistible temptation to all the slaves of the South to
precipitate themselves upon the North. The Federal Constitu-
tion, therefore, recognizes in the clearest and most emphatic terms
the property in slaves, and protects this property by prohibiting
any State into which a slave might escape from discharging him
from slavery, and by requiring that he shall be delivered up to
his master.
But, say the agitators, the Fugitive Slave Law, framed for
the purpose of carrying into effect an express provision of the
Constitution, is itself unconstitutional. I shall not stop to argue
such a point at length, deeming this to be wholly unnecessary.
The law, in every one of its essential provisions, is the very
same law which was passed in February, 1793, by a Congress,
many of whose members had come fresh from the convention
which framed the Federal Constitution, and was approved by
the Father of his Country. If this be so, it may be asked whence
the necessity of" passing the present law? Why not rest upon
the Act of 179.3? This question is easily answered. The Act
of 1793 had entrusted its own execution not only to the Judges
of the Circuit and District Courts of the United States, but to all
State magistrates of any county, city, or town corporate.
The decision of the Supreme Court of the United States
in the case of Prigg vs. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
deprived these State magistrates of the power of acting under
the law. What was the consequence? Let us take the State
of Pennsylvania for an example. There were but three indi-
viduals left in the whole State who could judicially execute the
provisions of the Act of 1793 — the Circuit Judge and the two
District Judges. Two of these Judges reside in Philadelphia,
and one of them at Pittsburg, a distance of more than three
hundred miles apart. It is manifest, therefore, that the law in
many, indeed in most cases, could not have been executed for
want of officers near at hand. It thus became absolutely neces-
sary for Congress to provide United States officers to take the
place of the State magistrates who had been superseded. With-
out this a constitutional right could have existed with no adequate
400 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
means of enforcing it. The fugitive slave bill was passed
chiefly to remedy this defect, and to substitute such officers in-
stead of the State magistrates whose powers had been nullified
under the decision of the Supreme Court.
It is worthy of remark that several of our Northern legis-
latures, availing themselves of the decision of the Supreme Court,
and under the deep excitement by the agitation of the Wilmot
Proviso, passed laws imposing obstacles to the execution of the
provisions of the Constitution for the restoration of fugitive
slaves. I am sorry, very sorry, to state that Pennsylvania is
among the number. By our Act of 3rd March, 1847, even
the use of our public jails is denied for the safe custody of the
fugitive; and the jailer who shall offend against this provision
is deprived of his office, and is punishable wth a heavy fine and
a disqualification ever again to hold a similar office!
The two principal objections urged against the Fugitive
Slave Law, are, that it will promote kidnapping, and that it does
not provide a trial by jury for the fugitive in the State to which
he has escaped.
The very same reasons may be urged, with equal force,
against the Act of 1793; and yet it existed for more than half a
century without encountering any such objections.
In regard to kidnapping: — the fears of the agitators are
altogether groundless. The law requires that the fugitive shall
be taken before the judge or commissioner. The master must
there prove to the satisfaction of the magistrate the identity of
the fugitive, that he is the master's property and has escaped
from his service. Now I ask, would a kidnapper ever under-
take such a task ? Would he suborn witnesses to commit perjury
and expose himself to detection before the judge or commis-
sioner, and in presence of the argus eyes of a non-slaveholding
community, whose feelings will always be in favor of the slave?
No, never. The kidnapper seizes his victim in the silence of the
night, or in a remote and obscure place, and hurries him away.
He does not expose himself to the public gaze. He will never
bring the unfortunate object of his rapacity before a commis-
sioner or a judge. Indeed, I have no recollection of having
heard or read of a case in which a free man was kidnapped
tmder the forms of law, during the whole period of more than
half a century, since the Act of 1793 was passed.
But it is objected to the law that the fugitive is not allowed
a trial by jury in the State to which he has escaped. So it has
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 401
always been under the Act of 1793, and so it is under the present
law. A fugitive from labor is placed upon the very same foot-
ing, under the Constitution, with a fugitive from justice. Does
a man charged with the commission of a crime in Maryland fly
into Pennsylvania, he is delivered up, upon proper evidence, to
the authorities of the State from which he fled, there to stand
his trial. He has no right to demand a trial by jury in Penn-
sylvania. Nay, more ; under our extradition treaties virith foreign
powers, does a man charged with a crime committed in England
or France fly to the United States, he is delivered up to the
authorities of the country from which he fled, without a trial
by jury in this country. Precisely the same is the case in regard
to a fugitive from labor. Upon satisfactory proof, he is de-
livered up without a trial by jury. In the Constitution he is
placed upon the very same footing with fugitives from justice
from other States; and by treaty, he is placed upon the very
same footing with fugitives from justice from foreign countries.
Surely the fugitive slave is not entitled to superior privileges
over the free white man. When he returns to the State from
which he has escaped, he is there entitled to a trial by juiy, for
the purpose of deciding whether he is a freeman. I believe every
slave State has made provision by law for such a trial without
expense, upon the petition of the slave; and we have heard it
announced from the highest authority in the Senate of the
United States, that such trials are always conducted in mercy,
and with a rigid regard to the rights of the slave.
Why should an Act of Congress cast such a reflection upon
the judicial tribunals of a sister State as to say they shall not
be trusted with the trial of the question whether an individual is
entitled to his freedom under the laws of the State from which
he has fled ?
But to allow the fugitive slave a trial by jury in the State
where he is found, would, in many instances, completely nullify
the provisions of the Constitution. There are many, I fear very
many, in the Northern States who place their consciences above
the Constitution of their country, and who would, as jurors,
rescue a fugitive slave from servitude against the clearest testi-
mony, thinking, at the same time, they were doing God's service.
The excited condition of public feeling in many portions of the
North would disqualify honest and respectable men from acting
as impartial jurors on such a question. Besides, the delay, the
trouble, and the expense of a jury trial at such a distance from
home would, in most cases, prevent the master from pursuing his
Vol. VIII— 26
402 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
fugitive slave. He w^ould knovi^ that should he fail to obtain a
verdict, this would be his ruin. He vi^ould then be persecuted
v^ath actions of slander, of false imprisonment, and every kind
of prosecution which ingenuity could devise.
The defeat of the Wilmot Proviso and the passage of the
Fugitive Slave Law are all that the South have obtained by the
Compromise. They asked for the Missouri Compromise, which
it is known that for one I was always willing to concede, believ-
ing this would be the most just, equitable, and satisfactory
arrangement of the Territorial question between the North and
the South. But that has passed away. California has been
admitted as a State into the Union, with a positive prohibition
of slavery in her Constitution; and whether the Mexican law
abolishing slavery be in force or npt in the remainder of our
Territorial acquisitions, does any man believe that slavery will
ever prevail among the Mormons in Utah, or among the inhabi-
tants of the snow-clad hills and mountain valleys of New
Mexico? Besides, the slave trade has been abolished in the
District of Columbia. What then of the Compromise prac-
tically remains for the South but this Fugitive Slave Law, passed
to carry out a clear constitutional provision? It is the only
compensation which they have received for what they believe to
be the great injuries the}'- have sustained. Will they then pa-
tiently submit to have this law repealed, essentially modified, or
nullified? Before its passage, the Constitution had become, in
regard to fugitive slaves, almost a dead letter.
It is a notorious fact, that all along the border which
separates the free from the slave States, every facility was
afforded for the escape of slaves from their masters. If they
could pass the line, their safety was almost certain. They were
scarcely ever, in the language of the Constitution, " delivered up
on the claim of the party to which such service or labor may be
due." In many instances, the master or his agent who pursued
them was insulted, assaulted, beaten, and imprisoned; and few
men could be found bold enough to incur the hazard of such a
dangerous undertaking. In this manner the Southern people
were annually deprived of their property, guaranteed to them by
the Constitution, to the amount of hundreds of thousands of
dollars. The constitution was nullified, and this law was passed
for the protection of their constitutional rights! Will they
tamely surrender it? Let the voice which speaks in tones of
thunder from the united South answer this question. They will
at last, I trust and believe, submit to all the provisions of the
1850] LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING 403
compromise, provided the Fugitive Slave Law be faithfully
executed in the North; but they will go no further. All the
resolutions even of the Union meetings in the South speak this
language. Future aggressions must cease, or the Union will
be in imminent danger.
Let us then resolve to put down agitation at the North on
the slave question, by the force of enlightened public opinion, and
faithfully execute the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Law.
Should this be done, it will eventually extinguish those geo-
graphical parties — so dangerous to the Union and so much
dreaded by the Father of his Country — which have sprung into
existence; it will ameliorate the condition of the slaves, by
enabling their masters to remove the restrictions imposed upon
them in self defence, since the commencement of the present
troubles, and will restore the natural and constitutional progress
of emancipation which has, in several States, been arrested by
the violence of abolitionists.
The Union cannot long endure, if it be bound together only
by paper bonds. It can be firmly cemented alone by the affec-
tions of the people of the different States for each other. Would
to Heaven that the spirit of mutual forbearance and brotherly
love which presided at its birth could once more be restored to
bless the land! Upon opening a volume a few days since, my
eyes caught a Resolution of a Convention of the Counties of
Maryland, assembled at Annapolis, in June, 1774, in consequence
of the passage by the British Parliament of the Boston Port
Bill, which provided for opening a subscription " in the several
Counties of the Province, for an immediate collection for the
relief of the distressed inhabitants of Boston, now cruelly de-
prived of the means of procuring subsistence for themselves and
families by the operation of the said act for blocking up their,
harbor." Would that the spirit of fraternal affection which dic-
tated this noble resolution, and which actuated all the conduct
of our revolutionary fathers, might return to bless and to re-
animate the bosoms of their descendants! This would render
our Union indissoluble. It would be the living soul infusing
itself into the Constitution and inspiring it with irresistible
energy.
I am not one of those who can ever consent to calculate
the value of the LTnion. Its benefits and its blessings are inesti-
mable. God forbid that fanaticism should ever apply a torch to
this, the grandest and most glorious temple which has ever been
erected to political freedom on the face of the earth! Whilst
404 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1850
the friends of human Uberty throughout the world would forever
deplore the irreparable loss of our example to the nations, this
catastrophe would be the prolific source of evils to all the States —
North, South, East, and West — from the enumeration of which
my mind recoils with horror.
Would any or all of the injuries which the South have
suffered, or which they suppose they have suffered, from the
agitation at the North, and from the Compromise, justify a resort
to the last dread extremity of dissolving the Union? I believe
not; and after the sober second thought, the patriotic people of
the South will, I have no doubt, by a large majority, arrive at
the same conclusion. For such causes they will never forfeit
all the innumerable blessings of the Union, and subject the coun-
try and the lo\'ers of rational freedom throughout the world to
the most astounding political calamity which has ever befallen
the human race.
It is not every wrong — nay, it is not every grievous wrong —
which can justify, or even palliate, such a fearful alternative. In
this age, and in this country, there is an incessant flux and reflux
of public opinion. Subjects which but a few years ago excited
the public mind to madness have passed away and are almost
forgotten. To employ the eloquent language of Mr. Burke, they
are " volcanoes burnt out ; — and on the lava and ashes and
squalid scoria of old eruptions, grow the peaceful olive, the
cheering vine, and the sustaining corn."
The agitation at the North on the subject of domestic
slavei-y in the South, like every thing human, will have its day.
We have already reached, and, I trust, passed the dangerous
crisis. Should this prove to be the case, the tempest which has
been raging will purify the political atmosphere, and impart new
and healthful life and vigor to the body politic.
But if, in the midst of such a temporary excitement, the
Union should be dissolved, the mischief will then be irreparable.
" Nations unborn, and ages yet behind," will curse the rashness
of the deed. Should " the silver cord be loosed, and the golden
bowl be broken at the fountain," human power will never be able
to re-unite the scattered fragments. If the Almighty Ruler
of the Universe has, in his Providence, destined the dissolution of
the Union, as a punishment for the sins of the Nation, I hope,
before that day, I may be gathered to my fathers, and never
witness the sad catastrophe.
Yours, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
1851] AN ADDRESS 405
1851.
ADDRESS, JANUARY 11, 1851,
AT PHILADELPHIA.'
After Governor Johnston had concluded, Morton Mc-
Michael came forward, and said that he had been instructed by
the Committee of Arrangements to propose the health of an
eminent Pennsylvanian who was then present — one who had
represented his State in the National legislative councils, and
had occupied a chief place in the administration of the National
Government, and in regard to whom, however political differ-
ences might exist, all agreed that his high talents, his unsullied
integrity, and his distinguished public services had justly placed
him in the foremost rank, not only of Pennsylvanians, but of all
Americans. He therefore gave
The health of the Hon. James Buchanan.
When Mr. Buchanan rose to reply, there was a whirlwind
of cheers and applause. In the midst of it the band struck up
a favorite and complimentary air at the end of which the cheering
was renewed, and several minutes elapsed before he could be
heard.
Mr. Buchanan, after making his acknowledgments to the
company for the kind manner in which he had been received,
proceeded to speak as follows : —
What a spectacle does this meeting present! It must be a
source of pride and gratification to every true-hearted Pennsyl-
vanian. Here are assembled the executive and legislative au-
thorities of the commonwealth, several members from the State
to the present Congress, as well as those elected to the next, and
the Board of Canal Commissioners, enjoying the magnificent
hospitality of the city and the incorporated districts adjacent —
all of which, in fact, constitute but one great city of Philadelphia.
What important event in the history of Philadelphia is this
meeting intended to celebrate? Not a victory achieved by our
arms over a foreign foe. Not the advent amongst us of a great
military captain fresh from the bloody fields of his glory ; but the
arrival here of a peaceful commercial steamer from the other side
of the Atlantic. This welcome stranger is destined, as we ?:1
^ Curtis's Buchanan, II. 28. This address was made at a festival in Phila-
delphia on the nth of January 1851, on the establishment of a line of steam-
ships between that city and Liverpool.
406 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
trust, to be the harbinger of a rapidly increasing foreign trade
between our own city and the great commercial city of Liver-
pool. All hail to Captain Matthews and his gallant crew 1 Peace,
as well as war, has its triumphs; and these, although they may
not be so brilliant, are far more enduring and useful to mankind.
The establishment of a regular line of steamers between
these two ports will prove of vast importance both to the city
of Philadelphia and the State at large. And here, let me ob-
serve, that the interests of the city and the State are identical —
inseparable. Like man and wife, when a well-assorted couple,
they are mutually dependent. The welfare and prosperity of
the one are the welfare and prosperity of the other. " Those
whom Heaven has joined together, let not man put asunder."
If any jealousies, founded or unfounded, have heretofore existed
between than, let them be banished from this day forward and
forever. Let them be in the " deep bosom of the ocean buried."
The great Central Railroad will furnish the means of fre-
quent and rapid intercommunication between the city and the
State. In the course of another year, Philadelphia will be
brought within twelve or fourteen hours of our Great Iron City
of the West — a city of as much energy and enterprise for the
number of inhabitants, as any on the face of the earth; and, I
might add, of as warm and generous hospitality. I invite you
all, in the name of the people of the interior, to visit us oftener
than you have done heretofore. You shall receive a hearty wel-
come. Let us become better acquainted, and we shall esteem
each other more.
But will this great undertaking to extend the foreign com-
merce of Philadelphia with Europe, by means of regular lines of
steamers, prove successful? To doubt this is to doubt whether
the capital, intelligence, and perseverance, which have assured
signal success to Philadelphia in every other industrial pursuit,
shall fail when applied to steam navigation on the ocean. But
after to-night there can be " no such word as fail " in our
vocabulary. We have put our hand to the plough, and we must
go ahead. We dare not, because we cannot, look back without
disgrace ; whilst success in foreign commerce will be the capsheaf
— the crowning glory of Philadelphia.
The distance of Philadelphia from the ocean, and the
consequent length of river navigation, have hitherto constituted
an obstacle to her success in foreign trade. Thanks to the genius
of Fulton, this obstacle has been removed, and the noble Dela-
1851] AN ADDRESS 407
ware, for every purpose of foreign commerce, is as if it were an
arm of the sea. We learn from the highest authority, that of
the pioneer who was an officer in one of the first steamers which
ever crossed the Atlantic, and who has successfully completed
his ninety-ninth voyage, that the difference in time from Liver-
pool between New York and Philadelphia is only about twenty
hours. This is comparatively of no importance, and cannot have
the slightest effect on the success of the enterprise.
Fulton was a native citizen of Pennsylvania. He was bom
in the county where I reside. And shall not the metropolis of
the native State of that extraordinary man who, first of the
human race, successfully applied steam power to navigation,
enjoy the benefits of this momentous discovery which has
changed the whole face of the civilized world? Philadelphia, in
her future career, will gloriously answer this question.
Philadelphia enjoys many advantages for the successful pur-
suit of foreign commerce. Her population now exceeds 400,000 ;
and it is a population of which we may be justly proud. It is
of no mushroom growth; but has advanced steadily onward.
Her immense capital is the result of long years of successful
industry and enterprise. Strength and durability characterize
all her undertakings. She has already achieved distinguished
success in manufactures, in the mechanic arts, in domestic com-
merce, and in every other industrial pursuit, and in the natural
progress of events, she has now determined to devote her energies
to foreign commerce.
And where is there a city in the world, whose ship-yards
produce finer vessels? Whether for beauty of model, rapidity
of sailing, or durability, Philadelphia built vessels have long
enjoyed the highest character. Long as I Have been in the public
councils, I have never known a vessel of war built in this city,
not fully equal to any of her class afloat on the waters of the
world. A few weeks since I had the pleasure of examining the
steamer Susquehanna, and I venture to say, that a nobler vessel
can nowhere be found. She will bear the stars and stripes tri-
umphantly amid the battle and the breeze. May we not hope
that Philadelphia steamers will, ere long, be found bearing her
trade and her name on every sea, and into every great commer-
cial port on the face of this earth?
The vast resources of the State which will be poured into
the lap of Philadelphia, will furnish the materials of an extensive
foreign commerce. And here, in the presence of this domestic
408 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
family Pennsylvania circle, may we not indulge in a little self-
gratulation, and may we not be pardoned, if nobody else will
praise us, for praising ourselves? We have every reason to be
proud of our State; and perhaps we ought to cherish a little more
State pride than we possess. This, when not carried to excess,
when it scorns to depreciate a rival, is a noble and useful principle
of action. It is the parent of generous emulation in the pursuit
of all that is excellent, all that is calculated to adorn and bless
mankind. It enkindles the desire in us to stand as high as the
highest among our sister States, in the councils of our country,
in the pursuit of agriculture and manufactures and every useful
art. This honorable feeling of State pride, particularly when
the Pennsylvanian is abroad, out of his native land, will make
his heart swell with exultation, if he finds that Philadelphia has
become a great commercial city, her flag waving over every sea,
her steamers to be seen in every port — an elevated position in
which Philadelphia, if she but wills it, can undoubtedly be placed.
The great and good founder of our State, whose precept
and whose practice was " peace on earth, and good will to man,"
immediately after he had obtained the royal charter, in the spirit
of prophetic enthusiasm declared, " God will bless, and make it
the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care of the govern-
ment that it be well laid at first."
How gloriously this prediction has been verified ! God has
blessed it, and the seed which the founder sowed has borne the
richest fruit. We are indeed a nation, confederated with thirty
other sovereign nations or States by the most sacred political
insitrument in the annals of mankind, called the Constitution of
the United States. Besides, we are truly the keystone of this
vast confederacy, and our character and position eminently
qualify us to act as a mediator between opposing extremes.
Placed in the centre, between the North and the South, with a
population distinguished for patriotism and steady good sense,
and a devoted love to the Union, we stand as the daysman,
between the extremes, and can declare with the voice of power
to both, hitherto shalt thou go, and no further. May this Union
endure forever, the source of innumerable blessings to those who
live under its beneficent sway, and the star of hope to millions of
down-trodden men throughout the world !
Bigotry has never sacrificed its victims at the shrine of
intolerance in this our favored State. When they were burning
witches in Massachusetts, honestly believing at the time they
1851] AN ADDRESS 409
were doing God's service, William Penn, in 1684, presided at the
trial of a witch. Under his direction, the verdict was : " The
prisoner is guilty of the common fame of being a witch ; but not
guilty as she stands indicted." And " in Penn's domain, from
that day to this," says the gifted historian, " neither demon nor
hag ever rode through the air on goat or broomstick."
From the first settlement of the province until the present
moment, the freedom of conscience established by the founder
has been perfect. Religion has always been a question exclu-
sively between man and his Creator, and every human being has
been free to worship his Maker according to the dictates of his
own conscience.
Bigotry, madly assuming to itself an attribute belonging to
the Almighty, has never attempted to punish any one of his
creatures for not adapting his belief to its own standard of faith.
We have great cause to be proud of the early history of Penn-
sylvania.
Pennsylvania, more than any other State of the Union, has
been settled by emigrants from all the European nations. Our
population now exceeds two millions and a quarter ; but we can-
not say that it is composed of the pure Anglo-Saxon race. The
English, the Germans, the Scotch Irish, the Irish, the Welsh, the
French, and emigrants from every other European country have
all intermingled upon our happy soil. We are truly a mixed
race. And is not this a cause for self-gratulation? Providence,
as if to designate his will that families and nations should culti-
vate extended intercourse with each other, has decreed that
intermarriage in the same family shall eventually produce a
miserable and puny race, both in body and in mind ; whilst inter-
marriages among entire strangers have been signally blessed.
May it then not be probable that the intermixture of the natives
of the different nations is calculated to produce a race superior
to any one of the elements of which it is composed ? Let us hope
that we possess the good qualities of all, without a large share of
the evil qualities of either. Certain it is that in Pennsylvania
we can boast of a population which for energy, for patient
industry, and for strict morality, are unsurpassed by the people
of any other country.
And what is her condition at present ? Heaven has blessed
us with a climate which, notwithstanding its variations, is equal
to almost any other on the face of the earth, and a soil capable of
furnishing all the agricultural products of the temperate zone.
410 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
And how have we improved these advantages? In agriculture
we have excelled. I have myself been over a good portion of
the best cultivated parts of the world; but never anywhere, in
any country, have I witnessed such evidences of real substantial
comfort and prosperity, such farm-houses and barns, as are to
be found in Pennsylvania. It is true we cannot boast of baronial
castles, and of extensive parks and pleasure grounds, and of all
the other appendages of wealth and aristocracy which beautify
and adorn the scenery of other countries. These can only exist
in countries where the soil is monopolized by wealthy proprietors
and where the farms are consequently occupied by a dependent
tenantry. Thank Heaven! in this country, every man of indus-
try and economy, with the blessings of Providence upon his
honest labor, can acquire a freehold for himself, and sit under
his own vine and his own fig tree, and there shall be none to
make him afraid.
Then in regard to our mineral wealth. We have vast
masses of coal and iron scattered with a profuse hand under the
surface of our soil. These are far more valuable than the
golden sands and golden ore of California. The patient labor
necessary to extract these treasures from the earth, and bring
them to market, strengthens the sinews of the laborer, makes
him self-reliant and dependent upon his own exertions, infuses
courage into the heart, and produces a race capable of maintain-
ing their liberties at home and of defending their country against
any and every foreign foe. Look at your neighboring town of
Richmond. There three millions of tons of coal are annually
brought to market, and the domestic tonnage employed for
sending it abroad exceeds the whole foreign tonnage of the city
of New York. All these vast productions of our agriculture
and our mines are the natural aliments of foreign commerce for
the city of Philadelphia.
But this is not all. Our Central Railroad will soon be com-
pleted; and when this is finished, it will furnish the avenue by
which the productions of the great West will seek a market in
Philadelphia. It will connect with a chain of numerous other
railroads, penetrating the vast valley of the Mississippi in dif-
ferent directions, which will bring the productions of that ex-
tended region to seek a market in Philadelphia.
And with these unexampled materials for foreign com-
merce, is it possible that the city of Philadelphia will hold back?
Will she not employ her capital in a vigorous effort to turn to
1851] TO MISS LANE 411
her own advantage all these elements of wealth which Providence
has placed within her reach? What is the smallest share of
foreign commerce to which she is legitimately entitled? It is
at least to import into Philadelphia all the foreign goods neces-
sary for the supply of Pennsylvania and the far West, which
seek her markets for their productions. She is bound, by every
principle of interest and duty, to bring to her own wharves this
amount of foreign trade, and never as a Pennsylvanian shall I
rest satisfied until she shall have attained this measure of success.
Shall she then tamely look on and suffer her great rival city,
of which every American ought to be proud, to monopolize the
profit and advantages to which she is justly and fairly entitled?
Shall New York continue to be the importing city for Phila-
delphia? Shall she any longer be taunted with the imputation
that so far as foreign trade is concerned, she is a mere provincial
and dependent city? She can, if she but energetically wills it,
change this course of trade so disadvantageous to her character
and her interests; and the proceedings of this meeting afford
abundant assurances that from this day forth she is destined to
enter upon a new and glorious career. She must be prepared
to encounter and to overcome serious competition. She must
therefore nerve her arm for the struggle. The struggle is
worthy of her most determined efforts.
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland 17 January 1851.
My dear Harriet/
I have received yours of the 15th & we are all happy to
learn that you have reached Washington so pleasantly. I hope
that your visit may prove agreeable^; & that you may return home
self satisfied with all that may transpire during your absence.
Keep your eyes about you in the gay scenes through which you
are destined to pass & take care to do nothing & say nothing of
which you may have cause to repent. Above all, be on your
guard against flattery ; & should you receive it, " let it pass into
one ear gracefvilly & out at the other." Many a clever girl has
been spoiled for the useful purposes of life & rendered unhappy
' Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 17.
412 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
by a winter's gaiety in Washington. I know, however, that Mrs.
Pleasonton will take good care of you & prevent you from run-
ning into any extravagance. Still it is necessary that, with the
blessing of Providence, you should take care of yourself.
I attended the festival in Philadelphia, on the occasion of
the arrival of the steamer " City of Glasgow," but did not see
Lilly Macalester. Her father thinks of taking her to the
World's Fair in London. I saw Mrs. Plitt for a moment who
inquired kindly after you.
We are moving on here in the old way & I have no news
of any interest to communicate to you. Eskridge was out here
last night & said they were all well in town. I met Mrs. Baker
yesterday on the street with her inseparable companion. She was
looking very well.
I have not yet determined whether I shall visit Washington
during the present session; but it is probable that I may on or
about the first of February.
Give my love to Laura & Clem; & remember me, in the
kindest terms, to Mr. & Mrs. Pleasonton.
Miss Hetty & James desire their love to you.
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss' Harriet Lane.
TO MISS WATTERSTON.'
Wheatland 20 January 1851.
My dear Miss Watterston,
Many thanks for your very kind letter. It is pleasant for
a retired gentleman to take a peep through "the loop holes "of
retreat at the great world. Your letter has presented a graphic
picture of the scenes which it describes, — scenes which I now
view with comparative indifference. I am greatly attached to
Washington and its excellent society ; but as for large parties,
routes, levees, assemblies, &c. &c. I would not give a button
for them all. I have had enough of all' this to satisfy any
ordinary appetite. But I still love a tete a tete in a corner such
as I hope to enjoy with Miss W., should I visit Washington;
and am as fond as ever of agreeable society and friendly social
' Buchanan MSS., Library of Congress.
1851] TO MISS WATTERSTON 413
intercourse. If I can leave home, I shall be with you the latter
end of this week or the beginning of the next ; but it is yet uncer-
tain whether I must not go to Harrisburg.
Now about what can I write which would interest you?
You know that my life here is very monotonous though at the
same time very agreeable. We proceed in the same " John
Trot " style as when you were here, without your charming
society to enliven the dullness of a winter in the Country. I
have purchased a new sleigh, and anticipated much pleasure
from sleighing ; but we have had no snow. What is worse, our
ice-house is j^et empty; and we begin to fear that it will thus
remain. We have had a little gaiety in our good old Town of
Lancaster in which I have participated ; but nothing has occurred
in our provincial fashionable world which could interest you
for a single moment.
In Washington I know they are busy making and unmaking
Presidents. The hopes of an aspirant are elevated to-day to
be crushed to-morrow ; and candidates and their friends are busy
in observing all " the signs of the times." " This is vanity and
vexation of spirit." Away with it. But is it not a melancholy
spectacle to witness aged men of three score and ten struggling
on the political arena for the offices and honors of this world,
as though it were to be their everlasting abode? But enough
of this.
I presume you have seen Harriet. She went to Washing-
ton with warm anticipations of pleasure. I hope they may be
realised.
Please to remember me, in the kindest terms, to your father
and mother and to Mrs. Holcombe and Mrs. Beale, and believe
me to be ever your sincere and affectionate friend
James Buchanan.
Miss Eliza Watterston.
[Care of George Watterston.]
414 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster 7 April 1851.
My dear PIarriet/
Supposing tliat you are now in Baltimore, I send you the
enclosed letter received yesterday. It was inadvertently opened
by me; but the moment I saw it was addressed to " My dear
Harriette " it was closed. It may contain love or treason for
aught I know.
Eskridge was here yesterday; but he gave me no news,
except that Mary & he were at a party at Mr. McElrath's on
Wednesday evening last.
The place now begins to look beautiful & we have concerts
of the birds every morning. Still I fear it will appear dull to
yon after your winter's gaiety. Lewis has gone & we have a
new coachman in the person of Mr. Francis Quinn who with his
lady occupy the gardener's house. They have no children. Mr.
Emanuel C. Reigart will leave here on Saturday next for the
World's Fair & a trip to the continent. Your ci-devant lover
Mr. Evans purposes to go likewise; but many persons think he
will not get off, on account of the expense. Mr. and Mrs.
Gonder prove to be very agreeable neighbors. They are furnish-
ing their house & fitting up their grounds with much taste & at
considerable expense.
With my kindest regards for Mr. & Mrs. White & the
young ladies, I remain.
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
TO THE CENTRAL SOUTHERN RIGHTS ASSOCIA-
TION OF VIRGINIA.^
Whe.'Vti.and, near Lancaster, April 10, 185 1.
My Dear Sir : —
I have received your kind letter of the 2d inst., with the
resolutions adopted by the Central Southern Rights Association
of A^irginia, inviting me to address the Association at such time
as may suit my convenience, and to counsel with them " in
' Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 18.
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 23.
1851] TO SOUTHERN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION 415
regard to the best means to be adopted in the present alarming
crisis, for the maintenance of the Constitution and the Union
of these States in their original purity."
I should esteem it both a high honor and a great privilege
to comply with this request, and therefore regret to say, that
engagements, which I need not specify, render it impossible for
me to visit Richmond during the present, or probably the next
month.
The Association do me no more than justice, when attribut-
ing to me a strong desire " for the maintenance of the Constitu-
tion, and the Union of the States in their original purity."
Whilst few men in this country would venture to avow a
different sentiment, yet the question still remains, by what means
can this all-important purpose be accomplished ? I feel no hesi-
tation in answering, by returning to the old Virginia platform
of State rights, prescribed by the resolutions of 1798, and Mr.
Madison's report. The powers conferred by the Constitution
upon the General Government, must be construed strictly, and
Congress must abstain from the exercise of all doubtful powers.
But it is said these are mere unmeaning abstractions — and so
they are, unless honestly carried into practice. Like the Chris-
tian faith, however, when it is genuine, good results will in-
evitably flow from a sincere belief in such a strict construction
of the Constitution.
Were this old republican principle adopted in practice, we
should no longer witness unwarrantable and dangerous attempts
in Congress to interfei'e with the institution of domestic slavery,
which belongs exclusively to the States where it exists — there
would be no efforts to establish high protective tariffs — the public
money would not be squandered upon a general system of internal
improvements — general in name, but particular in its very nature,
and corrupting in its tendency, both to the Government and to
the people; and we would retrench our present extravagant ex-
penditure, pay our national debt, and return to the practice of a
wise economy, so essential to public and private prosperity.
Were I permitted to address your Association, these are the
counsels I should give, and some of the topics I should discuss,
as the best means " for the maintenance both of the Constitution
and the Union of the States, in their original purity," and for the
perpetuation of our great and glorious confederacy.
With sentiments of high regard, I remain yours, very
respectfully,
James Buchanan.
416 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
FROM MR. KIDDER.'
Confidential.
WiLKESBARRE II May i8si-
Hon. James Buchanan,
My dear Sir: I have regretted that my time was so limited when I
called upon you, that I could not say one half I desired to say; but having
received a letter to-day from my friend Roat, who has recently visited you,
I am induced to trouble you with a short letter. But having been induced
from the force of circumstances to become a candidate for the Supreme
Bench, I feel extremely awkward in writing letters, from the apprehension
that my motives may be misconstrued. Whether your influence will be cast
for me I know not, and for my present purpose, it is unnecessary to inquire ;
but I can say in all sincerity that I have never been your enemy, & I have never
failed to serve you when an opportunity offered. If I have not been a noisy
partizan, I have still always spoken of you with respect and kindness. In
every position in which you have been placed you have not only sustained
a high character as a statesman, but you have elevated the character of your
native State.
Our personal intercourse tho' limited has always been kind. I have
never had any occasion to complain of you but once, & this was for certain
expressions made by you adverse to my confirmation when nominated to
my present Judge-ship. I frankly conveyed to you the fact, as I heard it, &
you as frankly admitted that you had used the expressions in question, &
here the matter ended. I can assure you that I have harbored no animosity
in consequence of it, & I became satisfied that your ear had been abused in
reference to the circumstances connected with it.
My plan is & has been to keep the Presidential question out of the
Reading Convention. It will operate as a firebrand at this time, when per-
fect union & harmony are so much to be desired. Another year will accom-
plish wonders in smoothing down asperities and in defining the position of
leading men in the State. Gen. Cass has certainly lost ground in Penn-
sylvania within a few months, and is still losing. While I think well of him,
as a man, it cannot be disguised that his great timidity as a statesman furnishes
one of the greatest obstacles to his success ; besides he has been mixed up
with all the different questions which have agitated the country for several
years past, and out of which have grown our sectional differences. My own
opinion is, that the increasing obstacles to his success must result in abandon-
ing him as a candidate. You stand upon a different platform, & in addition
to the natural feeling of State pride in your favor, your votes are not upon
the record. If you were to take the same pains for a year to come, that you
have done for a few months past, to soothe asperities, I predict that your
course would be clear & your .success certain. You & Gen. Cameron ought
to be friends. Living in the same section of the State, and having so many
interests in common, it is worse than idle for you men to be enemies. If
the Pennsylvanian would cease to attack him, (which he charges to you) I
have little doubt but a better understanding could be brought about between
you. I should be willing to volunteer my best offices, to accomplish such an
object.
^ Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1851] TO MR. KIDDER 417
Mr. Roat informs me that he had a very satisfactory interview with you,
& feels much gratified. He has been a great Cass man. I urged him to go
& see you, and feel gratified it has resulted so favorably. He is a man of
great natural shrewdness, and besides wields considerable influence.
Excuse me for a long rambling letter & believe me
Yr. friend
L. Kidder.
TO MR. KIDDER.^
[May i6, 1851.J
You say that General Cameron & myself ought to be friends ;
but this it would be difificult, almost impossible, to accomplish.
He has made war upon me " a outrance " without any cause
whatever at the commencement of his hostilities ; & I expect noth-
ing but to encounter his opposition to the end. I would not
giA'e a pledge to him or any other man in advance in regard to
individual appointments or personal favors, to secure my nomina-
tion & election. Should I ever be elected President, my friends
must confide in my sense of gratitude & duty to do justice
towards those who may have sustained me in the hour of need.
He has no right or just cause to charge me, as you say he does,
with advising or inciting the attacks upon him in the Pennsyl-
vanian; but so far as that paper exerted itself to defeat the
attempt to disorganise the party in the Legislature & elect him
to the Senate by Whig votes, it received my approbation.
The relations between General Cameron & myself were for
many years those, on my part at least, of sincere personal friend-
ship. Although I never had much reliance on his radical
Democracy, yet I confided implicitly on his personal friendship
& suffered much because I would not abandon & denounce him.
He himself has voluntarily cut the cord which united us, & by
his well known energy, activity, & exertions, has done me as
much injury in this & other States as any man living. But
enough & too much of this matter. The evil appears to me to
be inevitable & therefore your interposition so kindly ofifered
could produce no good effect.
From your friend very respectfully
J-B.
Extract from my answer dated 16 May 1851.
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Vol VIII— 27
418 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
TO MISS WATTERSTON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, i6 July 185 1.
My dear Miss Watterston,
I have this moment received your saucy letter of the 13th,
and although about to leave home, cannot deny myself the
pleasure of giving it a brief answer, before my departure.
You assail me very prettily for not w^riting to you ; although
at the very time you were inditing the letter your conscience was
telling you that you were to blame for not writing sooner your-
self. This is an excellent ruse for neglecting an old friend, who,
you know, feels a deep interest in all that concerns a certain
" ladye faire." Besides, you know how much I am worried by
an extensive correspondence with persons for whom I do not
care a straw in comparison with yourself.
Are 3'ou never going to be married and make some clever
fellow happy ? Or do you intend to remain the same gay, agree-
able, and intellectual — I will not write the word that you have
been. Away with your Spanish. You already speak languages
enough to make you sufficiently captivating. And you also
possess a heart, which is the best of your accomplishments.
It is no wonder that " j^our father raised the Wig from
the phrenological development of a rabid Democrat," by express-
ing an approval of the nomination of Col. King and myself.
I am truly rejoiced, however, to learn the fact. He is a gentle-
man of sound sense and excellent judgment, and begins to per-
ceive that the Whigs in power are not the thing "they are
cracked up to be " whilst outsiders. I know many more re-
spectable Whigs who entertain the same opinion. We shall give
the Whigs a handsome dressing in this State in October next,
unless all signs should fail.
Harriet left yesterday for the Bedford Springs with a party
from the neighbourhood and Philadelphia. I may be there in
about a week ; but this depends on circumstances. We have had
a great deal of company here this season.
I deeply regret to learn Mrs. Houston's illness. She is one
of my prime favorites. Will you remember me to her kindly?
and congratulate her for me on becoming a grandmother.
Please to present me to your father and mother in the kindest
' Buchanan MSS., Library of Congress.
1851] TO MR. HEMPHILL 419
terms. I regret that I must be off ; for I feel ir» good trim to
write you a long gossiping letter.
Yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Eliza. Watterston.
P. S. Miss Hetty sends her kind regards.
TO MR. HEMPHILL.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, i8 July 185 1.
My dear Sir/
I have this moment received your favor of the 17th Instant;
and although about leaving for the Bedford Springs, I cannot
refrain giving it a brief answer.
However much we may differ in opinion on the Judicial
question, I should ever deplore this difference, if it could by
possibility produce the slightest diminution in our mutual friend-
ship. It has lasted too long & been too sincere for any change
in our advancing years. Had I known or imagined you were
so much excited on the subject of the Judicial ticket, I should not
have addressed you as I did. Friends when they can't agree
ought to agree to disagree, & not introduce, in their intercourse
with each other, questions likely to produce dissension. I am,
therefore, sincerely sorry that I wrote to you at all. Yet having
written, I must say that I never spoke words more sincerely
in my life than what I said of our judicial ticket. I am inti-
mately acquainted with every Candidate upon it, & believe it to
be far superior to the Whig ticket. Plad I been a member of
the Judicial Convention, I never should have voted for the
nomination of Judge Gibson, notwithstanding his transcendent
legal abilities. The reason would have been his resignation of
his ofGce & acceptance of a new appointment from Governor
Ritner & the doubt which I have entertained for many years of
the soundness of his Democracy. I deemed it highly proper, if
not absolutely necessary, that one of the old Judges should be
placed upon the new Bench, & I was anxious that Judge Bell,
instead of Judge Gibson, should form the connecting link between
the two Courts. This, as I was informed by the Delegates, for
^Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
420 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
I know nothing of mj^ own knowledge, was prevented by Judge
Bell's friends. Whatever may have been the cause, I sincerely
regret the effect.
On one point I regret that I differ from you essentially. In
my opinion, we ought as a party to settle a Democratic Judicial
ticket for the Supreme Bench, & as a party sustain this ticket
after it has been settled, provided it is composed of honest &
able men. The mind that is strongly imbued with Democratic
principles will naturally & necessarily take a different view of
great constitutional & other highly important questions in-
volving the rights & liberties of the people, from that taken by
a mind which has all its life delighted in high toned federal
doctrines. Whilst Judge Black would, I am persuaded, though
I do not know, decide that a Bank of the United States was a
violation of the Constitution, Mr. Meredith, with equally honest
intentions, would arrive at a different conclusion. I agree that
on questions of mere meum & tuum, the politicks of the Judge
could make no difference ; but upon important questions involving
the first principles of our government the difference might be
very great. No Whig President has ever appointed a Demo-
cratic Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, nor has
a Democratic President appointed a Whig: & yet the remark
has been general that the Democrats appointed to this Bench
from the very nature of the constitution of the Court have
always soon leaned to the side of power & to such a construction
of the Constitution as would extend the powers of the Federal
Government.
I was once a federalist, & changed very many years ago
from sincere conviction; and the reason why I first seriously
thought of this change was the rapid strides which I saw were
making on the part of the Federal Government towards con-
solidation, then always sustained by the Supreme Court of the
United States. I, therefore, go in for a Democratic Supreme
Court on principle & without the slightest spirit of proscription
in my nature.
I say all this, not with the least idea or expectation of
producing any change in your opinion, but merely to justify
myself to you for the opinions which I hold.
I regret that any circumstance should have occurred render-
ing it improper for me to visit West Chester. I had imagined
to myself a most agreeable trip to your charming town & to the
Yellow Springs ; but it is not the first time I have been dis-
appointed.
1851] TO MR. VANSANT 421
With sentiments of sincere friendship & respect, I remain
Truly yours
James Buchanan.
Joseph Hemphill, Esquire.
P. S. I shall consider your letter as entirely confidential
& shall not even speak of it to any person, though I know you
would not care if I should. — I commenced, intending to write
a few lines, & have nearly covered the sheet.
TO MR. VANSANT ET AL.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 30 September 1851.
Gentlemen/
I have received, through Messrs. Denmead, Boyd, & Smith,
your kind invitation to deliver the next " Annual Address," on
the 30th October, before the " Maryland Institute foj- the promo-
tion of the Mechanic Arts." I can say, with unaffected sincerity,
that I should esteem it a very high privilege to be able to comply
with your request, & if this were possible, consistently with other
imperative duties, I should eagerly embrace the opportunity of
giving my public testimony in favor of the value & importance
of your magnificent Institute to the great cause of Natural
Industry, an Institute reared & sustained by the well known
patriotism, liberality, & enterprise of the City of Baltimore &
the State of Maryland.
A nobler theme could not be presented for discussion than
the intimate connexion between the progress of civilisation &
that of the Mechanic Arts; & the manner they reciprocally aid
each other in the advancement of our race towards that high &
happy destiny for which we were intended by the bountiful
author of our existence. Ours is the only country on the face
of the earth where every man feels that he is equal to his fellow
man, & where useful & skilful labor elevates the mechanic far
above the idle drones who affect to look down upon him in other
countries. This proud & conscious feeling of independence has
stimulated the native energy & inventive genius of our merchants
& has inspired them with a determination not to stop short of
excellence in every useful art. The fruits of this spirit are
' Buchanan Papers, private collection.
422 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
exhibited in the unparalleled number, for the time, of valuable
inventions, now the admiration if not the envy of the world, &
in that surpassing skill which, in a single branch, has, on a
recent memorable occasion, borne away the prize on her own
favorite element from the self-styled mistress of the ocean. But
I must stop, or else I shall write a lecture instead of an apology.
With many thanks for the honor which you have conferred
upon me, & with sincere regrets that imperative engagements
prevent me from accepting your invitation, I remain
Veiy respectfully your fellow-citizen,
James Buchanan.
Joshua Vansant Esquire, President, & the Vice Presidents
& Managers of the Maryland Institute, Baltimore.
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 4 Nov. 1851.
My dear Harriet/
I have received your favor of the 29th ultimo & would have
answered it sooner had I not been absent at Lebanon on its
arrival. You appear to have already got under full sail in Pitts-
burgh & I hope your voyage throughout may be prosperous and
happy. If you have found the place even blacker & dirtier than
you had anticipated you will find the people warm-hearted, gen-
erous, kind, & agreeable. But do not for a moment believe that
any hearts will be broken even if you should fail to pay all the
visits to families where you are invited. I know, however, that
you are not so romantic a girl as to take for gospel all the pretty
things which may be said to you.
My dinner to the bride & groom is to come off next Satur-
day & I intend to call upon Mrs. Baker to be mistress of cere-
monies. I had to send for her on Friday last to stay with Mr.
and Mrs. Yost whom I was compelled to leave by an engagement
to be present at a Jubilee in Lebanon.
Eskridge was here on Sunday but brought no budget of
news. Indeed I believe there is nothing stirring which would
ifiterest you.
I have a friend in Pittsburgh, such as but few men have
^ Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 18.
1851] TO MISS LANE 423
ever had, by name Major David Lynch. He does not move in
the first circle of fashionable society; but exercises more influ-
ence than any other Democrat in that region. His devotion to
me is unexampled. With one such man there would be no
difficulty in Lancaster county. I know that Dr. Speer don't like
him; but when you visit Mrs. Collins, get Mr. McCandless to
request him to pay you a visit & treat him witli the utmost kind-
ness. His wife is a lady of fine sense; but I presume you will
not be asked to visit her. If you should, make it a point to go.
Miss Hetty & myself are now alone, although I have many
calls. For the last two days & a great part of the nights I have
been constantly at work in answering the letters which have
accumulated during my absence at New York, the Harrisburg
Fair & Lebanon.
Miss Hetty desires to be kindly remembered to you. Take
care of yourself. Be prudent & discreet among strangers. I
hope you will not remove the favorable impression you have
made. Please to present my kindest regards to Dr. and Mrs.
Speer, Miss Lydia & the family & believe me to be
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
P. S. If I believed it would have any effect, I would advise
you to be constant in your devotions to your God. He is a
friend who will never desert you. Men are short sighted &
know not the consequences of their own actions. The most bril-
liant prospects are often overcast; & those who commence life
under the fairest auspices are often unfortunate. Ask wisdom
& direction from above. , and , and have mar-
ried unfortunately. I should like nothing better than to see
you well settled in life; but never think of marrying any man
unless his moral habits are good & his business or his fortune
will enable him to support you comfortably. So now my post-
script is like a woman's. The best, the last.
424 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
TO MISS LANE/
[November 8, 1851.J
My dear Harriet/
Our excellent friend & neighbour, Mr. Gender, died this
morning, & this event has covered us v\rith gloom. Of course
there will be no dinner party to-day. We are all well & going
on as usual.
Yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
Saturday morning, 8 Nov. '51.
TO MISS WATTERSTON.^
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 17 November 1851.
My dear Miss Watterston,
I have been so much absent from home since the late elec-
tion that my correspondence is far behind. I fear I shall not be
able to overtake it. This is the only reason why I have not
sooner answ;ered your charming sprightly and gossiping letter.
Your poetic lover must be in a bad way. For my own
part, I admire your voice and the expression of heart and feeling
which accompanies it ; but I cannot say with him, — " That voice
I fain would hear forever more." I think I should prefer the
pious and childless widower with $3000 a year. But when I go
to Washington, which I trust I may do in January, let me see
and know them both, and I shall tell you whether either is worthy
of you.
We are now "'solitary and alone " at Wheatland, that is,
Miss Hetty and myself. The summer birds have all flown away
and the winter winds howl around us ; but I am content with my
lot. Harriet is in Pittsburg making a great ado. She is in
one respect like yourself. She is fonder of being pursued than
overtaken, of being sought than won.
I know not the man I would rather see than Jack Houston,
with or without " his flaming red cravat," with ends floating
gracefully on the breeze. He is an eccentric philosopher with a
^ Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 20.
° Buchanan MSS., Library of Congress.
1851] TO MR. JOHNSON 425
good kind head, and talks like a book. I am much attached to
him, as well as to Gertrude. Lest I may forget, please to re-
member me kindly to them and to Mrs. Beale, not forgetting
Robert.
Thank you for your Congratulations on our late election.
I was determined, so far as I could, that this election should
be decided on great national principles and make an end of free-
soilism and abolition in our State. Tliis has, I think, been
accomplished. As we "paltered in a double sense " with none
of the isms which infest our State, we had them all arrayed
against us. The motley army of our opponents, Whigs, Abo-
litionists, free Soilers, Anti-Masons, and Native Americans, was
marshalled in and led by Governor Johnston. This reckless but
skilful, able, and persevering demagogue alone could have com-
bined such heterogeneous materials into one Solid Mass. Many
of oitr Whigs, perhaps, indeed I believe a majority of them, are
not free soilers; but their allegiance to party was too powerful
for their principles.
It is doubtful, very doubtful, whether any cause will ever
exist for the struggle which you depict between your patriotism
and your selfishness. " The little giant of the West " now seems
to be going ahead, but the most dangerous competitor has yet
been but little named. If success attends me, very well ; if not,
defeat will cost me neither " a night's rest nor a meal's victuals."
Thank Heaven ! I know how to be happy in retirement.
Please to present my kindest respects to your father, mother,
and sister, and believe me to be your affectionate friend
James Buchanan.
Miss Ei.iza Watterston.
P. S. Miss Hetty desires to be very kindly remembered
to vou.
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 3 December 1851.
___ Sir/
Upon returning home a few days ago, I received the melan-
choly intelligence of Mrs. Johnson's death. Although from your
last letter I had anticipated this mournful event, yet the sad
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
426 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
reality affected me deeply. Most sincerely do I sympathise with
you upon your irreparable loss. She was every thing which a
wife, a mother, or a friend ought to be. Frank, kind-hearted,
sincere, & faithful, she was beloved by all who enjoyed the
opportunity of observing her virtues. I should esteem it a favor
to learn the particulars of her death. " What shadows we are
& what shadows we pursue."
I hope the seed wheat which I sent you may prove to be all
you desire. Strange to say, I had much trouble in procuring
it. The first which I purchased from a neighbour was not of
prime quality, & many of the grains had been split by the thrash-
ing machine. I had to send nine miles to a friend who had
excellent Mediterranean wheat & get him to have it thrashed in
the old fashioned way.
I received a letter from our friend Marcy dated on the 24
ultimo at New York, which contains some strange but confidential
revelations; but as I know he would conceal nothing from you
confidentially, I shall make an extract from his letter relating to
Knox Walker. He says, — " Knox Walker is again on to New
York laboring with might & main for Douglas. He opened him-
self fully to me in regard to the state of things in Tennessee, &
expressed himself quite confidently that the Delegation from that
State would go for Douglas. He thinks that General Pillow &
A. V. Brown will be able to control the selection of them. Pil-
low is to be Vice President with Douglas. Knox himself will
go to Tennessee & be there on the 8th January when the State
Convention will meet for the choice of delegates." !!!
I thought it right that you should know this. Douglas is the
Candidate of the "Ebony Line." George Law, George Sanders,
Knox Walker, & all that set of Lobby Borers go in for him
strongly. From all I can learn, however, it will be but a flash
in the pan, unless indeed Knox Walker should be able to get him
endorsed by the illustrious State of Jackson & Polk.
Our friend Marcy is himself pleased at the idea of being a
candidate : & the Van Burens & leading Barnburners are tickling
him with the idea. He is very shrewd, & it will be diamond cut
diamond. He said to me he would not suffer his name to be
used unless he could obtain delegates who would be his own
reliable friends; whilst I am convinced it is their object to use
him for the purpose of electing such delegates as they can trans-
fer to Butler at Baltimore. Beyond all question, the Van Burens,
Blair, & that set intend to go for Butler; & yet strange to say,
1851] TO MISS LANE 427
the St. Louis Union, the principal Bentonian paper in Missouri,
has manifested strong symptoms of friendship for me.
They are all as much "through other," in New York, to use
an old woman's phrase, probably as they have ever been. Dick-
inson & Marcy are not as good friends as formerly. Dickinson,
they say, wants a Southern man nominated, so that he may be
Vice President, whilst the friends of Douglas have made sad
inroads on the Hunker Cass men. I have many reliable friends
there who are watching the game & but few enemies. If Marcy
can carry the State, with reliable Delegates who will be under
his own infltience, I shall have no objection. I have received
strong assurances from Maine & Connecticut & I believe my
prospects are fair in New England. I shall do my duty faith-
fully to myself & my friends; but am determined not to lose a
night's rest or a meal's victuals, let the result be what it may.
In the mean time prospects are highly propitious. My letters
• from Washington since the election of Boyd, Forney, & Gloss-
brenner are truly encouraging. I am stronger in this State than
I have ever been.
I would gladly write much more; but my frequent absences
from home have caused letters to accumulate so much that the
pile is appalling. Please to remember me, in the kindest terms,
to Mrs. Garland, Hickman, & the children, & believe me ever to
be sincerely & gratefully your friend
James Buchanan.
Hon : Cave Johnson.
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 12 Dec: '51.
My dear Harriet/
I have received your letter of the 6th Instant & am happy
to learn you are still enjoying yourself at Pittsburg. I have
not any news of interest to communicate, unless it be that Mary
& Kate Reynolds went to Philadelphia on Wednesday last, &
James Henry is to be at home next week. At Wheatland we are
all moving on in the old way. My correspondence is now so
heavy as to occupy my whole time from early morning until late
at night, except when visitors are with me.
'Buchanan Papers, private .collection. Extracts printed in Curtis's
Buchanan, II. 20.
428 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
I still continue to be of the same opinion I was concerning
the Presidency; but this is for yourself alone.
My life is now one of great labor; but I am philosopher
enough not to be very anxious.
When you write again, please to inform me whether the
Wilkins have called to see you.
With my kindest regards for Mrs. Collins & ' Sis ' I remain
yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 22 Dec: 1851.
My dear Sir/
I have received your favor of the nth Instant & deplore the
sufferings & death of my noble-minded & warm-hearted friend.
Death must have been a kind relief to herself & all her friends.
It is a melancholy pleasure to reflect that she was resigned to her
fate. She is now, I trust, happy. Most sincerely do I sym-
pathise with you for the irreparable loss which you have
sustained.
I am sorry you did not get the wheat in good time. It is
of an excellent quality. We have but poor prospects of a wheat
crop in this Country for the next Season. On account of the
extreme drought in the fall, much of our wheat was not sown
until very late & this promises better than what was sown earlier ;
but it is all unpromising. In your climate it may succeed sown
so late as the middle of November.
I firmly believe that the Van Burens & leading Barnburners
are humbugging our good friend Governor Marcy. Beyond all
question their object is through his influence with the Hunkers to
elect Delegates from New York whom they can transfer to
General Butler at the proper moment. As you observe, they
wish to produce as much division as possible among the Northern
Candidates, so as to unite all parties at last upon Butler. Ben-
ton, Blair, & the Van Burens are intent upon accomplishing this
object. Tlie Bradford Reporter, Wilmot's organ, is out already
for Butler, & never was there a more unmistakable symptom of
what John Van Buren desires. Is it not passing strange to see
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1851] TO MR. JOHNSON 429
the Free-Soilers & Buffalo platform men sustaining a slave-holder
for the Presidency? It cannot be denied, however, that Butler
might easily be made a strong candidate in Pennsylvania, — much
stronger than either Douglas or Marcy, though I should prefer
the latter. Our people would far rather vote for a slave-holder
than for Marcy, connected as he is now believed to be not in
principle but in action with the Van Burens & free soilers. Still
very little is said about him as yet in the North.
It appears to me that the wisest & most sagacious men be-
come dunces when seized by a desire for the Presidency. Slidell
was in New York last summer & there did me much good.
Marcy was sincerely friendly & co-operated with him. The
money was subscribed by leading merchants & others to establish
a large & powerful Democratic paper on the same principles with
the London Times. They had no doubt of being able to make it
a leading commercial paper & render it profitable. Forney was
to be the political editor on a handsome salary, & it was to support
me for the Presidency. At this propitious moment, the Van
Burens began to tickle Marcy with the idea of being President
himself. His leading friends Culling, O'Conner, Sedgwick &
others who were to support me hauled off: & hacked out from
the paper, unless it should remain perfectly neutral on the subject
of the Presidency. This they did after an interview with the
Governor. I have the information direct from the very rich
merchant who had subscribed $10,000 towards its establishment.
The whole concern fell through ; because my friends had the most
money. — Now I do not blame Gov. Marcy for all this ; because, as
I said before, no man can account for the follies which the
Presidential mania may produce. Marcy has rendered himself
unpopular with Dickinson & his friends for having united with
the Barnburners; & they expect nothing from him but to take
advantage of his popularity with the Hunkers, to carry Barn-
burning Delegates to the Baltimore Convention to be used at the
proper time in favor of Butler.
My own prospects, unless I am greatly deceived, never were
so bright, & if I am to believe information from Washington,
are daily growing brighter. This strength is in great part de-
rived from the general impression that I am strong with all
branches of the Southern Democracy. Tennessee going for an-
other man, at the present moment, would be to me a severe blow.
I hope you will endeavor to prevent it if possible. The Democracy
of Penn,sylvania think they have claims on the State of Jackson
430 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
& Polk, & they rely with confidence upon Tennessee. My
nomination there with either Governor Brown or Nicholson
would go far, from its moral influence, to decide the question.
My defeat there would place all matters in confusion. Our State
is becoming very close. The Tariff is the dangerous question
against which we have to contend. General Scott will be a most
formidable Candidate in this State. Should the Democracy of
Pennsylvania be disappointed, after having waited more than
sixty years, he will in all human probability succeed, should the
iron interest continue to be as much depressed as at present,
against either Douglas or Marcy. To carry it against him would
require either military glory or State pride.
Cass would be beaten in this State by any Whig nominee
by a large majority. You may ask why? I will tell you. At
our late election Judge Campbell, a Catholic & an excellent man,
was defeated by fraud at the election as a candidate for our
Supreme Bench by Cameron, the Cummingses, & all that corrupt
clique who are, par excellence, the special friends of General Cass.
They sent circulars over the whole State to clergymen & others
for the purpose of exciting prejudices against popery & in this
they succeeded to a considerable extent. We have I suppose
from 25 to 30,000 Cathohc Democratic voters in this State,
whose feelings have been deeply wounded by this religious perse-
cution. It is doubtful whether we can ever rally the whole of
them again upon any Democratic Candidate; but this would be
impossible in regard to Cass, who is now openly & perseveringly
sustained by Cameron & his clique. His nomination, you may
rest assured, would be the signal of certain defeat in Tennessee.
I write these things confidentially; but they are as true as
gospel. I confess I feel much anxiety about Tennessee. Should
it go against me, this may prove decisive of my fate. I am
determined, however, not to lose " a night's rest or a meal's
victuals " on that account.
Please to remember me very kindly to Mrs. Garland & the
little boys & girls, & believe me always to be sincerely & re-
spectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
Hon : Cave Johnson.
Upon reading this letter over, you might infer that my feel-
ings have changed towards Marcy. Far from it. Personally I
would greatly prefer him to either Cass, Douglas, or Butler.
I consider, however, that his success is an impossibility.
1851] TO COLONEL FALL 431
TO COLONEL FALL.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster,
24 December 1851.
My dear Sir/
I have but this moment received your letter of the ist Inst,
directed to Washington, where it must have lain for some time
before it vi^as forwarded to this place.^ In directing it, I pre-
sume you may have supposed I would be in that City, now the
great theatre of President making. But this is not my way. I
leave my claims, whatever they may be, to an intelligent &
patriotic Democracy; & shall be content with their decision,
whatever this may be. I should, however, do myself injustice
were I not to state that I feel the voluntary kindness & support
of friends like yourself far more deeply & gratefully than many
who make more glowing professions.
I am sorry I did not receive your letter sooner. I might
then have given you the " old fashioned Democratic " answer
which you desire. But I am compelled to leave home immedi-
ately ; & if I should not write at the present moment it will be too
late for the 8th January. I must, therefore, be brief.
My public life is before the Country & it is my pride never
to have evaded an important political question. The course of
Democracy is always straight ahead, and public men never in-
volve themselves in labyrinths except when they turn to the right
or the left from the plain forward path. Madison's Report &
Jefferson's Kentucky resolutions are the safest & surest guides to
^Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. This letter was
printed in the Mississippian, Jan. 9, 1852.
^Mr, Fall's letter (now among the Buchanan Papers of the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania) was as follows :
Jackson, Miss., Dec. i, 1851-
Hon. James Buchanan
Sir: As an old Democrat, familiar with your long and useful public
career, I desire your elevation to the presidency. Anxious for your nomina-
tion and wishing to be instrumental in bringing it about, I should be pleased
to receive from you an old fashioned democratic letter to be read at our
Convention which assembles on the 8th of January next to appoint delegates
to the Baltimore Convention.
You will be assured that your interests will be safe in my hands, when I
inform you, that I have been the editor of the Mississippian — brief intervals
excepted — for twenty years, and am the present State printer.
Yours Respectfully
Geo. R. Fall.
432 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1851
conduct a Democratic administration of the federal Government.
It is the true mission of Democracy to resist centraHsation, or
the gradual absorption of unconstitutional power by the Presi-
dent & Congress. The sovereignty of the States & a devotion
to their rights can alone preserve & perpetuate our happy system
of Government. The exercise of doubtful & constructive powers
on the part of Congress has produced all the dangerous & exciting
questions which have imperilled the Union. The federal Govern-
ment, even confined within its strict constitutional limits, must
necessarily acquire more & more influence through the increased
& increasing expenditure of public money & hence the greater
necessity for public economy & watchful vigilance. Our Consti-
tution when it proceeded from the hands of its framers was a
simple system; & the more free from complexity it remains, the
more powerfully, satisfactorily & beneficially will it operate
within its legitimate sphere. It is centralisation alone which has
prevented the French people from establishing a permanent Re-
publican Government & entailed upon them so many misfortunes.
Had the provinces of France been converted into separate terri-
torial sovereignties like our State Governments, Paris would then
no longer have been France, & a revolution at the capital could
not have destroyed the federative Republic.
Had the principles I have enumerated been observed by the
Federal Government, & by the people of the several States, we
should have avoided the alarming questions which have arisen
out of the institution of domestic Slavery. The people of each
State would then, to use a homely but expressive phrase, have
attended to their own business & would not have interfered in
the domestic concerns of their sister States. But on this im-
portant subject I have so fully presented my views in the en-
closed letter to the great meeting in Philadelphia held in Novem-
ber 1850, that it would be needless to repeat them, even if time
would permit.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
George R. Fall Esq.
P. S. You will perceive at once that this hasty letter is not
intended for publication. I shall always be glad to hear from
you.
1852] TO MR. NELSON 433
1852.
TO MR. NELSON ET AL.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, February 3, 1852.
Gentlemen : —
In returning home through your city on Saturday last, I
had the unexpected honor of receiving your kind invitation to
partake of a pubHc dinner at such time as might best suit my
own convenience. For this distinguished and valuable token of
your regard, please to accept my most grateful acknowledgments;
and, whilst regretting that circumstances, which it would be too
tedious to explain, will deprive me of the pleasure of meeting you
at the festive board, you may rest assured that I shall ever highly
prize the favorable opinion you express of my poor public
services.
To the city of Baltimore I have ever been attached by strong
ties. In early life I had selected it as the place where to prac-
tice my profession; and nothing prevented me from carrying
this purpose into effect but my invincible reluctance, at the last
moment, to leave my native State. The feeling which prompted
me in 18 14, during the last war with Great Britain, to march
as a private to Baltimore, a circumstance to which you kindly
allude, resulted from a patriotism so universal throughout Penn-
sylvania, that the honor which may fall to the lot of any one
of the thousands of my fellow-citizens who volunteered their
services on that trying occasion, scarcely deserves to be men-
tioned.
If I rightly read " the signs of the times," there has seldom
been a period when the Democratic party of the country, to
which you and I are warmly attached, was in greater danger of
suffering a defeat than at the present moment. In order to
avert this catastrophe, we must mutually forget and forgive
past dissensions, suffer " bygones to be bygones," and commence
a new career, keeping constantly in view the ancient and long
established landmarks of the party. Most, if not all the great
questions of policy which formerly divided us from our political
opponents, have been settled in our favor. No person, at this day,
thinks of re-establishing another national bank, or repealing the
Independent Treasury, or distributing the proceeds of the public
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 26.
Vol. VIII— 28
434 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
lands among the several States, or abolishing the veto power.
On these great and important questions, the Whigs, after a
long and violent struggle, have yielded : and, for the present, at
least, would seem to stand upon the Democratic platform. The
compromise measures are now a " finality " — those who opposed
them honestly and powerfully, and who still believe them to be
wrong, having patriotically determined to acquiesce in them for
the sake of the Union, provided they shall be faithfully carried
into execution.
On what issues, then, can we go before the country and
confidently calculate upon the support of the American people at
the approaching Presidential election? I answer unhesitatingly
that we must fall back, as you suggest, upon those fundamental
and time-honored principles which have divided us from our
political opponents since the beginning, and which from the
very nature of the Federal Constitution, must continue to divide
us from them until the end. We must inscribe upon our banners
a sacred regard for the reserved rights of the States — a strict
construction of the Constitution — a denial to Congress of all
powers not clearly granted by that instrument, and a rigid
economy in public expenditures.
These expenditures have now reached the enormous sum
of fifty millions of dollars per annum, and, unless arrested in
their advance by the strong arm of the Democracy of the coun-
try, may, in the course of a few years, reach one hundred
millions. The appropriation of money to accomplish great
national objects sanctioned by the Constitution, ought to be on
a scale commensurate with our power and resources as a nation
— but its expenditure ought to be conducted under the guidance
of enlightened economy and strict responsibility. I am convinced
that our expenses might be considerably reduced below the
present standard, not only without detriment, but with positive
advantage both to the government and the people.
An excessive and lavish expenditure of public money, though
in itself highly pernicious, is as nothing when compared with
the disastrous influence it may exert upon the character of
our free institutions. A strong tendency towards extravagance
is the great political evil of the present day; and this ought to
be firmly resisted. Congress is now incessantly importuned from
every quarter to make appropriations for all sorts of projects.
Money, money from the National Treasury is constantly de-
manded to enrich contractors, speculators, and agents; and these
1852] TO MR. NELSON 435
projects are gilded over with every allurement which can be
imparted to them by ingenuity and talent. Claims which had
been condemned by former decisions and had become rusty with
age have been again revived, and have been paid, principal and
interest. Indeed there seems to be one general rush to obtain
money from the Treasury on any and every pretense.
What will be the inevitable consequence of such lavish ex-
penditures? Are they not calculated to disturb the nicely adjusted
balance between the Federal and State Governments, upon the
preservation of which depend the harmony and efficiency of our
system? Greedy expectants from the Federal Treasury will
regard with indifference, if not with contempt, the governments
of the several States. The doctrine of State rights will be
laughed to scorn by such individuals, as an obsolete abstraction
unworthy of the enlightened spirit of the age. The corrupting
power of money will be felt throughout the length and breadth
of this land; and the Democracy, led on by the hero and sage
of the Hermitage, will have in vain put down the Bank of the
United States, if the same fatal influence for which it was con-
demned, shall be exerted and fostered by means drawn from the
Public Treasury.
To be liberal with their own money but sparing of that of
the Republic was the glory of distinguished public servants
among the ancient Romans. When this maxim was reversed,
and the public money was employed by artful and ambitious
demagogues to secure their own aggrandizement, genuine liberty
soon expired. It is true that the forms of the Republic con-
tinued for many years ; but the animating and inspiring soul had
fled forever. I entertain no serious apprehensions that we
shall ever reach this point, yet we may still profit by their
example.
With sentiments of the highest respect, I remain your
friend and fellow-citizen,
James Buchanan.
To John Nelson, Wm. F. Giles, John O. Wharton, John
Morris, Carroll Spence, and other citizens of
Baltimore.
436 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
TO MR. WISE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 4 Feb. 1852.
My dear Sir/
I have received your favor of the 25th ultimo, which has
been as long on the way as it would have been from New Orleans.
The cold weather of which you complain has not frozen your
friendship; & I owe you many grateful thanks for the kind
interest which you feel in my favor.
From the information which I daily receive, I am con-
vinced you are right in supposing that Virginia [is] with me &
I shall be nominated. Unless greatly mistaken in the signs of
the times, they point more & more to this result. You, also,
think that I have " the voice & heart of two thirds of Virginia's
people with me, if they can be allowed fair play." With such
an able & energetic champion in my favor as yourself, I know I
shall have fair play, despite of the Richmond influence. Why,
since you have changed your constitution, not follow the example
of other States & hold a State Convention, the delegates com-
posing which to be elected by the Democracy of the different
Senatorial & representative Districts? With us, an attempt on
the part of our Legislature to interfere with the Presidential
election would be denounced by the Democracy of the whole
State. It is the plainest inference from the doctrine of State
rights, that the voice of a Sovereign State should be heard as
such in the National Convention, & that its power should not
be frittered away in many discordant voices. New York has
elected by Congressional Districts; but this because if they had
met in State Convention, they could not have erected a common
platform on the subject of slavery.
I would give " a Jew's eye to see you," & why may I not
enjoy this pleasure? I wrote to Mason last night accepting
his invitation given some time since to pass a few days with
him in Richmond, provided I should learn he was at home. In
this event, I expect to be in Richmond on Wednesday next, the
eleventh, via Washington. I can't leave home before Tuesday
& must be here again on Saturday 21st. I shall, therefore, stay
but two or at most three days in Richmond, as I desire to pass
a few days in Washington on my return. Cannot you contrive
to meet me at Richmond or Washington?
' From the autograph collection of James A. Chase, Esq., of Hazleton,
Pennsylvania.
1852] TO MR. LEAKE 437
From authority which I consider quite reHable, Messrs.
Meade, Millson, Averett, Bocock, Caskee, Holladay, & Beale of
the Virginia Delegation in Congress are my friends. Thompson
of WheeHng is the strong friend of Cass; & Bagby is opposed
to me. Of the remaining four democrats, Powell, Letcher,
Edmundson, & M'Mullen, I know nothing certain. Douglas is,
undoubtedly, sinking fast, & Cass is recovering some strength.
Parker, who belongs to the Sect of Optimists, sees nothing but
benefit to my cause in the re-election of Hunter, though I cannot
view it in this light. He may now probably detach himself from
Douglas, & but " nous verrons."
I shall act upon your advice in regard to the appeal of
Pennsylvania to Virginia. Forney was here the day before
yesterday. He says that the Enquirer publishes many articles
in my favor ^ to all appearance treats me as fairly as the other
candidates. Our friend John Y. Mason is now far more friendly
to me than he has ever been. Again let me express my ardent
desire to see you at Richmond. The moment I receive Mason's
letter in answer to mine, I shall drop you a line. Deo volente,
in any event, I shall leave for Washington on Tuesday next,
as I must be at home on Saturday the 21st Instant or at furthest
the Monday following.
From sources entirely reliable at Nashville, I am informed
that a decided majority of the Tennessee Delegates to the
National Convention are my friends & were elected for this
very reason.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
Hon. Henry A. Wise.
TO MR. LEAKE ET AL.'
Richmond, February 12, 1852.
Gentlemen : —
On my arrival in this city last evening I received your very
kind letter, welcoming me to the metropolis of the Old Dominion
and tendering me the honor of a public dinner. I regret — deeply
regret — that my visit to Richmond will necessarily be so brief
' From the Lancaster Intelligencer, Feb. 24, 1852, reprinted in Curtis's
Buchanan, II. 24.
438 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
that I cannot enjoy the pleasure and the privilege of meeting
you all at the festive board. Intending merely to pass a day
with my valued friend, Judge Mason, my previous arrange-
ments are of such a character that I must leave here to-morrow,
or, at the latest, on Saturday morning.
But whilst I cannot accept the dinner, I shall ever esteem
the invitation from so many of Virginia's most distinguished
and estimable sons as one of the proudest honors of my life.
Your ancient and renowned commonwealth has ever been the
peculiar guardian of State rights and the firm supporter of con-
stitutional liberty, of law, and of order. When, therefore, she
endorses with her approbation any of my poor eifforts to serve
the country, her commendation is a sure guarantee that these
have been devoted to a righteous cause.
You are pleased to refer in favorable terms to my recent
conduct " at home in defence of the Federal Constitution and
laws." This was an easy and agreeable task, because the people
of Pennsylvania have ever been as loyal and faithful to the
Constitution, the Union, and the rights of the sovereign States
of which it is composed, as the people of the ancient Dominion
themselves. To have pursued a different course in my native
State would, therefore, have been to resist the strong current of
enlightened public opinion.
I purposely refrain from discussing the original merit of
the Compromise, because I consider it, to employ the expressive
language of the day, as a " finality " — a fixed fact — a most
important enactment of law, the agitation or disturbance of
which could do no possible good, but might produce much
positive evil. Our noble vessel of State, freighted with the hope
of mankind, both for the present and future generations, has
passed through the most dangerous breakers which she has ever
encountered, and has triumphantly ridden out the storm. Both
those who supported the measures of the Compromise as just and
necessai-y, and those who, regarding them in a different light,
yet acquiesce in them for the sake of the Union, have arrived
at the same conclusion — that it must and shall be executed. They
have thus, for every practical purpose, adopted the same plat-
form, and have resolved to sustain it against the common
enemy. — Why, then, should they wrangle, and divide and waste
their energies, not respecting the main question, which has
already been definitely settled, but in regard to the process which
has brought them, though from different directions, to the same
1852] TO MISS LANE 439
conclusion? Above all, why should the strength of the Demo-
cratic party of the country be impaired and its ascendency be
jeoparded for any such cause? We who believe that the triumph
of Democratic principles is essential not only to the prosperity
of the Union, but even to the preservation of the Constitution,
ought reciprocally to forget, and, if need be, to forgive the past,
and cordially unite with our political brethren in sustaining for
the future the good old cause of Democracy. It must be a
source of deep and lasting pleasure to every patriotic heart that
our beloved country has so happily passed through the late try-
ing and dangerous crisis. The volcano has been extinguished,
I trust, forever; and the man who would apply a firebrand, at
the present moment, to the combustible materials which still
remain, may produce an eruption to overwhelm both the Con-
stitution and the Union.
With sentiments of high and grateful respect,
I remain your fellow citizen,
James Buchanan.
To Shelton F. Leake, Esq., and other gentlemen.
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 24 Feb: 1852.
My dear Harriet/
On my return home from Richmond & Washington on the
day before yesterday I received yours of the 9th Instant. I am
truly gratified that you have enjoyed your visit to Pittsburg so
much. It is a city to which I am warnlly attached. I have no
desire that you shall return home until it suits your own inclina-
tion. All I apprehend is that you may wear out your welcome.
It will be impossible for me to visit Pittsburg & escort you home.
I fear that Mrs. Baker is staying too long with Mrs. Plitt, as
I. heard that she & Mr. Plitt had been expected at Washington.
Senator Gwin misinformed me as to the value of Mr.
Baker's office. The salary attached to it is $4000 per annum.
He thinks that Mrs. Baker ought by all means to go to Cali-
fornia. . . ? I have not seen Eskridge since my return. . . ?
^Buchanan Papers, private collection; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 20.
^ The passage here omitted is now illegible.
'A purely personal paragraph is here omitted.
440 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
Whilst in Washington I saw but little of the fashionable
society. My time was almost constantly occupied with the
politicians. Still I partook of a family dinner with the Pleason-
tons, who all desired to be kindly remembered to you. I never
saw Clem looking better than she does & they all appear to be
cheerful. Still when an allusion was made to her mother, she
was overcome at the table & had to leave it. Mr. Pleasonton is
evidently in very delicate health, though he goes to his office.
I called to see Mrs. Walker, who inquired very kindly for
you; & so did Col: King & others.
The mass of letters before me is " prodigious," & I only
write to shew that you are not forgotten.
Yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 13 March 1852.
My dear Harriet/
I have received yours of the 9th Inst. It was difficult to
persuade you to visit Pittsburg; but it seems to be still more
difficult for you to leave it. I am, however, not disappointed
in this particular; because I know the kindness and hospitality
of the people. There is not a better or more true hearted man
alive than John Anderson; & his excellent wife well deserves
such a husband. Make out your visit, which it is evident you
purpose to continue until the middle of April; but after your
return home, I hope you will be content to remain at home
during the summer. The birds are now singing around the
house & we are enjoying the luxury of a fine day in the opening
spring.
Miss Hetty has just informed me that Mrs. Lane gave
birth to a son a few days ago which they call John N. Lane.
She heard it this morning at market from Eskridge whom I
have not seen since last Sunday week. I hope he will be here
tomorrow.
The new Court House is to be erected on Newton Lightner's
Corner. Its Location has caused much excitement in Lancaster.
' Buchanan Papers, private collection.
1852] TO MR. WISE 441
It enables your sweetheart Mr. Evans, Mr. Lightner, & Mr.
Shroder to sell their property to advantage.
We have no other news.
Yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane to me; but Miss Harriette to the rest of
man & womankind. Mary is still at Mrs. Plitt's.
TO MR. WISE.^
Wheatland, near Lancaster, i8 March 1852.
My dear Sir/
The Virginia Convention approaches & I am more & more
sensible every day that its decision may determine my fate.
With Virginia in my favor I shall be nominated, if against me
the result is extremely doubtful. On your friendship, eminent
abilities, & persevering energy, I chiefly rely for a safe deliver-
ance. The really insignificant but noisy faction of my enemies
in this State will by circulating their Guerilla Sheet, the Harris-
burg Keystone, & by sending emissaries to Richmond, endeavor
to produce the impression that if nominated I could not carry
my own State. This is simply ridiculous. If any other can-
didate can carry the State by 5,000, the candidate of Penn-
sylvania can carry it by 15,000. Ex-Governor Porter, with
whom & whose high character I presume you are well acquainted,
has private business about this time at Richmond. I shall go
to Harrisburg today on a visit & expect to see him there. He
may perhaps be in Richmond at or before the sitting of your
Convention & he knows the State of Pennsylvania & its leading
politicians better than any man living. He will be able to give
you accurate & reliable information on the subject of my
strength at home & the reckless & disorganising character of the
opposition.
I perceive that the Richmond Enquirer has issued its man-
date to the Convention forbidding them to express any preference
for the Presidency. This, I presume, is in the interest of Cass
& Stevenson. The latter, I have heard, has expressed the
opinion that the Virginia Delegates will act as they did in 1848,
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
442 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
& will secure the nomination of Cass by carrying with them the
votes of .the other Southern States.
All the political sins charged against me are now more than
thirty years old & preceded my first entry into Congress in De-
cember, 1 82 1. The enclosed slip from the Lancaster Intelligencer
of July 8th, 1 85 1, enumerates & refutes them all, except "the
drop of blood lie." This has been contradicted by myself over
& over again, & when the charge was made against me in 1838
by Mr. Cox, an Anti-Masonic Delegate to our State Convention,
it was promptly denounced as a falsehood by two distinguished
members, one of them a political opponent, who had known me
in Lancaster from before 181 5, to which year the charge refers,
until many years thereafter. In addition to this, after the charge
of Mr. Cox thirty of the most respectable citizens of Lancaster
without distinction of party, in my absence & without my
knowledge, got up a certificate of its falsity, which has been
published and republished. Mr. Stanly of North Carolina alluded
to the subject in debate in January, 1840; but upon learning the
falsity of the charge, had the manliness to retract it a few days
after. There never was a more unfounded falsehood.-'
During the whole long period of my public life, commencing
in December, 1821, I have never shirked any important question,
but have met them all fairly in the face, & I do not fear to be
judged by the record.
I shall look with much anxiety for the result of the Virginia
Convention ; but whatever this may be, I am philosopher enough
not to suffer it to cost me " a night's rest or a meal's victuals."
In any event, your exertions in my favor shall ever remain
deeply engraven on my heart.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
Hon : Henry A. Wise.
' The so-called " drop-of-blood lie '' was a story to the effect that Mr.
Buchanan, when a young man, in the days when he was a Federalist, declared
on a certain occasion, at the court-house in Lancaster, " If I knew I had a
drop of Democratic blood in my veins, I would let it out." A charge to this
effect was made in the Pennsylvania constitutional convention in 1838 by
Mr. J. F. Cox, who afterward repeated it in a letter published in the Pennsyl-
vania Inquirer and Courier, Feb. 26, 1838. In a letter dated at Washington
on the following day, to the editor of the same journal, Mr. Buchanan
denounced the charge as a " stale slander," and " a ridiculous story, without
the shadow of foundation." In an article from the San Francisco Daily Sun
1852] TO MR. WISE 443
[Enclosure.]
Published in Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, July 8, 1851.
THE KEYSTONE AND LANCASTERIAN.
These affiliated presses were brought into existence for no other purpose
than to abuse and denounce Mr. Buchanan. That they may do this the more
effectually they assume the title of Democratic presses, whilst slandering the
man who for many long years had enjoyed the unbounded confidence and
the highest official rewards of the Democracy of Pennsylvania — having re-
ceived the unexampled honor in our state of three successive elections to
the senate of the United States, by purely Democratic votes. Can they expect
that the intelligent Democracy of Pennsylvania will, at their bidding, become
like themselves inconsistent, and proscribe the man whom they have so long
sustained by their generous support? As well might journals who under the
mask of Democracy should personally abuse General Cass in Michigan, Judge
Woodbury in New Hampshire, Judge Douglas in Illinois, Gen. Houston in
Texas, or General Butler in Kentucky, attempt thus to succeed in destroying
the fair fame of these eminent Democrats and accomplished statesmen.
The Keystone is under the control of a shrewd, sagacious, and cunning
man, who has no passions and prejudices beyond self-interest, and who well
knows that he can never use Mr. Buchanan for any but honorable purposes,
should he be elected president. Not so the Lancasterian, It is under the
control of a gentleman who, to say the least we can, is a very excitable
person, and whose passions are apt to get the better of his judgment. These
have necessarily led him into the meshes prepared by the very man who in
his better days he denounced more bitterly, if possible, than he has since
denounced Mr. Buchanan. These passions will eventually, we fear, much
to our regret, for we have always esteemed the man, land him in the Whig
party; and from present appearances we should not be astonished if this
should be his destination much sooner than we had or he had himself antici-
pated. Quite as strange things have occurred in the political history of
Pennsylvania.
These two presses, well knowing that their attempts to injure Mr.
Buchanan have only recoiled upon themselves and aroused his friends to
action, and have made him stronger than he ever was before with the
Democracy of Pennsylvania, are now as a last resort endeavoring to convince
the South, that it would be in vain for them to support him, because, for-
sooth, he cannot obtain the vote of Pennsylvania ! There is not an unpreju-
diced man in the commonwealth who does not know this assertion to be
unfounded, and that if he cannot obtain the vote of this state, no other
Democrat in existence could have any chance of receiving it. The South
of Sept. 23, 1856, a copy of which is among Mr. Buchanan's papers, it is
stated that "Mr. Cox himself subsequently acknowledged his error, and
became one of the warmest admirers and supporters of Mr. Buchanan." The
same journal quoted an editorial from the New York Tribune of June 7,
1856, saying, with reference to the story above mentioned : " We do not
think any one who knew Mr. Buchanan can have ever credited this tale.
There is not a man living more unlikely to make rash, silly speeches than
he is." See, also, Mr. Buchanan to the editor of the Harrisburg Reporter,
May 12, 1837, supra.
444 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
are not to be deceived by such pretexts. They are already wide awake to
the wiles of the Keystone and Lancasterian and their confederates.
We have been induced to make these remarks by an article in a late
number of the Keystone, copied of course into its affiliated press the Lan-
casterian, entitled " Mr. Biuchanan and the South." This article presents
the strength of their case against Mr. Buchanan, and happy must that public
man be against whom nothing more plausible can be scraped together through-
out a long and distinguished public life. It does not contain a single charge
of any want of fidelity to Democratic principles during the whole period of
his long public career, from the first Monday of December, 1821, when he
first entered Congress, until the present hour, a period of nearly thirty years.
During this whole time his bold and onward consistency, his steady devotion
to principle in the storm as well as in the sunshine, has never been ques-
tioned by friend or foe. Not one of his public acts during this long and
eventful period has ever been assailed by the Democratic party, and through-
out he has always enjoyed the confidence of and has been offered high office
by every Democratic President.
Of what then is this article entitled " Mr. Buchanan and the South "
made up? The 4th of July oration of 1815 delivered thirty-six years ago
(which we believe has been published and republished over and over again
by the most rabid of the Whig presses in years gone by), constitutes the
principal staple of the article. The Whigs have long since ceased to publish
this oration, and it is taken up by presses calling themselves Democratic.
It has been twice published in the Lancasterian, and by evincing the per-
sonal malevolence and spirit of persecution of its controlling spirit has served
to strengthen instead of weakening Mr. Buchanan in Pennsylvania. As well
might the Apostle Paul, to use the language of a well known gentleman, be
denounced for acts done before his conversion, as Mr. B. for what he said in
his youthful days, so long ago as 1815. Besides, it is well known he was
ever in favor of prosecuting the war against Great Britain with the utmost
vigor, and he himself volunteered his services and performed duty in 1814
as a private soldier, and whilst in the Legislature of 1814-1815 he supported
all measures which he deemed most efficient to bring the war to a speedy
and honorable conclusion.
But Mr. Buchanan in 1819 or 1820 was one of the members of a com-
mittee of which his legal preceptor, the late Mr. Hopkins, was chairman,
which, imder the influence of the excitement then universal in Pennsylvania,
reported resolutions to a public meeting in this city, against the Missouri
Compromise ; and this it is expected by the controllers of the Keystone and
Lancasterian, will cancel his uniform, consistent, and able support of the
constitutional and just rights of the South in regard to slavery, ever since
he entered Congress nearly thirty years ago. Now we venture the assertion
that he has made more speeches in the defence of those rights, both in the
Senate of the United States and in Pennsylvania, than any man living at
the present day.
We could not have supposed that the personal malignity even of the
Keystone and Lancasterian, hyena-like, would have attempted to revive the
subject of the Carter Beverly affair, which had long since been consigned to
the tomb. Mr. Buchanan's letter explanatory of that affair, dated 8th August,
1827, and published in the Lancaster Journal, which we have recently perused,
was considered so abundantly satisfactory, that the papers of both political
1852] TO MR. WISE 445
parties were content with it. In October, 1828, he was elected to Congress
as the Democratic candidate, in the district of which Lancaster county formed
a part, by a large majority; and the illustrious hero and statesman. Gen.
Jackson, in 1831 voluntarily tendered Mr. B. the Russian Mission, and ever
since until the day of his lamented death was his constant friend. Among
the last acts of his patriotic life he strongly concurred with Mr. Polk in the
opinion that Mr. B. ought to be appointed secretary of state. And yet the
controllers of these two journals, from personal hostility, seek at this late
day to bring the great name of Andrew Jackson before the Democracy of
this state for the purpose of prejudicing them against Mr. Buchanan.
Again, it is sought to connect the name of Mr. Buchanan with the amend-
ment proposed last session of Congress to the tariff act of 1846, by Mr.
Strong, the able and distinguished representative from Berks county. There
is not the least foundation for this attempt, as Mr. Strong himself has
repeatedly declared. We are assured that Mr. Buchanan never knew and
never heard of this amendment until after it was offered ; and, being in
Washington at the time, publicly and repeatedly declared that he had the
misfortune to differ with his friend Mr. S. in regard to its merits.
Then the Keystone and Lancasterian in their malice even brought for-
ward, though without directly endorsing its truth, the stale and ridiculous
slander circulated by the lowest of the Whig party during the Log Cabin
and Hard Cider campaign of 1840, that Mr. Buchanan had used in argument,
in favor of the great Democratic measure of the Independent Treasury, that
it would reduce the wages of labor to ten cents per day. This slander was
indignantly denied at the time by every Democratic journal throughout the
Union, and by none was it denounced with more emphatic reprobation than
by Mr. Blair, the veteran Democratic editor of the Washington Globe, who
says he heard every word of the speech, and bestowed upon it his warmest
commendation, as his paper will show.
This charge is as absurd as it is false, because the principal head of
Mr. Buchanan's argument was to establish the proposition that the Inde-
pendent Treasury would not reduce the wages of labor but benefit the labor-
ing man, — in opposition to Mr. Clay, who contended it would reduce the
wages of labor and injure the laboring man. This, in fact, was the issue
between the two parties. The slander is not only without foundation, but in
direct opposition to the direct tenor of the speech. In 1840 this speech of
Mr. B.'s, which was unquestionably one of the ablest he ever made, was
circulated by hundreds of thousands over the Union by the Democratic
members of Congress, for the purpose of proving the wisdom and justice
of an Independent Treasury, which experience has now established. In
1851 two professed Democratic journals present to their readers the for-
gotten Whig slanders against it, for the purpose of disparaging its author in
the eyes of his countrymen. Strange inconsistency for true Democrats ; but
altogether in character for pretended ones who would sacrifice their party
to gratify personal malignity.
But last though not least comes the famous " Bundel letter," which has
been published over and over again in the Lancasterian. And what does it
amount to? After Mr. Buchanan had actually resided nearly a year in
Washington, Mr. Bundel, the assessor of taxes, singularly enough enquired
of him by letter whether he considered himself a resident of Lancaster. To
this Mr. Buchanan made the only possible reply, that he had removed from
446 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
Lancaster nearly a year before and had since been an actual resident of
Washington, where his oflScial duties required him to reside. This fact must
have been known to every man, woman, and child in Lancaster; the county
commissioners, acting in obedience to the laws of the commonwealth, decided
that his personal estate was not subject to taxation whilst he was a resident
of the District of Columbia. But it was at once proclaimed by the Lan-
casterian, whose controller refused to take the obvious distinction between
residence and citizenship, that Mr. Buchanan had denied he was a citizen
of Pennsylvania, and had expatriated himself and become a foreigner to
the state of his birth. This ridiculous nonsense has been harped upon ever
since, together with the assertion that Mr. Buchanan, known to the world
for his liberality, had denied his citizenship for the purpose of getting clear
of a personal tax, which, we venture to say, was never thought of being
assessed upon the citizen of any other state during his actual residence as a
cabinet officer in Washington. But this fact it carefully concealed that Mr.
Buchanan never profited by this exemption to the value of a single cent,
but added the amount of the tax to the liberal donation which he made to
the poor widows of Lancaster, to supply them with fuel during the winter
season.
We have now answered the attacks of the Keystone and Lancasterian
in detail, and must apologise to our readers for occupying so much room.
We thought it necessary, but promise not to inflict the same thing again
upon them. The efforts of the two papers in question to blast Mr. Buchanan
in the affections of the Democracy of Pennsylvania will prove unavailing.
They have long known him well, and the country knows him well. Indi-
cations from every section of the Union point to him as the next Democratic
candidate for president. All that is wanting to accomplish this object is the
support of the Democracy of his native state; and we will venture to predict
that he will receive this at the next Fourth of March by an overwhelming
majority. Pennsylvania will at last be honored by the election of one of
her own sons as president of the United States.
To show what value is put upon this essay of the Keystone abroad, we
clip the following notice from the Easton, Md., •' Star " : —
" We have received a number of the Keystone, published at Harrisburg,
containing an elaborate article on ' Mr. Buchanan and the South.' If the
editor of the Keystone supposes he can injure Mr. Buchanan in the estima-
tion of true Democrats by his assaults, he is mistaken. The efforts of those
who are the especial friends and endorsers of Simon Cameron can have but
little weight with all honest reflecting men. He may rest assured that when
he places himself before the public as the especial friend and champion of
one who is unsound upon a cardinal doctrine of the Democratic party in this
country, his profession of orthodoxy on other points will be passed by as
totally unworthy of credit. Unlike Mr. Buchanan, his change has been from
good, and not the reverse. We would especially invite his attention to Gen.
Jackson's opinion of the great leader of the Anti-Buchanan forces in the
Keystone state. In it he will find quite as ample food for reflection as in
the letter which he quotes against Mr. Buchanan from the old Hero's letter
to Carter Beverly. If Mr. Buchanan has been inconsistent in his political
course, he has never attempted to run with both ' hounds and hare,' or to
bribe himself into office. And a defender of his country in 1812 is entitled to
at least more respect than that which has been bestowed upon Mr. Buchanan
by the Keystone."
1852] TO MR. JOHNSON 447
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 30 March 1852.
My dear Sir/
I have too long delayed to acknowledge your very kind &
satisfactory letter after the Nashville Convention. This was
chiefly because I had really nothing of the least importance to
communicate. It was certainly not for the reason that you are
not freshly and kindly remembered. In our small family circle,
you & the incidents of your visit to Wheatland & the excellent
lady who has left us are very often the subjects of the kindest
conversation.
Our fourth of March Convention has passed away &
w,e have had time to witness the effect of its proceedings.
Notwithstanding the efforts which are still made by my enemies
to misrepresent my strength at home in distant States, I can
now assure you, with perfect confidence, that the masses of the
Democracy of Pennsylvania are thoroughly aroused, — that State
pride predominates; & that after waiting for more than sixty
years, they are determined to make such an effort as they have
never made before to obtain the nomination. In case they should
succeed, my friends in all parts of the State assure me that we
shall give an old fashioned Jackson Democratic majority. In
this, Lancaster County, which is the strongest hold of Whiggery
in the Union, the Whig majority would be greatly reduced; &
should Fillmore or Webster be the candidate, might be alto-
gether overcome. Indeed many believe, that should Scott be the
candidate, as he will certainly be. State pride & personal popu-
larity might be necessary to secure Pennsylvania against military
glory & the connection of his name with a Whig protective Tariff.
Of one thing, however, I am certain, & you may mark my
prediction. Should Cass be the Candidate, we shall be beaten in
this State. This result is inevitable. I certainly do not prefer
Douglas to Cass. Indeed I believe that the administration of
both would be equally loose & equally irrespective of the sound,
radical, & economical State rights principles on which our party
was founded & to which it ought to be restored. Still, that of
either would be infinitely better than the best Whig administra-
tion. Three causes would mainly combine to defeat Cass.
I. The efforts of all the leading politicians of the State could
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
448 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
not give him the Democratic CathoHc vote, which is not less
than from 20 to 25,000. His close identification with Cameron
& his clique who defeated Judge Campbell, by exciting protestant
prejudices against him because he was a Catholic, would insure
this result. Besides, the course of General Cass in regard to
Kossuth would render the opposition of the Catholics still more
bitter & determined.
2. The few papers in the State friendly to Cass, the Key-
stone, Lancasterian, & the Pennsylvania Statesman (the latter
now dead) have been so violent & prescriptive & personally
abusive against myself and my friends, without the least provo-
cation on the part of the Democratic Press generally, that it
would be impossible to induce the masses to support him with
energy & enthusiasm.
3. The fact that he was beaten in 1848, 24,715 votes, that
is to say 13,452 by Taylor, & Van Buren received 11,263 votes,
would discourage our people & throw the floating vote to his
competitors.
I believe that we may probably carry the State for any of
the other Candidates; but never for Cass. This fact would be
made known; but it might appear as if we were disparaging
one of the Democratic Candidates whom every leading man
would strongly support in case he should be nominated.
My letters from Richmond all concur in stating that two
thirds of the Delegates in the late Virginia Convention were
my friends. The President of the Convention, John S. Barbour,
& a large majority of the other officers strongly favored my
nomination. The minority was chiefly composed of ardent &
active friends of Douglas & " Young America." There were a
few friends of Dallas & a still less number favorable to Cass.
He has, at present, but little strength in Virginia. His course
on the Kossuth question has done him great injury there: but
that of Douglas was the very same ; however, " Young America "
can stand this. You will be pleased to learn that John Y. Mason
is my open & decided friend. — Still the Convention did not in-
struct, & as in Tennessee, the question has been left open for all
the misrepresentations of the friends of other candidates.
The malice of William F. Polk against me is as bitter &
malignant as if it were founded upon a personal grudge. I have
never done the man any thing but good in my life. I was mainly
instrumental, in connection with Foster, in overcoming the
scruples of his brother against his renomination, & treated him
1852] TO MR. JOHNSON 449
in conducting the business of his mission as kindly as if he had
been my own near relative. I had supposed that nothing but
friendship existed between us, until after he took his seat in the
House of Representatives. Since that time, he has been con-
stantly abusing me. I send you the reply which was published in
the Lancaster Intelligencer to the article in the Keystone which
was franked by him. It is taken from a late number of the
Richinond Inquirer of March 24th. Perhaps it might be repub-
lished in Tennessee with advantage.
And now, my dear Sir, so far as General Cass is concerned,
I have written you such a letter as I have never written to any
other friend except Col : King. It is the sober truth. Should he
be nominated, he must be elected without the vote of Penn-
sylvania. For my own part, I can say that I look forward to the
decision of the Baltimore Convention with the most agreeable
anticipations, no matter what may be the result. I have carried
my own State triumphantly, have recovered the popularity which
I lost during Mr. Polk's administration, & am now more popular
in the Keystone than at any former period.
If nominated, very well : if not, with the blessing of Provi-
dence, I may look forward to a few years of peace & tranquillity
before " shuffling off this mortal coil." I shall then write a book
& review some of the old scenes through which I have passed.
Of course, as a private citizen, I shall always sustain the prin-
ciples & nominees of the Democratic party.
Mr. Balch writes " couleur de rose " about Tennessee. He
gives me reason to hope that you will be at the Baltimore Con-
vention. I anxiously trust that his hope may be verified & that
I may enjoy the pleasure of seeing you once more at Wheatland.
I should be very much gratified to make the personal acquaint-
ance of General Polk.
Please to remember me, in the very kindest terms, to Mrs.
Garland & the little boys & girls, especially to my friend Hick,
& believe me ever to be sincerely & respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
Hon: Cave Johnson.
Vol. VIII— 29
450 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 20 May 1852.
My dear Sir,
On opening the Union last night I found that you had
arrived in Washington. I am truly sorry you did not pass this
way; but trust that you will not return to your distant home
without affording me the pleasure of seeing you once more.
I have not yet enjoyed the pleasure of a visit from Mr.
Picket.
I am more and more confirmed in the opinion, I may say
conviction, that the nomination of Cass is our certain defeat in
this State. Against Scott, the result would be inevitable. I am
very sorry he did not adhere to his pledge given to the last
national Convention, that no circumstances could possibly arise
which would induce him again to permit his name to be brought
forward in connection with the Chief Magistracy of the Country.
His inclination and his sense of duty equally dictated this course.
These sentiments he several times repeated to me. He is now
three score and ten — beyond which, the good book says, if
human life be extended, it is " labour and sorrow." And yet
he is more eager to obtain the nomination and has made more
personal efforts to accomplish it than all his predecessors united.
Should he succeed, I shall consider the party doomed; and that
for many years to come, at least in this State. I think we might
indulge good hopes with any other candidate even against Scott,
particularly if he enjoyed a little military reputation.
I need not trouble you with speculations concerning my
own prospects. You are at the receipt of custom and know all.
Suffice it to say that I consider them fair. I am glad the time
for decision is so near at hand which will determine my fate.
I shall be satisfied with any result. I have much more to say;
but company has just arrived and I will not let a mail pass
without welcoming you to this part of the world. In haste, I
remain as ever, truly and gratefully your friend,
James Buchanan.
Hon : Cave Johnson.
^ Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1852] TO GENERAL PORTER 451
FROM MR. KING/
Senate Chamber, May 20th, 1852.
Dear Buchanan
I have consulted with many of your friends here and particularly with
old Cave Johnson, who takes as great an interest in your success as I do,
or any other man can, and withal is a discreet and prudent man, and after
weighing deliberately all the consequences which might result from your
visiting Washington at this time, have come to the conclusion that you
should not subject yourself to the efforts which would probably be made to
commit you, not only as to measures, but even to appointments, which your
self respect would compel you to refuse, and thus probably give offence to
some, who are now your Friends, and furnish a pretext to others to take
ground against you.
While I can but regret that our Delegates from the South will be de-
prived of the pleasure of becoming personally acquainted with you, I can
but concur in the correctness of the view taken by Johnson, Toucey, and
other Friends, Govr. Porter included. Some weeks past I almost despaired
of your nomination, in consequence of the defection of New Jersey. I
think now, and I am much rejoiced so to think, that your prospects are
brightening, and if the South steadily adheres to you, as I cannot doubt it
will, you can and will be nominated.
Your Friend sincerely
William R. King.
HoNBLE. James Buchanan.
TO GENERAL PORTER.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, June 4, 1852.
My Dear Sir : —
From the result of the ballotings yesterday, I deem it highly
improbable that I shall receive the nomination. The question
will doubtless be finally decided before this can reach you; and
I desire to say in advance that my everlasting gratitude is due
to the Pennsylvania delegation, the Virginia delegation, and the
other Southern delegations for their adherence to me throughout
the ballotings of yesterday. I can say, with the most sincere
truth, that I feel far more deeply the disappointment of my friends
than my own disappointment. This has not, and will not, cost
me a single pang. After a long and stormy public life, I shall
go into final retirement without regret, and with a perfect
consciousness that I have done my duty faithfully to my country
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
^ Curtis's Buchanan, 11. 39.
452 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
in all the public situations in which I have been placed. I had
cherished the belief that the Democracy of Pennsylvania had
claims upon the Democracy of the country, which if asserted by
the proper men in the proper spirit would be recognized in my
favor. It seems I have been entirely mistaken both as regards
my own standing and the influence of my State. I should not
have believed this, had not our claims been presented and urged
by a faithful and able delegation, fully equal, if not superior, to
any which it was in the power of the State to send.
It is possible, should the nomination for the Presidency fall
upon a Southern gentleman, that a proposition may be made to
give Pennsylvania the Vice Presidency. Should such a contin-
gency arise, which is not very probable, I shall not, under any
circumstances, consent to the employment of my name in connec-
tion with that office. Indeed should I be nominated for it by the
convention, I zvonld most assuredly decline. It is the very
last office under the Government I would desire to hold, and it
would be no honor bestowed on good old Pennsylvania to have
it conferred upon one of her sons.
When I speak of final retirement, I only mean that I shall
never hold another office. I shall always feel and take an inter-
est in favor of the Democratic cause; and this not only for the
sake of principle, but to enable me to serve friends to whom I
owe so much.
From your friend, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
FROM MR. PIERCE.'
Concord, N. H., June is, 1852.
My DEAR Sir
Few events could have taken me more by surprise than my nomination
at Baltimore. It is true that I had been nominated by our State Convention,
but I regarded it rather as an ebullition of State pride on the part of the
delegates, & a compliment to myself, than in any other light. Still there was
no point of view in which I could have regarded it that would have deterred
me from declining as I did immediately after the Convention. I beg you to
accept my sincere thanks for your frank & noble letter read at the ratifica-
tion meeting at Washington. You will believe [me] when I say that there
was never a moment when your nomination would not have afforded me more
pleasure than that which was made. I shall never cease to remember with
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1852] TO MR. PIERCE 453
the just pride of an American citizen the exhibition of your unrivalled abili-
ties on a variety of occasions of vast interest — nor to appreciate with glow-
ing gratitude the signal services you have rendered to the Country, by your
firm, national, patriotic course.
Truly yr. friend Frank. Pierce.
Hon. Jas. Buchanan
Lancaster, Pa.
TO MR. PIERCE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 21 June 1852.
My dear Sir/
On my return home on Saturday evening after a brief
absence, I found your kind & friendly letter of the 15th Instant.
I feel much gratified that you entertain so favorable an opinion
of myself. Laus est a te laudari. My ovi^n defeat, I can assure
you, did not cost me a single pang. The Presidency, although
a crown of honor far more glorious than that of any monarch in
Christendom, is also a crown of thorns. It made James K.
Polk an old, grey headed man in four years. My friends having
failed in obtaining that for me which I never anxiously desired,
I heartily rejoice in your success; because I know you to be an
inflexible State rights Democrat of the Old Jeffersonian School.
The Federal Government for some years past has been rapidly
becoming more & more extravagant in its expenditures. The
hosts of contractors, speculators, stock jobbers, & lobby members
which haunt the halls of Congress, all desirous per fas aut per
nefas on any & every pretext to get their arms into the public
Treasury, are sufficient to alarm every friend of his Country.
Their progress must be arrested, or our Government will soon
become as corrupt as that of Great Britain.
We have difficulties to encounter in Pennsylvania which it
would be tedious to explain; but yet I trust we shall be able to
give you the State. Should Fillmore or Webster be nominated,
I shall not apprehend any serious difficulty.
I heartily desire your success & shall do all that becomes me
to promote your election.
With my kindest regards for Mrs. Pierce, I remain very
respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
General Franklin Pierce.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
454 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, June 24, 1852.
My Dear Sir :—
If it were possible for me to complain of your conduct, I
should give you a good scolding for not performing your
promise. We were all anxiously expecting you at Wheatland
from day to day; and if you had informed me you could not
come I certainly should have met you in Philadelphia. I was
very anxious to see you, and now God only knows when we
shall meet. Whilst life endures, however, gratitude for your
friendship and support shall remain deeply engraved on my
heart.
I never felt any longing or anxious desire to be the Presi-
dent, and my disappointment did not cost me a single pang. My
friends were faithful and true, and their efforts deserved if they
could not command success. Personally, I am entirely satisfied
with the result. When opportunity offers, I hope you will not
fail to present my grateful acknowledgments to Generals Laferty
and Polk, and to Messrs. Smith, Thomas and Shepherd, for their
kind and valuable support in the hour of trial.
It is vain to disguise the fact that Pennsylvania is, to say
the least, a doubtful State. I much fear the result. If defeated,
no blame shall attach to me. I will do my duty to the party
and the country. Both personally and politically General Pierce
and Colonel King are highly acceptable to myself. \Vhat an
inconsistent race the Whigs are! They have now ostensibly
abandoned their old principles, and placed themselves on the
Democratic platform — Fugitive Slave Law and all. From this
we may expect river and harbor improvements intended to catch
the Southwest; and such a modification of a revenue tariff as
they knew would exactly correspond with the wishes of the
Democratic ironmasters of Pennsylvania. I, however, indulge
the hope, nay, the belief, that Pierce and King can be elected
without the vote of Pennsylvania.
I was in my native county of Franklin a few days ago. and
whilst there went to see a respectable farmer and miller, who
had ever been a true and disinterested Democrat. I had been
told he would not vote for Pierce and King, and being both a
personal and political friend of my own, I thought I could change
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 40.
1852] TO MR. JOHNSON 455
his purpose. In conversation he very soon told me he would
never vote for Pierce. I asked if he would abandon the prin-
ciples of his life and vote for the Whig candidate. He said he
never had given and never would give a Whig vote. I reasoned
with him a long time, but in vain. He said the Democracy of
the country ought not to suffer the national convention to usurp
the right of making any man they pleased a candidate before the
people. That if the people yielded this, then a corrupt set of
men who got themselves elected delegates, might, in defiance
of the people's will, always make a President to suit their own
views. That the Democracy had but one mode of putting this
down, and that was, not to ratify the choice of the convention.
He said that for himself he had felt very much inclined to oppose
Mr. Polk for this reason, but had yielded and given him a
cordial support ; but if the same game were successfully played a
second time, then the national convention and not the people would
select the President, and the most gross corruption and fraud
would be the consequence. He disliked both General Cass and
Mr. Douglas; but said he would have supported either, because
they were known, their claims had been publicly discussed, and
each had a large body of friends in the Democratic party, and
there must be a yielding among the friends of the different candi-
dates brought forward by the people of the country.
These were the reasons which my friend gave in the course
of a long conversation. I state them to you, not that the with-
holding of his individual vote is of any great importance, but to
show how many Democrats feel. I had heard the same reasons
before among the people, but not so fully discussed ; and my
letter, published in the Union of yesterday morning, had a special
view to these objections.
They could have scarcely made a respectable fight against me
in Pennsylvania. In many counties my nomination would have
shivered the Whig party. In this county, where the Whig ma-
jority at a full election is 5,000, I do not believe they could have
obtained a majority of 500. But this is all past and gone.
Miss Hetty has but little expectation of being able to pro-
cure you a suitable housekeeper. She will try, however, and
should she fall upon one, will write to you.
Please to present my kindest regards to Mrs. Garland and
the little boys and girls, and believe me ever to be.
Your faithful and grateful friend,
James Buchanan.
456 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
TO MR. CAPEN/
Wheatland, near Lancaster 26 June 1852.
My dear Sir/
Many thanks for your kind letter ! I felt neither mortified
nor much disappointed at my own defeat. Although " the signs
of the times " had been highly propitious immediately before the
Baltimore Convention, I am too old a political navigator to rely
with implicit confidence upon bright skies for fair weather. The
Democracy of my own great State are mortified & disappointed ;
but I trust that ere long these feelings will vanish & we shall
be able to present a solid & invincible column to our political
opponents.
The Presidency is a distinction far more glorious than the
crown of any hereditary monarch in Christendom ; but yet it is a
crown of thorns. In the present peculiar & critical position of
our Country, its responsibilities will prove to be fearful. I
should have met them with cheerful confidence; whilst I know
I shall be far more happy in a private station, where I expect to
remain.
With my ardent wishes for the success of the history of
Democracy, I remain, very respectfully, your friend
James Buchanan.
Nahum Capen Esq.
^ Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania ; Curtis's Buchanan,
II. 42. Nahum Capen was born at Canton, Massachusetts, April i, 1804.
Entering early in life into the publishing business, he edited from 1847 to
1851 the Massachusetts State Record. During Buchanan's administration he
was postmaster at Boston. The author of numerous occasional articles, he
published, anonymously, in New York, in 1848, a work entitled " The
Republic of the United States," a disquisition on the relations of the United
States to foreign powers, and particularly on the Mexican War. In 1874
he published, at Hartford, the first volume of a " History of Democracy."
This work he did not live to complete.
1852] TO MISS WATTERSTON 457
TO MISS WATTERSTON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 3 July 1852.
My dear Miss Watterston,
A brief absence from home has prevented me from sooner
acknowledging your very kind and acceptable letter. I feel
proud of your warm and steady friendship and need not assure
you that it is reciprocated with all my heart. It is probably true
that you felt more disappointed at my defeat than I did myself.
I am now so old and experienced a political navigator as to be
rarely deceived in "the signs of the times : " and although the
prospects were highly auspicious for some time before the
Baltimore Convention, I never relied upon success with any great
degree of confidence. Well, it is all over and I am content.
Tranquillity and retirement are congenial with my natural dis-
position; and with the blessing of Providence, I now look for-
ward to a few years of peace and comparative quiet before my
final account, after a long and stormy public career. As a
Democrat, from deep conviction, I shall give a cordial and
cheerful support to Pierce and King, not only because they are
the Candidates of my party; but because I esteem them both as
excellent and honorable men.
I inust put you right in one particular where you are cer-
tainly wrong. Throughout the whole contest for the nomination
Henry A. Wise was my active, ardent, and sincere friend. He
never deserted me until my success was hopeless, and then only
to prevent the nomination of another who would have been very
unacceptable to his own State. His conduct throughout meets
my entire approbation. If he now boasts that he nominated
Pierce, this is true in a great degree ; but does not at all conflict
with his fidelity to me. From Pillow and Cushing I never ex-
pected support, and have, therefore, not been disappointed.
I have not yet determined whether I shall visit any Water-
ing Place this summer, and Harriet has been away from home
so much during the past year, that I shall not, I think, consent
to her leaving Wheatland for the present. Both she and myself
would be grateful to meet you anywhere. I had thought of
visiting White Sulphur in Virginia; but very much dislike the
stage travelling.
Please to remember me, in the kindest terms, to your good
^Buchanan MSS., Library of Congress.
458 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
father and mother, as well as to your brother, and also to our
friends the Houstons : and believe me ever to be most sincerely
and respectfully your true friend
James Buchanan.
Miss Eliza Watterston.
TO MR. BINNS.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, July 26, 1852.
My Dear Sir: —
Although I have too long omitted to answer your kind letter,
yet you may rest assured I sympathized with you deeply in your
affliction for the loss of her who had so long been the partner
of your joys and your sorrows.
My own disappointment did not cost me a single pang.
I felt it far more on account of my friends than myself. Faith-
ful and devoted as they have been, it would have afforded me
heartfelt pleasure to testify my gratitude by something more
substantial than words. Although I should have assumed the
duties of the office with cheerful confidence, yet I know from near
observation that it is a crown of thorns. Its cares carried Mr.
Polk to a premature grave, and the next four years will probably
embrace the most trying period of our history. May God grant
us a safe deliverance! With all due admiration for the military
services of General Scott, I should consider his election a serious
calamity for the country.
General Pierce is a sound radical Democrat of the old
Jeffersonian school, and possesses highly respectable abilities.
I think he is firm and energetic, without which no man is fit to
be President. Should he fall into proper hands, he will adminis-
ter the Government wisely and well. Heaven save us from the
mad schemes of "Young America! "
From your friend, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 41.
1852] TO MR. McKEEVER 459
TO MR. McKEEVER.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 26 July 1852.
My dear Sir/
I have received & perused your kind letter with much satis-
faction : & like you I am far better satisfied with the nomination
of General Pierce than I would have been with that of General
Cass or any of the other Candidates. I sincerely & ardently
desire his election, as well as the defeat of General Scott; &
shall do my duty throughout the contest in Pennsylvania in every
respect, except in going from County to County to make stump
speeches. It is my intention to address my fellow citizens of
this County on some suitable occasion on the Presidential elec-
tion, & express my opinions freely.
My recommendations to the Governor were but little re-
garded, though I made but very few. I can say with truth that
your disappointment mortified me very much ; because upon every
principle of political justice & policy you were entitled to the
place. Should it ever be in my power to serve you, I shall
eagerly embrace the opportunity.
It is impossible as yet to form any accurate conjecture as to
what will be Scott's majority in this County; but I cannot believe
it will reach that of General Taylor. I am glad to learn your
opinion that the majority in Delaware County will be less than
it was in 1848. Pierce & King can be elected without the vote
of Pennsylvania; but it would be a burning shame for the
Democracy of the Keystone to be defeated on this occasion.
From your friend, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Alexander M'Keever Esq.
TO MISS LANE.^
Saratoga Springs 8 August 1852.
My dear Harriet/
I arrived at this place on Thursday evening last & now
on Sunday morning before church am addressing you this note.
" Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania ; Curtis's Buchanan,
II. 42.
^Buchanan Papers, private collection; Curtis's Buchanan, II. 22.
460 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
... I find the Springs very agreeable & the company very
pleasant ; yet there do not appear to be so many of the " dash-
ers " here as I have seen. The crowd is very great; in fact it is
quite a mob of fashionable folks. Mrs. Plitt is very agreeable
& quite popular. Mrs. Slidell is the most gay, brilliant, & fash-
ionable lady at the Springs ; & as I am her admirer & attached to
her party I am thus rendered a little more conspicuous in the
bean monde than I could desire. Mrs. Rush conducts herself
very much like a lady & is quite popular. She has invited me to
accompany her to Albini's concert to-morrow evening, & I would
rather go with her to any other place. Albini is all the rage
here. I have seen & conversed with her & am rather impressed
in her favor. She is short & thick ; but has a very good, arch, &
benevolent countenance. I shall, however, soon get tired of this
place, & do not expect to remain here longer than next Thursday.
Not having heard from you, I should have felt somewhat uneasy
had Mary not written to Mrs. Plitt. I expect to be at home in
two weeks from the time I started. Mrs. Plitt desires me to send
her love to you, Mrs. Baker, & Miss Hetty. Remember me
affectionately to Mrs. Baker, Miss Hetty, & James Henry, &
believe me to be
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
SPEECH, OCTOBER 7, 1852,
AT GREENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ON THE CANDIDACY OF
GENERAL SCOTT. '
Friends and Fellow-Citizens: I thank you most sin-
cerely for the cordial and enthusiastic cheers with which you
have just saluted me. I ain proud, on this occasion, to acknowl-
edge my deep obligations to the Democratic party of Westmore-
land county. The generous and powerful support which I have
received from your great and glorious Democracy throughout my
public career shall ever remain deeply engraved on my heart. I
am grateful for the past, not for what is to be in future. I ask
no more from my country than what I have already enjoyed.
May peace and prosperity be your lot throughout life, and may
" The Star in the West " continue to shine with increasing
' Curtis's Buchanan, II. 43.
1852] A SPEECH 461
splendor, and ever benign influence on the favored Western por-
tion of our Commonwealth for ages to come!
I congratulate you, fellow-citizens, upon the nomination of
Franklin Pierce and William R. King, for the two highest offices
in your gift. This nomination has proved to be a most fortunate
event for the Democratic party of the country. It has produced
unanimity everywhere in our great and glorious party ; and when
firmly united we can stand against the world in arms. It has
terminated, I trust forever, the divisions which existed in our
ranks; and which, but a few short months ago, portended dire
defeat in the present Presidential contest. The North, the South,
the East and the West are now generous rivals, and the only
struggle amongst them is which shall do the most to secure the
triumph of the good old cause of Democracy, and of Franklin
Pierce and William R. King, our chosen standard bearers.
And why should we not all be united in support of Franklin
Pierce ? It is his peculiar distinction, above all other public men
Avithin my knowledge, that he has never had occasion to take a
single step backwards. What speech, vote, or sentiment of his
whole political career has been inconsistent with the purest and
strictest principles of Jeffersonian Democracy? Our opponents,
with all their vigilance and research, have not yet been able to
discover a single one. His public character as a Democrat is
above all exception. In supporting him, therefore, we shall do
no more than sustain in his person our dear and cherished
principles.
Our candidate, throughout his life, has proved himself to
be peculiarly unselfish. The offices and honors which other men
seek with so much eagerness, have sought him only to be refused.
He has either positively declined to accept, or has resigned the
highest stations which the Federal Government or his own native
State could bestow upon him.
Indeed, the public character of General Pierce is so invul-
nerable that it has scarcely been seriously assaulted. Our politi-
cal opponents have, therefore, in perfect desperation, been driven
to defame his private character. At first, they denounced him
as a drunkard, a friend of the infamous anti-Catholic test in
the Constitution of New Hampshire, and a coward. In what
have these infamous accusations resulted? They have already
recoiled upon their inventors. The poisoned chalice has been
returned to their own lips. No decent man of the Whig party
will now publicly venture to repeat these slanders.
462 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
Frank Pierce a coward! That man a coward, who, when
his country was involved in a foreign war, abandoned a lucrative
and honorable profession and all the sweets and comforts of
domestic life in his own happy family, to become a private volun-
teer soldier in the ranks ! How preposterous ! And why a
coward ?
According to the testimony of General Scott himself, he was
in such a sick, wounded, and enfeebled condition, that he was
" just able to keep his saddle ! " Yet his own gallant spirit im-
pelled him to lead his brigade into the bloody battle of Churu-
busco. But his exhausted physical nature was not strong enough
to sustain the brave soul which animated it, and he sank insen-
sible on the field in front of his brigade. Was this evidence of
cowardice ? These circumstances, so far from being an impeach-
ment of his courage, prove conclusively that he possesses that
high c[uality in an uncommon degree. Almost any other man,
nay, almost any other brave man, in his weak and disabled con-
dition, would have remained in his tent; but the promptings of
his gallant and patriotic spirit impelled him to rush into the midst
of the battle. To what lengths will not party rancor and
malignity proceed when such high evidences of indomitable
courage are construed into proofs of cowardice? How different
was General Scott's opinion from that of the revilers of Franklin
Pierce ! It was on this very occasion that he conferred upon him
the proud title of " the gallant Brigadier-General Pierce."
The cordial union of the Democratic party throughout the
country presents a sure presage of approaching victory. Even
our political opponents admit that we are in the majority when
thoroughly united. And I venture now to predict that, whether
with or without the vote of Pennsylvania, Franklin Pierce and
William R. King, should their lives be spared, will as certainly
be elected President and Vice President of the United States on
the first Tuesday in November next, as that the blessed sun shall
rise on that auspicious day. We feel the inspiration of victory
from the infallible indications of public opinion throughout our
sister States.
Shall this victory be achieved without the voice or vote of
Pennsylvania? No President has ever yet been elected without
her vote. Shall this historical truth be reversed, and shall Pierce
and King be elected in November, despite the vote of the good
old Keystone? God bless her! No — never, never, shall the
Democracy of our great and glorious State be subjected to this
disgrace.
1852] A SPEECH 463
And yet, strange to say, the Whigs at Washington and the
Whigs throughout every State of the Union claim the vote of
Pennsylvania with the utmost apparent confidence. To secure
her vote was one of the main inducements for the nomination of
General Scott over the head of Millard Fillmore. Is there one
unprejudiced citizen of any party in the United States, who can
lay his hand upon his heart and declare that he believes General
Scott would make as good and as safe a President as Mr. Fill-
more ? No, fellow-citizens, all of us must concur in opinion with
Mr. Clay, that Fillmore had superior claims and qualifications to
those of Scott for the highest civil station. Availability, and
availability alone, produced the nomination of Scott.
The Whigs well knew that the Democrats of the Keystone
were in the majority. What must then be done to secure her
vote? Pennsylvania Democrats must be seduced from their
party allegiance — they must be induced to abandon the political
altars at which they have so long worshipped — they must be per-
suaded to renounce the principles of Jefferson and of Jackson,
by the nomination of a military hero ; and this hero, too, a most
bitter and uncompromising Whig. General Scott is none of your
half-way Whigs — he is not like General Taylor, a Whig, but
not an ultra Whig. He goes the whole. Is there a single Whig
doctrine, or a single Whig principle, however odious to the
Democracy, to which he is not devoted, which he has not an-
nounced and taught under his own hand? If there be, I have
never heard it mentioned. Nay, more: these odious doctrines
are with him not merely strong opinions, but they are absolute
convictions, rules of faith and of practice. The Bank of the
United States, the Bankrupt Law, the distribution of the proceeds
of the i^ublic lands among the States, the abolishment of the veto
power from the Constitution; in short, all the Whig measures
against which the Democracy of the country have always waged
incessant war — are so many articles of General Scott's political
creed. When asked, in October, 1841, whether, "if nominated
as a candidate for the Presidency, would you accept the nomina-
tion? " after expressing his strong approbation of all the Whig
measures to which I have just referred, as well as others of a
similar character, he answers : " I beg leave respectfully to
reply — Yes; provided that I be not required to renounce any
principles professed above. My principles are convictions."
I will do him the justice to declare that he has never yet
recanted or renounced any one of these principles. They are
464 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
still convictions with him; and yet the Democracy of Pennsyl-
vania are asked to recant and renounce their own most solemn
and deliberate convictions, and vote for a candidate for the
Presidency, merely on account of his military fame, who, if
elected, would exert the power and influence of his administra-
tion to subvert and to destroy all the essential principles which
bind us together as members of the great and glorious Demo-
cratic party of the Union. Is not the bare imputation, much
more the confident belief, that the Democrats of Pennsylvania
will renounce their birthright for such a miserable mess of
pottage, the highest insult which can be offered to them? The
Whigs, in effect, say to you: We know you are Democrats —
we know you are in the majority; but yet we believe you will
renounce the political faith of your fathers, that you may shout
hosannas to a successful general, and bow down before the image
of military glory which we have erected for the purpose of
captivating j^our senses.
Thank Heaven! thus far, at least, these advocates of avail-
ability have been disappointed. The soup societies and the fuss
and feather clubs have yet produced but little impression on the
public mind. They have failed even to raise enthusiastic shouts
among the Whigs, much less to make any apostates from the
Democratic ranks.
What a subject it is for felicitation in every patriotic heart,
that the days have passed away, T trust, forever, when mere mili-
tary services, however distinguished, shall be a passport to the
chief civil magistracy of the country!
I would lay down this broad and strong proposition, which
ought in all future time to be held sacred as an article of Demo-
cratic faith, that no man ought ever to be transferred by the
people from the chief command of the army of the United
States to the highest civil office within their gift. The reasons
for this rule of faith to guide the practice of a Republican people
are overwhelming.
The annals of mankind, since the creation, demonstrate this
solemn truth. The history of all the ruined republics, both of
ancient and modern times, teaches us this great lesson. From
Caesar to Cromwell, and from Cromwell to Napoleon, this history
presents the same solemn warning, — beware of elevating to the
highest civil trust the commander of your victorious annies. Ask
the wrecks of the ruined republics scattered all along the tide of
time, what occasioned their downfall; and they will answer in
1852] A SPEECH 465
sepulchral tones, the elevation of victorious generals to the high-
est civil power in the State. One common fate from one com-
mon cause has destroyed them all. Will mankind never learn
wisdom from the experience of past generations? Has history
been written in vain? Mr. Clay, in his Baltimore speech of 1827,
expressed this great truth in emphatic terms, when he implored
the Almighty Governor of the world, " to visit our favored land
with war, with pestilence, with famine, with any scourge other
than military rule, or a blind and heedless enthusiasm for a mili-
tary renown." He was right in the principle, wrong in its appli-
cation. The hero, the man of men to whom it applied, was then
at the Hermitage, — a plain and private farmer of Tennessee.
He had responded to the call of his country when war was de-
clared against Great Britain, and had led our armies to victory;
but when the danger had passed away, he returned with delight
to the agricultural pursuits of his beloved Hermitage. Although,
like Franklin Pierce, he had never sought civil offices and honors,
yet he was an influential and conspicuous member of the con-
vention which framed the constitution of Tennessee, was their
first Representative and their first Senator in Congress, — -after-
wards a Judge of their Supreme Court, — then again a Senator in
Congress, which elevated station he a second time resigned, from
a love of retirement. He was brought almost literally from the
plough, as Cincinnatus had been, to assume the chief civil com-
mand. The same observations would apply to the illustrious and
peerless Father of his Country, as well as to General Harrison.
They were soldiers, only in the day and hour of danger, when
the country demanded their services; and both were elevated
from private life, from the shades of Mount Vernon and the
North Bend, to the supreme civil magistracy of the country.
Neither of them was a soldier by profession, and both had illus-
trated high civil appointments. General Taylor, it is true, had
been a soldier, and always a soldier, but had never risen to the
chief command. It remained for the present Whig party to
select as their candidate for the Presidency the commanding Gen-
eral of the army, who had been a man of war, and nothing but
a man of war from his youth upwards. This party is now strain-
ing every nerve to transfer him from the headquarters of the
army, to the chair of state, which has been adorned by Washing-
ton, Jefferson, Madison and Jackson, without even a momentary
resignation of his present high office, — without the least political
training, — without any respite, without any breathing time be-
VoL. VIII— 30
466 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
tween the highest military and the highest civil honor. With
what tremendous force does the solemn warning of Mr. Clay
apply to the case of General Scott !
Far be it from me to say or to insinuate that General Scott
would have either the ability or the will to play the part of
CjEsar, of Cromwell, or of Bonaparte. Still, the precedent is
dangerous in the extreme. If these things can be done in the
green tree, what will be done in the dry ? If the precedent can
be established in the comparative infancy and purity of our insti-
tutions, of elevating to the Presidency a successful commander-
in-chief of our armies, what may be the disastrous consequences
when our population shall number one hundred millions, and
when our armies in time of war may be counted by hundreds of
thousands? In those days, some future military chieftain, de-
sirous of obtaining supreme power by means of an election to the
Presidency, may point back to such a precedent and say, that in
the earlier and purer days of the Republic, our ancestors did not
fear to elevate the commander of their conquering armies to this,
the highest civil station. Let us not forge chains in advance for
our descendants.
The fathers of the Republic were deeply alive to these great
truths. They were warned by the experience of past times that
liberty is Hesperian fruit, and can only be preserved by watchful
jealousy. Hence in all their constitutions of government, and
in all their political writings, we find them inculcating, in the
most solemn manner, a jealousy of standing amiies and their
leaders, and a strict subordination of the military to the civil
power. But even if there were no danger to our liberties from
such a precedent, the habit of strict obedience and absolute com-
mand accjuired by the professional soldier throughout a long life,
almost necessaril)r disqualifies him for the administration of our
Democratic Republican Government. Civil government is not a
mere machine, such as a r^ular army. In conducting it, allow-
ance must be made for that love of liberty and spirit of inde-
pendence which characterize our people. Such allowances can
never be made, — authority can never be tempered with modera-
tion and discretion, by a professional soldier, who has been
accustomed to have his military orders obeyed with the unerring
certainty of despotic power.
Again : — What fatal effects would it not have on the dis-
cipline and efficiency of the army to have aspirants for the
Presidency among its principal officers? How many military
1852] A SPEECH 467
cliques woiilci be formed — how much intriguing and electioneer-
ing would exist in a body which ought to be a unit, and have
no other object in view excq)t to obey the lawful command of
the President and to protect and defend the country ? If all the
poHtical follies of General Scott's life were investigated, and
these are not few, I venture to say that nearly the whole of them
have resulted from his long continued aspirations for the Presi-
dency. At last, he has obtained the Whig nomination. He has
defeated his own constitutional commander-in-chief. The mili-
tary power has triumphed over the civil power. The Constitu-
tion declares that " the President shall be commander-in-chief of
the army and navy of the United States," but the subordinate, the
actual commander of the army, has supplanted his superior.
What a spectacle is this ; and how many serious reflections might
it inspire! In times of war and of danger, what fatal conse-
quences might result to the country from the fact, that the
President and the commanding General of the army are rival and
hostile candidates for the Presidency! But I shall not pursue
this train of remark. It is my most serious conviction, that Gen-
eral Scott would have stood far higher, both before the present
generation and posterity, had he never been a candidate for the
Presidency. The office which he now holds, and deservedly
holds, ought to satisfy the ambition of any man. This the
American people will determine by a triumphant majority on the
first Tuesday of November next. This will prove to be one of
the most fortunate events in our history — auspicious at the pres-
ent time, and still more auspicious for future generations. It
will establish a precedent, which will, I trust, prevent future
commanders-in-chief of the American army from becoming can-
didates for the Presidential office.
Again: — To make the army a hot-bed for Presidential
aspirants will be to unite the powerful influence of all its aspiring
officers in favor of foreign wars, as the best means of acquiring
military glory, and thus placing themselves in the modern line
of safe precedents, as candidates for the Presidency and for other
high civil offices. The American people are sufficiently prone
to war without any such stimulus. But enough of this.
I shall now proceed to discuss more minutely the civil qualifi-
cations of General Scott for the Presidency. It is these which
immediately and deeply concern the American people, and not his
military glory. Far be it from me, however, to depreciate his
military merits. As an American citizen, I am proud of them.
468 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
They will ever constitute a brilliant page in the historical glory
of our counti-y. The triumphant march of the brave army under
his command, from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, will be ever
memorable in our annals. And yet he can never be esteemed the
principal hero of the Mexican war. This distinction justly be-
longs to General Taylor. It was his army which at Palo Alto,
Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey, first broke the spirit of the
Mexican troops ; and the crowning victory of Buena Vista com-
pletely disorganized the Mexican army. There Santa Anna,
with 20,000 men, the largest, the best and the bravest army
which Mexico has ever sent into the field, was routed by less than
five thousand of our troops. To the everlasting glory of our
volunteer militia, this great, this glorious victory, was achieved
by them, assisted by only four hundred and fifty-three regulars.
The Mexican army was so disorganized — the spirit of the Mexi-
can people was so subdued, by the unparalleled victory of Buena
Vista, that the way was thus opened for the march from Vera
Cruz to Mexico. Yet God forbid that I should, in the slightest
degree, detract from the glory so justly due to Scott's army and
its distinguished commander in the battles which preceded their
triumphant entry into the capital of Mexico.
But I repeat, my present purpose is to deal with General
Scott as a civilian — as a candidate for the Presidency, and not as
a military commander.
The sun presents dark spots upon its disc; and the greatest
men who have ever lived, with the exception of our own
Washington, have not been without their failings. Surely Gen-
eral Scott is not an exception to the common lot of humanity.
In his temper he is undoubtedly irritable and jealous of rivals;
whilst the Presidency, above all other stations on earth, requires
a man of firm and calm temper, who, in his public conduct, will
never be under the control of his passions.
General Scott has quarrelled with General Wilkinson — he
has quarrelled with General Gaines — he has quarrelled with
General Jackson — he has quarrelled with De Witt Clinton — he
has quarrelled with the administration of John Quincy Adams —
he has quarrelled with the people of Florida to such a degree that
General Jackson was obliged reluctantly to recall him from the
command of the army in the Seminole war — ^lie has quarrelled
with General Worth, the Marshal Ney of our military service —
he has quarrelled with General Pillow — he has quarrelled with
the gallant and lamented Duncan — and unless report speaks
1852] A SPEECH 469
falsely, he has quarrelled with General Taylor. Whenever any
military man has approached the rank of being his rival for fame,
he has quarrelled wth that man. Now, I .shall not pretend to
decide, whether he has been in the right or in the wrong, in all
or in any of these quarrels; but this I shall say, that a man pos-
sessing such forethought, discretion and calm temper as the
Presidential office requires, might and would have avoided many
or most of these difficulties. A plain and sensible neighbor of
mine asked me, in view of these facts, if I did not think, should
General Scott be elected President, he would play the devil and
break things?
General Scott is, beyond all question, suspicious, when the
President of the United States, above all other men, ought to
look upon events with no prejudiced or jaundiced eye. No man
ever exhibited this trait of character in a stronger light than he
has done towards the administration of Mr. Polk. He was
selected by the President to lead our armies in Mexico, with my
humble though cordial assent. The political life or death of
the administration depended upon his success. Our fate, both in
the estimation of the present times and throughout all posterity,
depended upon his success. His defeat would have been our
ruin. And yet he most strangely conceived the notion, that for
the purpose of destroying him we were willing to destroy our-
selves. Hence his belief of a fire in the rear more formidable
than the fire in the front. Hence his belief that, jealous of his
glory, we did not exert ourselves to furnish him the troops and
munitions of war necessary for the conquest of Mexico. Did
unjust and unfounded suspicion ever extend thus far in the
breast of any other mortal man ? The admirable and unanswer-
able letter of Governor Marcy, of April 21, 1848, in reply to his
complaints, triumphantly vindicates the administration of Mr.
Polk against all these extraordinary charges. Let any man
carefully and dispassionately read that letter, and say, if he can,
that General Scott, in self-control, temper and disposition, is fit
to become the successor to General Washington, in the Presi-
dential chair.
The world knows, everybody who has approached him
knows, that General Scott is vainglorious to an excessive degree.
Indeed, his vanity would be strikingly ridiculous, had he not
performed so many distinguished military services as almost to
justify boasting. This, however, is an amiable weakness; and
whilst it does not disqualify him from performing the duties of a
470 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
President, this itself renders it morally impossible that he should
ever reach that station. Modesty combined with eminent merit
always secures popular applause; but the man who becomes the
trumpeter of his own exploits, no matter how high his deserts
may be, can never become an object of popular enthusiasm and
affection. General Scott's character, in this respect, is perfectly
understood by the instinctive good sense of the American people.
" Fuss and Feathers! " a volume could not more accurately por-
tray the vanity of his character than this sobriquet by which he is
universally known. His friends affect to glory in this title, but
with all their efforts they can never render it popular. Napoleon
was endeared to his ai'my by his designation of " the little Cor-
poral; " General Jackson, by that of " Old Hickory; " and Gen-
eral Taylor was " Rough and Ready; " but what shall we say to
" Fuss and Feathers " ? Was such a sobriquet ever bestowed
upon a General who enjoyed the warm affections of his army? It
raises no shout, — it awakens no sympathy, — it excites no en-
thusiasm,— it falls dead upon the heart of an intelligent people.
In order further to illustrate the want of civil qualifications
of General Scott for the Presidency, I propose next to discuss his
famous political letters. In these he has written his own political
history. " Oh! that mine enemy would write a book! " was an
exclamation of old. General Scott's epistles have accomplished
this work, though I deny that he has any enemies among the
xA.merican people.
In 1848, when speaking of these letters, Thurlow Weed,
who at the present moment is one of General Scott's most able,
distinguished, and efficient supporters, employs the following
language: "In the character of General Scott there is much,
very much to commend and admire. But the mischief is, there
is weakness in all he says or does about the Presidency. Immedi-
ately after the close of the campaign of 1840, he wrote a
gratuitous letter, making himself a candidate, in which all sorts
of unwise things were said ' to return and plague his friends, if
he should be a candidate.' And since that time, with a fatuity
that seizes upon men who get bewildei^ed in gazing at the White
House, he has been suffering his pen to dim the glories achieved
by his sword."
The letter to which special allusion is made must be his
famous letter of October 25, 1841. Though not an " old Fogy,"
I retain a vivid recollection of the circumstances under which this
letter was written. It made its appearance the month after the
1852] A SPEECH 47 1
termination of the famous extra session of Congress, which had
been convened by the proclamation of General Harrison. This
session commenced on the 31st May, and terminated on the 13th
September, 1841.
And here, permit me to say, that I do not believe the history
of legislative bodies, in this or any other country, ever presented
more argumentative, eloquent, and powerful debating than was
exhibited throughout this session. Nearly all the important
political questions which had divided the two great parties of
the country from the beginning were most ably discussed. Never
did any public body of the same number present a stronger array
of matured talent than the Senate of that day. There were Clay,
Berrien, Clayton, Mangum, Archer, Preston, and Southard on
the Whig side; and Benton, Calhoun, Wright, Woodbury,
Walker, Pierce, and Linn on the side of the Democrats, and
these men were in the meridian of their glory. I would advise
every young Democrat within the sound of my voice to procure
and carefully study the debates of this session.
Mr. Clay was, as he deserved to be, the lord of the ascendant
in the Whig ranks. The Whig majority of both houses was
controlled by his spirit. He was their acknowledged leader,
and went to work in dashing style. Within a brief period, he
carried all the great Whig measures triumphantly through Con-
gress. The Independent Treasury was repealed; the proceeds
of the public lands were distributed among the States ; the Bank-
rupt Law was passed ; and an old-fashioned Bank of the United
States would have been established, had it not been for the veto
of John Tyler, a man who has never been as highly estimated
as he deserves, either by the Democratic party or the country.
Mr. Clay left the Senate, at the close of the session, the
acknowledged leader and the favorite Presidential candidate of
the great Whig party. Under these circumstances, it became
necessary for General Scott to do something to head his great
rival and prevent him from remaining master of the field. He
must prove himself to be as good a Whig as Henry Clay, and
in addition a much better Anti-Mason. It was the common
remark of the day, when his letter of October, 1841, appeared,
that he had out-whigged even Henry Clay. This is the
" gratuitous letter, making himself a candidate, in which all
sorts of unwise things were said to ' return and plague his friends,
if he should be a candidate.' "
This letter is not addressed to any individual, but is an epistle
472 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
general to the faithful ; and I must do him the justice to say that
in it he has concealed nothing from the public eye. After some
introductory remarks, it is divided into seven heads, which, with
their subdivisions, embrace all the articles of Whig faith as
understood at that day; and in addition, the author presents his
views on " secret or oath-bound societies."
I shall briefly review some of these articles of General
Scott's political faith:
I. "The Judiciary." General Scott expresses his convic-
tions that the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United
States, on all constitutional questions, should be considered final
and conclusive by the people, and especially by their functionaries,
" except, indeed, in the case of a judicial decision enlarging
power and against liberty." And how is such a decision to be
corrected? Why, forsooth, "any dangerous error of this sort,
he says, can always be easily corrected by an amendment of the
Constitution, in one of the modes prescribed by that instrument
itself." Easily corrected! It might be so if a military order
could accomplish the object; but an amendment of the Constitu-
tion of the United States, whether fortunately or unfortunately
for the countr3% is almost a political impossibility. In order to
accomplish it, in by far the least impracticable of the two modes
prescribed, the affirmative action of two-thirds of both Houses
of Congress and of the Legislatures of three-fourths of the
several States is required. With these obstacles in the way,
when will an amendment of the Constitution ever be made ?
But why did such a reverence for the decisions of the
Supreme Court become an article of General Scott's faith ? Sim-
ply because General Jackson had vetoed the Bank of the United
States, believing, in his conscience, such an institution to be
unconstitutional. He had sworn before his God and his country
to support the Constitution ; and he could not, without committing
moral perjury, approve a bill, which in his soul he believed to be
a violation of this great charter of our liberties. He could not
yield his honest convictions, simply because the Supreme Court
had expressed the opinion that Congress possesses the power to
charter such a bank.
But, according to the logic of General Scott, General Jack-
son and Mr. Tyler, when bills to charter a Bank of the United
States were presented to them, had no right to form or express
any opinion on the subject of their constitutionality. The Su-
preme Court had done this for them in advance. This court is
1852] A SPEECH 473
to be the constitutional conscience-keeper of the President.
" Practically, therefore (says General Scott), for the people and
especially their functionaries (of whom the President is the
highest) to deny, to disturb, or impugn, principles thus consti-
tutionally established, strike me as of evil example, if not of a
direct revolutionary tendency." A Bank of the United States
must be held constitutional, by the people and their functionaries,
as an article of faith, until two-thirds of both Houses of Con-
gress and three-fourths of the State legislatures shall reverse the
decision of the Supreme Court by an amendment of the Constitu-
tion. The President must then wait before he can exercise the
right of judging for himself until doomsday. On the same
principle, we must all now hold, as an article of faith, that the
odious and infamous sedition law of the reign of terror is con-
stitutional, because the judiciary have so affirmed, and this de-
cision never has been, and never will be, reversed by a constitu-
tional amendment. This is double-distilled Whiggery of the
most sublimated character. Truly, " there is weakness m all that
General Scott says or does about the Presidency."
Let us never forget that a Bank of the United States is a
fixed idea with the Whig party, which nothing can ever remove.
On this subject, like the old Bourbons, they forget nothing and
learn nothing. They are inseparably joined to this idol. They
believe that a concentration of the money power of the country,
in the form of such a bank, is necessary to secure the ascendency
of the Whig party in the Government ; and there is nothing more
certain in futurity than that they will establish such a bank, should
they ever obtain the power. Experience has taught us a lesson
on this subject which we ought never to forget. Throughout
the political campaign of 1840, which resulted in the election of
General Harrison, it was nowhere avowed by the Whigs, that
they intended to charter a Bank of the United States. This was
carefully concealed from the public eye. On the contrary, many
of their distinguished leaders declared themselves hostile to
such an institution, and one of them, Mr. Badger, afterwards a
member of the cabinet, indignantly pronounced the assertion that
General Harrison was in favor of such a bank to be a falsehood.
But mark the sequel. No sooner was Harrison elected and a
majority secured in both Houses of Congress, than the Whigs
immediately proceeded in hot haste, at the extra session, to pass
a bill establishing a Bank of the United States, which would have
become a law, but for the veto of John Tyler. What we have
474 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
witnessed in 1841, we shall again witness in 1853, the veto only
excepted, should General Scott be elected President and be sus-
tained by a Whig majority in both Houses of Congress.
2. " The Executive Veto." To abolish this veto power is
another article of General Scott's political faith, as announced
in his letter of October, 1841. To be more precise, the General
would have the Constitution amended for the second time, in the
same epistle, so as to overcome the Executive veto " by a bare
majority in each House of Congress of all the members elected
to it — ^say for the benefit of reflection, at the end of ten days
from the return of the bill." What a farce ! An Executive veto
to be overcome and nullified by a bare majority of the very
Congress which had but ten days before sent the same bill to
the President for his approval! Better, far better, adopt the
manly course of abolishing the veto altogether, than to resort to
this subterfuge.
But why has the abolishment of the Executive veto become
an article of Whig faith ? Simply because General Jackson and
Mr. Tyler each vetoed bills to establish a Bank of the United
States ! " Still haq^ing on my daughter." The Whigs have de-
termined to destroy the veto power, which has twice prevented
them from creating an institution which they love above all
other political objects. The veto power has saved the country
from the corrupt and corrupting influence of a bank; and it is
this alone which has rendered it so odious to the Whig party.
This power is the least dangerous of all the great powers
conferred by the Constitution upon the President ; because noth-
ing but a strong sense of public duty and a deep conviction that
he will be sustained by the people can ever induce him to array
himself against a majority of both Houses of Congress. It has
been exercised but in comparatively few instances since the origin
of the Federal Government ; and I am not aware that it has ever
been exercised in any case, which has not called forth the approv-
ing voice of a large majority of the American people. Confident
I am, it is highly popular in Pennsylvania.
" Rotation in office " is the next head of General Scott's
letter. Throughout the Presidential contest, which resulted in
the election of General Harrison, it was the fashion of the Whigs
to proscribe proscription; and to denounce Democratic Presi-
dents for removing their political enemies and appointing their
political friends to of-fice. General Scott, in his letter, comes
up to the Whig standard in this, as in all other respects. In his
1852] A SPEECH 475
profession of faith, he could not even avoid a fling against the
hero and the sage then in retirement at the Hermitage. He
says : "I speak on this head from whsit I witnessed in 1829-30
(the commencement of General Jackson's administration), of
the cruel experiments on a large scale, then made upon the
sensibilities of the coimtry, and the mischiefs to the public in-
terests which early ensued."
But what was the Whig practice upon the subject after they
had obtained power? General Jackson was magnanimous, kind-
hearted and merciful, and to my own knowledge he retained a
very large proportion of Whig clerks in the public offices at
Washington. I ask how many Democrats now remain in those
offices? Nay, the present administration has even proscribed old
widows whose husbands had been Democrats. In the city of
Lancaster, they removed from the post-office an old lady of this
character, who had performed her duties to the entire satisfaction
of the public of all parties, to make way for a political (I admit
a respectable political) friend. To the credit of General Taylor's
memory be it spoken, he refused to make war upon this old lady.
But in this respect, a change has come over the spirit of
General Scott's dream. Of this the Whigs are satisfied. If they
were not, small would be his chance — much smaller even than it
now is, of reaching the Presidential chair. In his letter, accept-
ing the nomination, he says : — " In regard to the general policy
of the administration, if elected, I should, of course, look among
those who may approve that policy, for the agents to carry it into
execution; and I would seek to cultivate harmony and fraternal
sentiment throughout the Whig party, without attempting to
reduce its members by proscription to exact conformity to my
own views 1 "
" Harmony and fraternal sentiment throughout the Whig
party! " His charity, though large for Whigs, does not extend
to Democrats. He knows, however, that his own party are
divided into supporters of himself for his own sake, whilst spit-
ting upon the platform on which he stands — and those who love
the platform so well that for its sake they have even consented,
though reluctantly, to acquiesce in his nomination — into those
Free Soil Whigs who denounce the Fugitive Slave Law, and
those Whigs who are devoted heart and soul to its maintenance.
In this dilemma, he will not attempt to reduce the discordant
brethren by proscription to exact conformity to his own views.
Southern Whigs and Northern Free Soilers are therefore both
476 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
embraced within the broad sweep of his charity. He seeks to
cultiA'ate harmony and fraternal sentiment among the Seward
Whigs and the National Whigs by seating them all together at
the same table to enjoy the loaves and the fishes. But woe to
the vanquished — woe to the Democrats ! They shall not even
receive a single crumb which may fall from the table of the Presi-
dential banquet.
" One Presidential Term," is the subject which he next dis-
cusses. Here he boggles at one Presidential term. He seems
reluctant to surrender the most elevated and the most lucrative
office, next to that of President, and this, too, an office for life,
for the sake of onl)^ four years in the White House. He again,
therefore, for the third time, in the same letter, proposes to
amend the Constitution, just as if this were as easy as to wheel
a division of his army on a parade day, so as to extend the
Presidential term to six years. Four years are too short a term
for General Scott. It must be prolonged. The people must be
deprived of the power of choosing their President at the end of
so brief a period as four years. But such an amendment of the
Constitution, he ought to have known, was all moonshine. The
General, then, declines to pledge himself to serve but for one
term, and this for the most extraordinary reason. I shall quote
his own words; he says: — " But I do not consider it respectful
to the people, nor otherwise proper, in a candidate to solicit favor
on a pledge that, if elected, he will not accept a second nomina-
tion. It looks too much like a bargain tendered to other
aspirants — yield to me now ; I shall soon be out of your way ; too
much like the interest that sometimes governs the cardinals in the
choice of a Pope, many voting for themselves first, and, if with-
out success, finally for the most superannuated, in order that the
election may sooner come round again."
He was, then, you may be sure, still a Native American.
To say the very least, this imputation of selfishness and cor-
ruption against the cardinals in the election of a Pope, is in bad
taste in a political letter written by a candidate for the Presidency.
It was in exceedingly bad taste, in such an epistle, thus to stigma-
tize the highest dignitaries of the ancient Catholic church, in the
performance of their most solemn and responsible public duty to
God, on this side of eternity. From my soul, I abhor the practice of
mingling up religion with politics. The doctrine of all our Con-
stitutions, both Federal and State, is, that every man has an inde-
feasible right to worship his God, according to the dictates of his
1852] A SPEECH 477
own conscience. He is both a bigot and a tyrant who would
interfere with that sacred right. When a candidate is before the
people for office, the inquiry ought never even to be made, what
form of religious faith he professes ; but only, in the language of
Mr. Jefferson, " Is he honest; is he capable? " Far be it from
me to charge or even insinuate that General Scott would desire
to introduce religion into party politics; and yet I consider it
exceedingly improper for him, in a political letter, when a candi-
date for the Presidency, to have made this charge against the
venerable cardinals of the Catholic church. Such a charge,
emanating from so high a source, could not fail to wound the
feelings of a large and highly respectable Christian community.
This has necessarily, to some extent, brought religious discus-
sions into the Presidential contest.
" Leading measures of the late extra session of Congress."
This is the next head of General Scott's epistle, to which I advert.
He swallows all those leading measures at a single gulp. " If,"
says he, " I had had the honor of a vote on the occasion, it would
have been given in favor of the Land Distribution Bill, the Bank-
rupt Bill, and the second bill for creating a Fiscal Corporation,
having long been under a conviction that in peace, as in war,
something efficient in the nature of a Bank of the United States,
is not only ' necessary and proper,' but indispensable to the suc-
cessful operations of the Treasury ! "
The I^and Distribution Bill. This is emphatically a high-
toned Whig measure, which had been once crushed by General
Jackson's message of December, 1833. Mr. Clay, its illustrious
author, was the very essence, the life and soul of Whiggery. It
proposes to distribute the proceeds of the public lands among
the several States. It proposes to surrender to the several States
that immense and bountiful fund provided by our ancestors,
which is always our surest resource, in times of war and danger,
when our revenue from imports fails. In the days of Jackson,
Van Buren and Polk, the Democratic doctrine was, — I fear it is
not so at present, — to preserve this fund in the common Treas-
ury, as a sacred trust, to enable Congress to execute the enum-
erated powers conferred upon them by the Constitution, for the
equal benefit of all the States and the people. Should Congress
give away the public lands to the States, they will deprive them-
selves of the power of bestowing land bounties upon the soldiers
and the sailors who fight the battles of your country, and of
granting liberal terms of purchase to those hardy pioneers who
478 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
make the wilderness to bloom and to blossom as the rose. What
will become of this policy if you distribute the proceeds of these
lands among the States? Then every State will have a direct
interest in preventing any donations of the public lands, either
to old soldiers or actual settlers; because every acre thus given
will so much lessen the dividend to each of the States interested.
Should this Distribution Bill ever prevail, it will make the States
mere dependencies upon the central Government for a large por-
tion of their revenue, and thus reduce these proud Democratic
sovereignties to the degrading position of looking to the Treasury
of the United States for their means of support. In the language
of General Jackson, " a more direct road to consolidation cannot
be devised." Such a state of dependence, though exactly in
accordance with the centralizing Whig policy, has ever been
abhorred by the Democrats. But the Distribution Bill is one of
the principles, one of the "convictions," of General Scott; and
so let it pass.
We come now to the Bankrupt Bill, a purely Whig measure,
to which General Scott gives his adhesion. — And such a billt
In no legitimate sense of the word, was this a bankrupt law. It
was merely a new mode of paying old debts ; and the easiest
mode which was ever devised for this purpose in any civilized
country. The expansions and contractions of the Bank of the
United States, — the inundations of bank paper and of shin-
plasters which spread over the country, had given birth to a wild
and reckless spirit of speculation, that ruined a great number
of people. The speculators wanted to pay their debts in the
easiest manner, and the Whigs wanted their votes. This was
the origin of the bankrupt law. It ruined a great many honest
creditors ; it paid off a great many honest debts with moonshine.
If my memory serves me, debts to the amount of $400,000,000
were discharged in this manner. The law, however, from its
practical operation, soon became so odious to the people, that
they demanded its repeal. It was stricken from the statute book,
amidst the execrations of the people, by the very same Congress
which had enacted it, in one year and one month from the day
on which it went into effect. And this is the bill for which
General Scott declares he would have voted, had he been a
member of Congress.
Next in order, we come to the Bank of the United States.
If General Scott " had had the honor of a vote, it would have
been given for the second bill creating a Fiscal Corporation."
1852] A SPEECH 479
Surely the General could never have carefully read this bill.
In derision, it was termed at the time, the " Kite Flying Fis-
cality." It was a mere speculators' bank, and no person believed
it could ever become a law. In truth, it was got up merely for
the purpose of heading John Tyler, and when reported to the
House, it was received, according to the National Intelligencer,
with shouts of laughter.
It originated in this manner. A bill had at first passed Con-
gress to create a regular old-fashioned Bank of the United States.
This bill was vetoed by John Tyler. Afterwards the second bill,
or Kite Flying Fiscality, was prepared by the Whigs to meet
some portions of Mr. Tyler's veto message, and if possible render
it ridiculous. The bill was passed and was vetoed by President
Tyler, as everybody foresaw it would be. But how General
Scott got his head so befogged as to prefer this thing to the first
bill, is a matter of wonder. I venture to say he was the only
Whig in the United States who held the same opinion.
This closes General Scott's confession of Whig faith; and
surely it is sufficiently ample and specific to gratify the most rabid
Whig in the land. But the General had another string to his
bow. It was necessary not only that he should be as good a
Whig as Henry Clay, but that he should be something besides,
something over and above a mere Whig, in order to render
himself more available than his great rival. Hence the conclud-
ing head of his famous epistle, which, like the postscript of a
lady's letter, contains much of the pith and marrow of the whole.
It is entitled " Secret or Oath-bound Societies." In it he de-
clares, although a Mason, that he had " not been a member of a
Masonic lodge for thirty odd years, nor a visitor of any lodge
since, except one, — now more than sixteen years ago." And
such is his abhorrence for secret societies, that for twenty-eight
years he had not even visited one of those literary societies in
our colleges, whose practice it is to adopt a few secret signs by
which their members in after life can recognize each other.
In order, then, to render himself a more available candidate
than Henry Clay, it was necessary that his net should have a
broader sweep than that of the great Kentuckian. It was neces-
sary that he should be as good a Whig and a far better Anti-
Mason. The Anti-Masonic party was then powerful in Pennsyl-
vania as well as in other Northern States. This party numbered
in its ranks many old Democrats, and to these Mr. Clay was not
very acceptable. The Anti-Masons were more active and more
480 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
energetic than the Whigs. A distinguished Anti-Mason of our
State is reported once to have said, that they were the locomo-
tive, and the Whigs the burden train. How were they to be
enhsted in the ranks of Scott? The great Kentuckian, with that
independent spirit which characterized him, never yielded to the
advances of the Anti-Masons. He was a Mason himself as well as
General Scott ; but the General lent a far more kindly ear to this
new party. Hence his remarks on secret or oath-bound societies.
This confession of his faith proved to be entirely satisfactory;
and the Anti-Masons have ever since proved to be his devoted
friends. He thus captured a large division of the forces which
were unfriendly to Mr. Clay. But for the purpose of embracing
the new recruits, it became necessary to coin a more compre-
hensive name than simply that of Whigs.
He doubtless thought that a rose by any other name would
smell as sweet. Hence, in his famous letter, he announced him-
self to be a Democratic Whig. A white blackbird — a Christian
unbeliever. This name was sufficiently comprehensive to embrace
all men of all parties. He became all things to all men, that he
might gain proselytes. I say what I know, when I declare that
this letter, and attempt to supplant the veteran statesman of
Kentucky, was a subject of severe criticism at the time in
Washington city, among men of all parties. Surely, in the
language of Thurlow Weed, " there is weakness in all he says or
does about the Presidency."
But a good general is always fertile in expedients. His
coup-d'oeil embraces the whole field of battle, and he is ever ready
to take advantage of any occurrence which may enable him to
seize the victory. A new political party styling itself the Native
American party, began to loom up in an imposing manner and to
present a formidable aspect. This party must be concihated.
The Native Americans must be prevailed upon to unite their
forces with the Whigs and Anti-Masons, and thus to form a
grand combined army. It therefore became necessaiy for Gen-
eral Scott to write a second epistle, which he seems to have done
with all the ardor and enthusiasm of heartfelt sincerity. This
is dated from Washington city, on the loth of November, 1844,
and is in answer to a letter addressed to him, " in behalf of
several hundred Native American Republicans," by Geo. W.
Reed, Esq., of Philadelphia. This second epistle proved to be
as successful in enlisting the Native Americans under his banner,
as the first epistle had been in enlisting the Anti-Masons. And
1852] A SPEECH 481
why should it not? The General pledged himself, in the strongest
terms, to every dogma which this new party had most at heart.
He dates his Native Americanism back more than eight
years, to "the stormy election in the spring of 1836," and his
views " were confirmed in the week [Nov. 1840] when Harrison
electors were chosen in New York." It was on this occasion in
1840, that, "fired with indignation," he sat down with two
friends in the Astor House, " to draw up an address, designed to
rally an American party." What has become of this address?
How precious would it be ! I fear it is forever lost to the world !
It would be one of the greatest curiosities of modern literature.
How withering must have been its attack upon the poor foreign-
ers ! We can judge somewhat of its spirit by his epistle to Mr.
Reed. Other Native Americans were satisfied to restore the
naturalization law of " the reign of terror," and to prohibit
foreigners from becoming citizens until after a residence of
fourteen years. Not so with General Scott. He went a bow-
shot beyond. His mind inclined to " a total repeal of all Acts of
Congress on the subject," — to a total denial forever of all political
rights to every human being, young, middle-aged, and old, who
had happened to be born in a foreign country.
Having thus placed himself rectus in curia, as the lawyers
would say, with the Native .American party, he then proceeds, as
their god-father, to give them a proper name. In this I do not
think his choice was fortunate. It was a difficult task. It must
embrace within its ample outline both Whigs and Anti-Masons,
and yet have so much of the odor of Native Americanism as to
make its savor sweet in the nostrils of the new party. He says,
" I should prefer assuming the designation of American Republi-
cans, as in New York, or Democratic Americans, as I would
respectfully suggest. Democratic Americans would include all
good native American citizens devoted to our country and its
institutions; and would not drive from us naturalized citizens,
who, by long residence, have become identified with us in feelings
and interest."
"Democratic Americans!" What a name for a Native
American party ! When all the records of our past history prove
that American Democrats have ever opened wide their arms to
receive foreigners flying from oppression in their native land,
and have always bestowed upon them the rights of American
citizens, after a brief period of residence in this country. The
Democratic party have always gloried in this policy, and its
Vol. VIII— 31
482 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
fruits have been to increase our population and our power with
iinexampled rapidity, and to furnish our country with vast num-
bers of industrious, patriotic and useful citizens. Surely the
name of " Democratic Americans " was an unfortunate designa-
tion for the Native American party !
But General Scott was not content to be considered merely
as a proselyte to Native Americanism. He claims the glory of
being the founder of the party. He asserts his claim to this
distinguished honor, which no individual will now dispute with
him, in the postscript to his letter of November, 1844, which was
read on the 4th of February, 1847, before the National Conven-
tion of Native American Delegates, at Pittsburg. In this he
says, " writing, however, a few days ago, to my friend Mayor
Harper of New York, I half jocosely said, that I should claim
over him and others the foundership of the new party, but that
I had discovered this glory, like every other American excellence,
belonged to the Father of his Country."
The Native American party an " American excellence," and
the glory of its foundership, belongs to George Washington!
No, fellow-citizens, the American people will rise up with one
accord to vindicate the memory of that illustrious man from such
an imputation. As long as the recent memory of our revolu-
tionary struggle remained vividly impressed on the hearts of our
countrymen, no such party could have ever existed. The recol-
lection of Montgomery, Lafayette, De Kalb, Kosciusko, and a
long list of foreigners, both officers and soldiers, who freely
shed their blood to secure our liberties, would have rendered
such ingratitude impossible. Our revolutionary army was filled
with the brave and patriotic natives of other lands, and George
Washington was their commander-in-chief. Would he have
ever closed the door against the admission of foreigners to the
rights of American citizens? Let his acts speak for themselves.
So early as the 26th of March, 1790, General Washington, as
President of the United States, approved the first law which ever
passed Congress on the subject of naturalization; and this only
required a residence of two years, previous to the adoption of a
foreigner as an American citizen. On the 29th Januaiy, 1795,
the term of residence was extended by Congress to five years,
and thus it remained throughout General Washington's admin-
istration, and until after the accession of John Adams to the
Presidency. In his administration, which will ever be known in
history as the reign of terror, as the era of alien and sedition
1852] A SPEECH 483
laws, an act was passed on the i8th of June, 1798, which pro-
hibited any foreigner from becoming a citizen until after a
residence of fourteen years, and this is the law, or else perpetual
exclusion, which General Scott preferred, and which the Native
American party now desire to restore.
The Presidential election of 1800 secured the ascendency of
the Democratic party, and under the administration of Thomas
Jefferson, its great apostle, on the 14th of April, 1802, the term
of residence previous to naturalization was restored to five years,
what it had been under General Washington, and where it has
ever since remained. No, fellow-citizens, the Father of his
Country was never a " Native American." This " American ex-
cellence " never belonged to him.
General Scott appears to have been literally infatuated with
the beauties of Native Americanism. On the 12th November,
1844, he addressed a letter in answer to one from a certain " Mr.
Hector Orr, printer," who appears to have been the editor of a
Native American journal in Philadelphia. This letter is a per-
fect rhapsody from beginning to end. Among other things
equally extravagant, the General says : "A letter from him
(Benjamin Franklin), were he alive, could not have refreshed
me more than that before my eyes. It gives a new value to any
little good I have done or attempted, and will stimulate me to
do all that may fall in the scope of my power in the remainder
of my life." What a letter must this have been of Mr. Hector
Orr, printer ! What a pity it has been lost to the world ! The
General concluded by requesting Mr. Orr to send him " the
history of the Native party by the Sunday School Boy," and
also to consider him a subscriber to his journal.
But soon there came a frost — a chilling frost. Presto, pass,
and General Scott's Native Americanism is gone like the baseless
fabric of a vision. Would that it left no trace behind! The
celebrated William E. Robinson, of New York, is the enchanter
who removes the spell.
The Whig National Convention of 7th June, 1848, was
about to assemble. General Scott was for the third time about
to be a candidate before it for nomination as President. This
was an important — a critical moment. Native Americanism
had not performed its early promise. It was not esteemed " an
Ajnerican excellence," even by the Whig party. General Scott
was in a dilemma, and how to extricate himself from it was the
question. The ready friendship of Mr. Robinson hit upon the
484 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
lucky expedient. On the 8th May, 1848, he addressed a letter to
General Scott, assuming that the General entertained " kind
and liberal views towards our naturalized citizens." The Gen-
eral answered this letter on the 29th May, 1848, just ten days
before the meeting of the Whig Philadelphia Convention; and
what an answer! After declaring in the strongest terms that
Mr. Robinson had done him no more than justice in attributing
to him " kind and liberal views toward our naturalized citizens,"
he proceeds : " It is true that in a case of unusual excitement
some years ago, when both parties complained of fraudulent
practices in the naturalization of foreigners, and when there
seemed to be danger that native and adopted citizens would be
permanently arrayed against each other in hostile faction, / was
inclined to concur in the opinion then avozved by leading states-
men, that some modification of the naturalization laws might be
necessary, in order to prevent abuses, allay strife and restore har-
mony between the different classes of our people. But later
experience and reflection have entirely removed this impression,
and dissipated my apprehensions."
The man who had warmly embraced Native Americanism
so early as 1836, and had given it his enthusiastic support for
twelve years thereafter — who next to Washington had claimed
to be the founder of this "American excellence;" who, "fired
with indignation," had in conjunction with two friends in 1840,
prepared an address in his parlor at the Astor House in New
York, designed to rally an American party; who had, in 1844,
hesitated between extending the period of residence before
naturalization to fourteen years, and a total and absolute exclusion
of all foreigners from the rights of citizenship forever, his mind
inclining to the latter ; who had in the same year elevated Hector
Orr, the Native American printer, to the same level with our
great revolutionary statesman and patriot, Benjamin Franklin —
this same individual, in 1848, declares to Mr. Robinson, that he
had formerly been merely " inclined to concur in the opinion then
avozved by leading statesmen, that some modification of the
naturalization laws might be necessary."
" Oh ! what a fall was there, my countrymen ! "
And what caused this sudden, this almost miraculous change
of opinion? Why, forsooth, in his recent campaign in Mexico,
the Irish and the Germans had fought bravely in maintaining our
flag in the face of every danger. But had they not fought with
equal bravery throughout our revolutionary struggle, and
1852J A SPEECH 485
throughout our last war with Great Britain? General Scott
cotild not possibly have been ignorant of this fact. Chippewa
and Lundy's Lane both attest their gallant daring in defence of
the stars and stripes of our country.
The General now seems determined, if possible, to efface
from the memory of man that he had ever been a Native Amer-
ican. His present devotion to our fellow-citizens of foreign
birth knows no bounds. He is determined to enlist them under
his banner, as he formerly enlisted the Anti-Masons and Native
Americans.
Official business, it seems, required him to visit the Blue
Licks of Kentucky; and yet, it is passing strange, that he chose
to proceed from Washington to that place by the circuitous route
of the great Northern Lakes. This deviation from a direct mili-
tary line between the point of his departure and that of his
destination has enabled him to meet and address his fellow-
citizens on the way, at Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cin-
cinnati, and other points both in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Should
the published programme of his route be carried into effect, he
will, on his return to Washington from the Blue Licks, pass
through Buffalo, and throughout the entire length of the Empire
State. Nobody, however, can for a single moment suspect —
this would be uncharitable — that his visit to the small and in-
significant States of Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, when
merely on his way from Washington city to Kentucky, could
at this particular period have had any view to the Presidential
election! Far be it from me to indulge such a suspicion; and
yet it is strange that General Scott, throughout his whole route,
speaks and acts just as General Scott would have done had he
been on an electioneering tour. He has everywhere bestowed
especial favor upon our adopted fellow-citizens ; but at Cleveland
he surpassed himself, and broke out into a rhapsody nearly as
violent as that in which he had indulged in favor of Hector
Orr, the Native American printer. At Cleveland, an honest
Irishman in the crowd shouted a welcome to General Scott.
Always ready to seize the propitious moment, the General in-
stantly exclaimed: " I hear that rich brogue; I love to hear it.
It makes me remember noble deeds of Irishmen, many of whom
I have led to battle and to victory." The General has yet to
learn that my father's countrymen, (I have ever felt proud of
my descent from an Irishman,) though they sometimes do
blarney others, are yet hard to be blarneyed themselves, especially
486 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
out of their Democracy. The General, unless I am greatly mis-
taken, will discover that Irish Democrats, however much, in
common wiith us all, they may admire his military exploits, will
never abandon their political principles, and desert their party,
for the sake of elevating him or any other Whig candidate to
the Presidency.
One other remark : — Were it within the limits of possibility
to imagine, which it is not, that our Washingtons, our Jeffersons,
or our Jacksons, could have set out on an electioneering tour for
themselves, when candidates for the Presidency, — I ask, would
they have met and addressed their fellow-citizens on such topics,
and in such a style, as General Scott has selected ? No ! friends
and fellow-citizens, gravity, solemnity, and the discussion of
great questions of public policy, affecting the vital interests of
the country, would have illustrated and marked their progress.
General Scott, in his political opinions, is prone to extremes.
Not content with having renounced Native Americanism, not
satisfied to occupjr the broad, just and liberal platform in favor
of naturalization, on which the Democratic party have stood,
ever since the origin of the Government, he leaves this far behind.
In his letter, accepting the nomination of the Whig Convention,
he declares himself in favor of such an alteration in our naturali-
zation laws, as would admit foreigners to the rights of citizen-
ship, who, in time of war, had served a single year in the army
or navy.
This manifests a strange, an unaccountable ignorance of
the Federal Constitution. Did he not know that the power
of Congress was confined to the establishment of " an uniform
rule of naturalization?" "Uniform" is the word. Congress
have no power to make exceptions in favor of any class of for-
eigners ; no power to enact that one man shall be naturalized after
a residence of a single year, and that another shall reside five
years before he can attain this privilege. What unifonnity
would there be in requiring five years residence from the honest
and industrious foreigner, who remains usefully employed at
home, and in dispensing with this requisition in favor of the
foreigner who has enlisted and served for one year in the army
or navy? General Scott, in order to accomplish his object, must
resort to a fourth amendment of the Constitution. He would
make this sacred instrument a mere nose of wax, to be twisted,
and turned, and bent in any direction which the opinion or caprice
of the moment might dictate.
1852] A SPEECH 487
After this review, I ask you, fellow-citizens, what confidence
can be reposed in the political opinions of General Scott? Is
there anything in them of that firm, stable, consistent and en-
lightened character which ought to distinguish the man into
whose hands you are willing to entrust the civil destinies of our
great, glorious and progressive country? What security have
our adopted citizens that he may not to-morrow relapse into
Native Americanism? For twelve long years, and this, too, at
a period of life when the judgment ought to be mature, he
remained faithful and true to the Native American party ; giving
it all the encouragement and support which his high character
and influence could command; and he only deserted it in 1848, at
the approach of the Whig National Convention. And what
opinion must the Native Americans hold of the man, who, after
having been so long one of their most ardent and enthusiastic
leaders, abandoned them at the time of their utmost need?
Above all, does Winfield Scott possess that calm and unerring
judgment, that far-seeing sagacity, and that prudence, never to
be thrown off its guard, which we ought to require in a President
of the United States?
That General Scott is a great military man, the people of
this country will ever gratefully and cheerfully acknowledge.
History teaches us, however, that but few men, whose profession
has been arms and arms alone from early youth, have possessed
the civil qualifications necessary wisely to govern a free people.
Of this we have had some experience in the case of General
Taylor, who was both an honest man and a pure patriot; but
like General Scott, had always been a soldier and nothing but a
soldier. It is trtie that a few favored mortals, emancipating
themselves from the military fetters by which they had been
bound, have displayed high talents as statesmen. Napoleon
Bonaparte is the most remarkable example of this class ; but his
statesmanship was unfortunately displayed in the skill with which
he forged fetters for his country.
As an American citizen, proud of the military exploits of
General Scott, I wish from my soul he had never become a
candidate for the Presidency. The defects in his character as a
statesman, Avhich it has now become an imperative duty to
present to the people of the country, would then have been for-
gotten and forever buried in oblivion. But for this, he would
have gone down to posterity without a cloud upon his glory.
And, even now, it is fortunate for his future fame, as well as
488 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
for the best interests of his country, that he can never be elected
President of the United States.
A few words on the subject of General Scott's connection
with the Free Soilers, and I shall have done. And in the first
place, let me say that I do not believe, and therefore shall not
assert, that he is himself a Free Soiler. On the contrary, I freely
admit we have satisfactory proof, that whilst the Compromise
Measures were pending before Congress and afterwards, he ex-
pressed his approbation of them, but this only in private conver-
sations among his friends. But was this all the country had a
right to expect from General Scott ?
The dark and portentous cloud raised by the Abolitionists
and fanatics, which had. for many years been growing blacker
and still blacker, at length seemed ready to burst upon our de-
voted heads, threatening to sweep away both the Constitution
and the Union. The patriots of the land, both Whigs and
Democrats, cordially united their efforts to avert the impending
storm. At this crisis, it became the duty of every friend of the
Union to proclaim his opinions boldly. This was not a moment
for any patriot to envelop himself in mystery. Under such
appalling circumstances, did it comport with the frankness of a
soldier, for General Scott to remain silent; or merely to whis-
per his opinions to private friends from the South? A man of
his elevated station and commanding influence ought to have
thrown himself into the breach. But the Presidency was in
view ; and he was anxious to secure the votes of the Free Soil
Whigs of the Seward school, in the National Convention. Mr.
Fillmore, his competitor, had spoken out like a man in favor of
the Compromise, and had thus done his duty to his country. He
was, for this very reason, rejected by the Whig National Con-
vention, and General Scott was nominated by the votes and
influence of the Northern Free Soil Whigs.
But the Northern Free Soilers had not quite sufficient
strength to secure his nomination. To render this certain, it
was necessar}"^ to enlist a small detachment of Southern Whig
delegates. This task was easily accomplished. To attain his
object. General Scott had merely to write a brief note to Mr.
Archer.
This was evidently not intended for the public eye, cer-
tainly not for the Free Soilers. It was, therefore, most re-
luctantly extracted from the breeches pocket of John M. Botts,
and was read to the Convention, as we are informed, amid
1852] A SPEECH 489
uproarious laughter. In this note, General Scott, with character-
istic inconsistency, whilst declaring his determination to write
nothing to the Convention, or any of its individual members, at
this very moment, in the same note, does actually write to Mr.
Archer, a member of the Convention, that should the honor of a
nomination fall to his lot, he would give his views on the Com-
promise Measures in terms at least as strong in their favor, as
those which he had read to Mr. Archer himself but two days
before. This pledge which, on its face, was intended exclusively
for Governor Jones, Mr. Botts, and Mr. Lee, etc., all of them
Southern Whigs, proved sufficient to detach a small division of
this wing of the party from Mr. Fillmore, and these, uniting with
the whole body of the Northern Free Soilers, succeeded in
nominating General Scott. After the nomination had been thus
made, the General immediately proceeded to accept it, " with the
resolutions annexed ; " and one of these resolutions is in favor of
the faithful execution of all the measures of the Compromise,
including the Fugitive Slave I-aw.
Now, fellow-citizens, I view the finality of the Compromise
as necessary to the peace and preservation of the Union. I say
finality; a word aptly coined for the occasion. The Fugitive
Slave Law is all the South have obtained in this Compromise. It
is a law founded both upon the letter and the spirit of the Consti-
tution; and a similar law has existed on our statute book ever
since the administration of George Washington. History teaches
us that but for the provision in favor of the restoration of fugi-
tive slaves, our present Constitution never would have existed.
Think ye that the South will ever tamely surrender the Fugitive
Slave Law to Northern fanatics and Abolitionists?
After all, then, the great political question to be decided by
the people of the country is, will the election of Scott, or the
election of Pierce, contribute most to maintain the finality of the
Compromise and the peace and harmony of the Union?
Scott's Northern supporters spit upon and execrate the plat-
form erected by the Whig National Convention. They support
General Scott, not because of their adherence to this platform,
but in spite of it. They have loudly expressed their determina-
tion to agitate the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law, and thus
bring back upon the country the dangerous excitement which
preceded its passage. They will not suffer the country to enjoy
peace and repose, nor permit the Southern States to manage their
own domestic affairs, in their own way, without foreign inter-
ference.
490 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
Who can doubt that these dangerous men will participate
largely in the counsels of General Scott, and influence the meas-
ures of his administration ? To them he owes his election, should
he be elected. He is bound to them by the ties of gratitude. He
is placed in a position where he would be more or less than a
man, if he could withdraw himself from their influence. Indeed,
he has informed us in advance, in the very act of accepting the
nomination, that he would seek to cultivate harmony and frater-
nal sentiment throughout the Whig party, without attempting to
reduce its numbers by proscription to exact conformity to his
own views. What does this mean, if not to declare that the
Free Soil Whigs of the North, and the Compromise Whigs of
the vSouth, shall share equally in the honors and offices of the
Administration ? In the North, where by far the greatest danger
of agitation exists, the offices will be bestowed upon those Whigs
who detest the Compromise, and who will exert all the influence
which office confers, to abolish the Fugitive Slave Law. To this
sad dilemma has General Scott been reduced.
On the other hand, what will be our condition should Gen-
eral Pierce be elected? He will owe his election to the great
Democratic party of the country, — a party truly national, which
knows no North, no South, no East, and no West. They are
everywhere devoted to the Constitution and the Union. They
everywhere speak the same language. The finality of the Com-
promise, in all its parts, is everywhere an article of their political
faith. Their candidate. General Pierce, has always openly
avowed his sentiments on this subject.
He could proudly declare, in accepting the nomination, that
there has been no word nor act of his life in conflict with the
platform adopted by the Democratic National Convention.
Should he be elected, all the power and influence of his adminis-
tration will be exerted to allay the dangerous spirit of fanaticism,
and to render the Union and the Constitution immortal. Judge
ye, then, between the two candidates, and decide for yourselves.
And now, fellow-citizens, what a glorious party the Demo-
cratic party has ever been ! Man is but the being of a summer's
day, whilst principles are eternal. The generations of mortals,
one after the other, rise and sink and are forgotten; but the
principles of Democracy', which we have inherited from our
revolutionary fathers, will endure to bless mankind throughout
all g-enerations. Is there any Democrat within the sound of my
voice — is there any Democrat throughout the broad limits of
1852] TO MISS WATTERSTON 491
good and great old Democratic Pennsylvania, who will abandon
these sacred principles for the sake of following in the train of
a military conqueror, and shouting for the hero of Lundy's Lane,
Cerro Gordo, and Chapultepec?
" Remember, O my friends ! the laws, the rights,
The gen'rous plan of power deliver'd down,
From age to age, by your renown'd forefathers,
So dearly bought, the price of so much blood;
O ! Let it never perish in your hands.
But piously transmit it to your children."
TO MISS WATTERSTON.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, i8 Nov. 1852.
My dear Miss Watterston,
I have received your saucy epistle of the i6th Instant, in
which you have berated me in good set terms. It came to hand
with a dozen of others asking my influence for office with the
powers that are to be ; and I confess the contrast was both piquant
and agreeable. If you had honored me by inquiring of any
person who saw me in Washington what was my situation whilst
there, you would have learned that I spent the single day at the
Dentist's and in my bed. I have not been so sick for many
years as I was on that black Thursday ; and on Friday Morning
I was obliged to be in Baltimore. I rode up in the evening to
Mr. Pleasonton's, intending to pass an hour there and then to
pay you a visit on Capitol Hill; but I was obliged to return
immediately to my Hotel. But worse and more of it. I can't
sleep a wink with a fire in my room; and they had made an
anthracite coal fire which would have roasted an ox. My night
was passed in hideous dreams and nightmare. I had no beauti-
ful visions of Miss Watterston and other sylph-like forms flitting
before me. I shall remember that day and night for many
years to come. So now take off your black cap and cry peccavi.
and then I shall forgive you.
I Avish, with all my heart, you had paid me a visit on your
return from New York. You would have found me then in an
excellent humor and too magnanimous to triumph over your
defeat. This is the place above all others for a "cozy chat:"
^Buchanan MSS., Library of Congress.
492 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
but such blessings now rarely fall to my lot. I am rapidly
becoming a petrifaction; but yet I still sometimes experience a
genial warmth about the region of the heart. In truth I daily
become more and more fond of my retirement, and always feel
reluctant to leave home, though this I am often compelled to do.
Tell your excellent father that I am sorry I cannot comply
with his request. Besides, nobody has asked me, and I have
not the least idea or desire that any body should. I have seen
enough of public life to satisfy a wise man. Still, for the sake
of my Country, I feel a deep interest in the result of the Presi-
dential election, and took an active part in the contest for the
good old cause of Democracy. Unless I am mistaken in the
character of the man, tell your father that General Pierce will
make an excellent President. Please to remember me very kindly
to him and to your mother, and believe me to be always, with
sentiments of warm regard,
Your friend
James Buchanan.
Miss Eliza Watterston.
FROM MR. PIERCE.'
Concord, N. H., Decb. 7, 1852.
My dear Sir
I have been hoping ever since the election that I might have a personal
interview with you if not before certainly during the present month. But
the objections to such a meeting suggested by you while I was at the sea
shore now exist perhaps even with greater force than at that time. With
our known pleasant personal relation a meeting would doubtless call forth
many idle & annoying speculations and groundless surmises. An interchange
of thoughts with Colo. King (whose returning health is a source of great
joy to me) would also be peculiarly pleasant & profitable, but here again
there are obstacles in the way. He cannot come North and I cannot go to
Washington. Communication by letters is still open. My thoughts for the
last four weeks have been earnestly turned to the formation of a Cabinet.
And altho' I must in the end be responsible for the appointments and conse-
quently should follow my own well considered convictions — I cannot help
saying often to myself, how agreeable it would be to compare conclusions
upon this or that point with Mr. Buchanan. I do not mean to trouble you
with the many matters of difficulty that evidently lie in my path. So far as
I have been able to form an opinion as to public sentiment and reasonable
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania ; Curtis's Buchanan,
n. 68.
1852] TO GENERAL PIERCE 493
public expectation, I think I am expected to call around me Gentlemen who
have not hitherto occupied Cabinet positions. And in view of the jealousies
and embarrassments which environ any other course, this expectation is in
accordance with my own judgment, a judgment strengthened by the impres-
sion that it is sanctioned by views expressed by you. Regarding you with
the free confidence of a friend and appreciating your disinterested patriotism
as well as your wide experience & comprehensive statesmanship, I trust you
will deem it neither an intrusion nor an annoyance when I ask your sug-
gestions & advice. If not mistaken in this, you will confer a great favor by
writing me as fully as you may deem proper as to the launching (if I may
so express myself) of the incoming administration — and more especially in
regard to men & things in Pennsylvania. In relation to appointments requir-
ing prompt action after the inauguration I shall as far as practicable leave
Concord with purposes definitively formed and not likely to be changed.
Should you deem that I ought not thus to tax you, burn the letter, but
give me as of yore your good will & wishes.
I shall regard, as you will of course, whatever passes between us as in
the strictest sense confidential.
Very truly yr. friend
Hon : James Buchanan
Lancaster, Pa.
Frank. Pierce.
TO GENERAL PIERCE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, ii December, 1852.
My dear Sir/
Your favor of the 7th Instant reached me last evening.
You do me no more than justice in " regarding me with
the free confidence of a friend ; " & I can say, in all sincerity,
that both for your sake & that of the Country, I most ardently
desire the success of your administration. Having asked my
suggestions & advice, " as to the launching of the incoming ad-
ministration," I shall cheerfully give it, with all the frankness
of friendship.
Your letter, I can assure you, has relieved me from no little
personal anxiety. Had you offered me a seat in your Cabinet
one month ago, although highly gratified as I should have been
with such a distinguished token of your confidence & regard, I
would have declined it without a moment's hesitation. Nothing
short of an imperative and over-ruling sense of public duty could
ever prevail upon me to pass another four years of my life in the
laborious & responsible position which I fomierly occupied.
'Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
494 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
Within the past month, however, so many urgent appeals have
been made to me from quarters entitled to the highest respect to
accept the State Department if tendered, and this, too, as an act
of public duty, in view of the present perplexed & embarrassing
condition of our foreign relations, that in declining it, I should
have been placed in an embarrassing position from which I have
been happily relieved by your letter.
But whilst I say this in all sincerity, I cannot assent to the
correctness of the general principle you have adopted, to pro-
scribe in mass the members of all former Cabinets; nor do I
concur with you in opinion, that either public sentiment or public
expectation requires such a sweeping ostracism. I need scarcely
therefore say that the impression which you have derived of my
opinion in favor of this measure, from I know not whom, is
without foundation. It would be most unjust towards my able,
enlightened, & patriotic associates in the Cabinet of Mr. Polk,
could I have entertained such an idea. So far from it, that were
I the President elect, I should deem it almost indispensable to
avail myself of the sound wisdom & experienced judgment of
one or more members of that Cabinet, to assist me in conducting
the vast & complicated machinery of the Federal Government.
Neither should I be diverted from this purpose by the senseless
cry of " old Fogyism " raised by " young America." I think
the members of Mr. Polk's Cabinet should be placed upon the
same level with the mass of their fellow citizens, & neither in a
better nor a worse condition. I am not aware that any of them,
unless it may be Governor Marcy, either expects or desires a
cabinet appointment; and certainly all of them will most cheer-
fully accord to you the perfect right of selecting the members of
your own Cabinet. Still to be excluded from your consideration
merely because they had happened to belong to Mr. Polk's cabi-
net could not be very gratifying to any of them.
To apply your own metaphor, " the launching of the incom-
ing administration " will perhaps be a more important & respon-
sible duty than has ever fallen to the lot of any of your predeces-
sors. On the selection of the Navigators to assist you in con-
ducting the vessel of State will mainly depend the success of the
voyage. No matter how able or skilful the commander may be,
& without flattery I cheerfully accoi'd to you both ability & skill,
he can do but little without the aid of able & skilful subordinates.
So firmly am I convinced of this truth, that I should not fear to
predict the result of your administration as soon as I shall learn
1852J TO GENERAL PIERCE 495
who are the members of your Cabinet. In former times, when
the Government was comparatively in its infancy, the President
himself could supervise & direct all the measures of any im-
portance arising under our complex but most excellent system of
Government. Not so at present. This would no longer be
possible, even if the day consisted of 48 instead of 24 hours.
Hence, from absolute necessity, the members of your administra-
tion will exercise much independent power. Even in regard to
those questions submitted more directly to yourself, from want
of time to make minute examinations of all the facts, you must
necessarily rely much upon the representations of the appropriate
Secretary. My strong & earnest advice to you, therefore, is not
to constitute your Cabinet with a view to harmonise the opposite
& fleeting factions of the day; but solely with the higher &
nobler view of promoting the great interests of the Country &
securing the glory & lasting fame of your own administration.
You occupy a proud & independent position ; & enjoy a popularity
which will render any able & honest democrat popular who may
be honored by your choice for a Cabinet Station, provided they
are properly distributed over the Union. In this respect, you are
placed in a more enviable position than almost any of your
predecessors. It was a maxim of old Simon Snyder, the shrewd
& popular Governor of our State, that the very best man ought
to be selected for the office ; & if not popular at the moment, he
would soon render himself popular. In view of these important
considerations, I would earnestly recommend to you the practice
of General Washington never finally to decide an important
question until the moment which required its decision had nearly
approached. I know that a state of suspense is annoying to the
human mind; but it is better to submit to this annoyance for a
season than to incur the risk of a more permanent and greater
evil.
You say that you will leave Concord " with purposes
definitely formed and not likely to be changed." But is Concord
the best locality in the world for acquiring reliable information
& taking extended views of our whole great Country? To
Boston I should never resort for this purpose. Pardon me for
suggesting that you ought not to have your resolution definitely
fixed until after your arrival in Washington. In that City,
although you will find many interested & designing politicians,
there are also pure, honest, & disinterested Democratic patriots.
Among this number is Col : King, whom you so highly & justly
496 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
commend. He is among the best, purest, & most consistent
public men I have ever known, & is, also, a sound judging and
discreet counsellor. You might rely with implicit confidence
upon his information, especially in regard to the Southern States,
which I know are at the present moment tremblingly alive to the
importance of your Cabinet selections. I might cite the example
of Mr. Polk. Although in council with General Jackson, he
had early determined to offer me the State Department ; yet no
intimation of the kind was ever communicated to me until a
short time before his arrival in Washington, & then only in an
indirect manner. In regard to all the other members of his
Cabinet he was wholly uncommitted, until the time for making
his selection had nearly approached. It is true he had strong
predilections in favor of individuals before he left Tennessee;
but I do not think I hazard much in saying, that had these been
indulged, his administration would not have occupied so high
a place as it is destined to do in the history of his Country.
One opinion I must not fail to express: & this is that the
Cabinet ought to he a unit. I may say that this is not merely
an opinion of mine, but a strong & deep conviction. It is as
clear to my mind, as any mathematical demonstration. Without
unity no Cabinet can be successful. General Jackson, penetrat-
ing as he was, did not discover this truth, until compelled to
dissolve his first Cabinet on account of its heterogeneous &
discordant materials. I undertake to predict that whoever may
be the President, if he disregards this principle in the formation
of his Cabinet, he will have committed a fatal mistake. He who
attempts to conciliate opposing factions, by placing ardent &
embittered Representatives of each in his Cabinet, will discover
that he has only infused into these factions new vigor & power for
mischief. Having other objects in view distinct from the suc-
cess & glory of the administration, they will be employed in
strengthening the factions to which they belong, & in creating un-
fortunate divisions in Congress & throughout the Country.
It was a regard to this vital principle of unity in the formation of
his Cabinet, which rendered Mr. Polk's administration so success-
ful. We were all personal & political friends & worked together in
harmony. However various our views might have been & often
were upon any particular subject when entering the Cabinet
Council, after mutual consultation & free discussion we never
failed to agree at last, except on a very few questions, & on these
the world never knew that we had differed.
1852] TO GENERAL PIERCE 497
I have made these suggestions without a single selfish object.
My purpose is to retire gradually & if possible gracefully from
any active participation in public affairs & to devote my time
to do historical justice to the administration of Mr. Polk as well
as to myself before the tribunal of posterity. I feel notwith-
standing a deep & intense interest in the lasting triumph of the
good old cause of Democracy, & in that of its chosen standard
bearer, to whose success I devoted myself with a hearty good
will.
The important Domestic questions being now nearly all set-
tled, the foreigti affairs of the Government & especially the ques-
tion of Cuba will occupy the most conspicuous place in your
administration. I believe Cuba can be acquired by cession upon
honorable terms ; & I should not desire to acquire it in any other
manner. The President who shall accomplish this object will
render his name illustrious & place it on the same level with that
of his great predecessor who gave Louisiana to the Union. The
best means of acquiring it, in my opinion, is to enlist the active
agency of the Foreign creditoi's of Spain, who have a direct
personal interest in its cession to the United States. The Roths-
childs, the Barings, & other large capitalists now control to a
great extent the monarchies of Continental Europe. Besides,
Queen Christina, who is very avaricious & exercises great influ-
ence over her daughter, the Queen of Spain, & her Court, has
very large possessions in the Island, the value of which would
be greatly enhanced by its cession to the United States. Should
you desire to acquire Cuba, the choice of suitable ministers to
Spain, Naples, England, & France will be very important. Mr.
Fillmore committed a great outrage in publishing the Cuban
correspondence. Had he, however, not suppressed a material
portion of my instructions to Mr. Saunders, every candid man
of all parties would have admitted, without hesitation, that under
the then existing circumstances, it was the imperative duty of
Mr. Polk to ofifer to make the purchase. Indeed, I think myself
it was too long delayed.
In my opinion, Mr. Clayton & Mr. Webster have involved
our relations with England in serious difficulties by departmg
from the Monroe doctrine.
In Pennsylvania we have all been amused at the successive
detachments of those whom we call guerillas which have visited
Concord to assure you that serious divisions exist among the
Democracy of our State. There never was any thing more
Vol. VIII— 32
498 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1852
unfounded. The party is now more thoroughly united than it
has ever been at any period within my recollection. Whilst the
contest continued between General Cass & myself, many honest
Democrats, without a particle of personal or political hostility to
me, preferred him & espoused his cause simply because he had
been the defeated candidate. That feeling is at an end with the
cause which gave it birth ; & these honest Democrats as heartily
despise the Camerons, the Brodheads, the Grunds, the Barretts,
the M'Allisters, the Burnsides, &c. &c., as do my oldest & best
friends. In truth the guerillas are now chiefs without followers.
They are at present attempting to galvanise themselves at home,
through the expected influence of your administration. Their
tools, who will nearly all be applicants for office, circulate the
most favorable accounts from Concord. They were scarcely
heard of previous to the October election, which was the battle
of the 23 December; but if we are to believe them, they achieved
the victory of the 8th January. These are the men who defeated
Judge Campbell at the election in October 1 851, by exciting anti-
Catholic prejudices against him, & who have always been dis-
organisers whenever their personal interests came in conflict
with the success of the party. Thank Heaven they are now
altogether powerless & will so remain unless your administration
should impart to them renewed vigor. Their principal appre-
hension -was that you might offer me a seat in your Cabinet ; but
for some time past they have confidently boasted that their influ-
ence had already prevented this dreaded consummation. Their
next assault will be upon my intimate friend Judge Campbell,
who will, I have no doubt, be strongly presented to you for a
Cabinet appointment. The Judge is able, honest, & inflexibly
firm, & did, to say the very least, as much as any individual in
the State to secure our glorious triumph. I might speak in
similar terms of Governor Porter. To defeat such men, they
will lay hold of General Patterson, Mr. Dallas, or any other
individual less obnoxious to them, & make a merit of pressing
him for a Cabinet apjiointment from Pennsylvania. They cal-
culate largely upon the influence of General Cass, who strangely
enough is devoted to them, although their advocacy rendered it
impossible that he should ever be nominated or elected by the
vote of the State.
As a private citizen, I shall take the liberty of recommend-
ing to you, by letter, at the proper time, those whom I consider
the best qualified candidates for different offices within our State ;
1852] FROM MR. PIERCE
499
& you will pay such attention to my recommendations as you may
think they deserve. I would not, if I could, exclude the honest
friends of General Cass from a fair participation in " the spoils."
They are & always have been good Democrats & are now my
warm friends. But I shall ever protest against the appointment
of any of the disorganisers who whilst professing Democracy
defeated Judge Campbell : & not content with advocating General
Cass in preference to myself, which they had a perfect right to
do, have spent their time & their money in abusing my personal
character most foully & falsely. Even Barrett, the Editor of the
Keystone, whose paper was almost exclusively devoted to the
propagation of these slanders, to be circulated under the frank
of Senator Brodhead throughout the South, for they had no influ-
ence at home, is a hopeful candidate for office, as they profess,
under your administration.
I have now from a sense of duty written you by far the
longest letter I ever wrote in my life, & have unburthened my
mind of a ponderous load. I have nothing more to add, except
a request that you would present me kindly to Mrs. Pierce, &
believe me to be always, most respectfully
Your friend
James Buchanan.
General Franklin Pierce.
FROM MR. PIERCE.'
Concord, N. H. Decb. 14, 1852.
My dear Sir
Language fails me to express the sincere gratitude I feel for your kind
and noble letter of the nth inst. I cannot now reply as I ought, but lose
no time in expressing my deep sense of obligation. I ought in justice to the
citizens of Penna. who have visited Concord during the summer & autumn
to say that I do not recollect a single individual who has ventured to make
a suggestion in relation to yourself calculated in the slightest degree to
weaken my personal regard. It is far from my purpose to hasten to any con-
clusion in relation to my Cabinet.
It is hardly possible that I can be more deeply impressed than I now am
as to the importance of the manner in which it shall be cast, both for the
interests of the Country and my own comfort. I cannot however view the
advantages of my presence at Washington in the same light with yourself.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania ; Curtis's Buchanan,
11. 74.
500 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
tho' having no object but the best interests of our party and the Country.
Personal inclination and convenience will if I know it have no weight upon
my course in any particular. I must leave for a future time many things I
desire to say. Do you still anticipate passing a portion of the winter at the
South? With sincere regard yr. friend
Frank. Pierce.
Hon. James Buchanan,
Wheatland, near Lancaster, Pa.
1853.
TO MISS LANE/
Wheatland, near Lancaster 3 February 1853.
My dear Harriet/
I have passed the time quietly at home since I left Phila-
delphia, toiling night & day, to reduce the pile of letters which
had accumulated during my absence. I have got nearly through,
& intend to pass some days in Harrisburg next week. I have
literally no news to communicate to you. Miss Hetty & myself
get along to a charm. She expects Miss Rebecca Parker here
to-day, — the promise of Mr. Van Dyke. I hope she may come.
I received a letter yesterday from Mr. Pleasonton, dated on
the 3 1 ultimo, from which the following is an extract :
" Clemmy wrote some two weeks ago to Miss Harriet asking
her to come here & spend some time with us. As she has not
heard from her, she supposes Miss Lane to be absent. Be good
enough to mention this to her, & our united wish that she
should spend the residue of the winter & the spring with us.
There is much gaiety here now, tho' we do not partake of it. We
will contrive, however, that Miss Lane shall participate in it."
Now do as you please about visiting Washington. I hope
you are enjoying yourself in Philadelphia. Please to let me
know where you have been, what you have been doing, & what
you propose to do. I trust you will take good care of yourself
& always act under the influence of high moral principle & a
grateful sense of your responsibility to your Creator.
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
' Buchanan Papers, private collection ; Curtis's Buchanan, II.
94-
1853] FROM MISS LANE 501
FROM MISS LANE.'
Philadelphia, Feb. 6, 1853.
My dear Uncle,
I still continue to enjoy myself here, and have made many more acquaint-
ances than I have ever had the opportunity of doing before. Lent com-
mencing this week may in some degree affect the pleasures of society, but
of that, as yet, we cannot judge. As regards Washington — I understand
perfectly that as far as you, yourself, are concerned you wish me to do as
I feel inclined, but your disinterested opinions are rather for a postponement
of my visit. These I had quietly resolved to act upon. Should you have
changed your mind, or have any advice to give, let me know it, at once, for
rest assured, I am always happier, and better satisfied with myself, when my
actions are fully sanctioned by your wishes.
The day after you left, we had an elegant dinner at Mrs. Gilpin's — many,
many were the regrets that you were not present. Mr. Van Buren treated me
with marked attention — drank wine with me first at table — talked a great
deal of you, & thinks you treated him shabbily last summer, by passing so
near without stopping to see him. I tell you these things, as I think they
show a desire on his part to meet you. Dallas was there — very quiet. How
I longed for you to eclipse them all, and be as you always are, the life and
soul of the dinner. Thursday, Mrs. John Cadwallader's magnificent ball
came off. I enjoyed it exceedingly, and was treated most kindly. James
Henry received an invitation to it, but did not go — he has returned to Prince-
ton, full of studious resolves.
I found my engagements such as to make it impossible for me to go
to Mrs. Tyler's last week. I arranged every thing satisfactorily to all parties,
and go there to stay to-morrow (Monday). Every possible kindness has
been shown me by Mr. and Mrs. Plitt, & my visit to them has been delightful.
Mary Anderson remained here but a week, on her return from Washing-
ton. I passed a day with them very pleasantly. Forney has been here for
the last two or three days. He did not get off last night as he expected.
No news from Mary yet. I miss her every hour in the day, but will
scarcely be able to count my loss until I get home, where I have always been
accustomed to see her. I had a letter from Lizzie Porter telling me of her
Aunfs death. My best love to Miss Hetty. Mrs. Plitt sends her love.
Hoping to hear from you very soon, believe me, ever, my dear Uncle,
Your sincerely affectionate
Harriet.
'Buchanan Papers, private collection. Extracts printed in Curtis's
Buchanan, II. 95.
502 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster 15 March 1853.
My dear Harriet/
I received yours of the nth, postmarked the 14th, last night.
I now receive about fifty letters per day, last Saturday sixty-nine ;
& the cry is still they come, so that I must be brief. I labor
day & night.
You ask : Will you accept the mission to England ? I an-
swer, that it has not been offered, & I have not the least reason to
believe, from any authentic source, that it will be offered. Indeed,
I am almost certain that it will not, because surely General Pierce
would not nominate me to the Senate, without first asking me
whether I would accept. Should the offer be made, I know not
what I might conclude. Personally I have not the least desire
to go abroad as a foreign minister. But " sufficient unto the
day is the evil thereof." I really would not know where to leave
you, were I to accept a foreign mission, & this would be one
serious objection.
I think you are wise in going to Mr. Macalester's. You
know how much I esteem & admire Mrs. Tyler ; but still a long
visit to a friend is often a great bore. Never make people twice
glad. I have not seen Kate Reynolds since her return & have
had no time to see any person.
In remarking as I did upon your composition, I was far
from intending to convey the idea that you should write your
letters as you would a formal address. Stiffness in a letter is
intolerable. Its perfection is to write as you would converse.
Still all this may be done with correctness. Your ideas are well
expressed, & the principal fault I found was in your not forming
distinct periods — or full stops, as the old schoolmasters used to
say. Miss Ward's letters are probably written with too much
care, — too much precision.
We have no news. We are jogging on in the old John Trot
style & get along in great peace & harmony.
Yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
^ Buchanan Papers, private collection. Imperfectly printed in Curtis's
Buchanan, II. 95.
1853] TO MISS LANE 503
TO MISS LANE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster 19 March 1853.
My dear Harriet/
I return you Mr. Crosby's appeal, so that you may have it
before you in preparing your answer. The whole matter is
supremely ridiculous. I have no more reason to believe than I
had when I last wrote that I shall be offered the mission to
England. Should this offer be made, it will be a matter of
grave & serious consideration whether I shall accept or decline it.
I have not determined this question. " Sufficient unto the day
is the evil thereof."' Should it be accepted, it will be on the
express condition that I shall have the liberty to choose my own
Secretary of Legation ; & from the specimen of diplomacy which
Mr. Crosby has presented, I think I may venture to say he will
not be the man. I would select some able, industrious, hard-
working friend, in whose integrity & prudence I could place
entire reliance. In fact, I have the man now in my eye, from a
distant state, to whom I would make the offer, — a gentleman
trained by myself in the State Department. I must have a man
of business, & not a carpet knight, who would go abroad to cut
a dash.
Now you may say to Mr. Crosby that you believe I know
nothing of the intention of the President to offer me the English
mission & that yovi are equally ignorant whether I would accept
or decline it (& this you may say with truth, for I do not know
myself.) If accepted, however, you presume that I would cast
about among my numerous friends for the best man for the
appointment ; & whatever your own wishes might be, you would
not venture to interfere in the matter. That you took no part
in such matters. This ought to be the substance of your letter,
which you may smooth over with as many honeyed phrases as
you please.
I think that a visit to Europe, with me as minister, would
spoil you outright ! Besides, it would consume your little inde-
pendence. One grave objection to my acceptance of the mission,
for which I have no personal inclination, would be your situation.
I should dislike to leave you behind in the care of any person
I know.
I think there is a decided improvement in your last letter.
'Buchanan Papers, private collection.
504 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
Your great fault was that your sentences ran into each other
without proper periods.
Good night ! I cannot say how many letters I have written
to day. Thank Heaven! to-morrow will be a day of rest. I
do not now expect to visit Pittsburg until after the first of April,
though I have a pecuniary concern there of some importance.
With my kindest regards to Miss Macalester & the family,
I remain
Yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
FROM PRESIDENT PIERCE.'
Washington, March 30, 1853.
My dear Sir —
The Cabinet meeting has just been suspended on account of the death of
Mrs. Fillmore, and I seize almost the first moment when I have found
myself relieved since the Inauguration from the pressure of public engage-
ments and personal importunity to fulfil the purpose of writing to you —
already so long deferred. My embarrassments in making selections for
public office in all States of the Union except five or six, have been greater
than I can express, and are still by no means overcome, tho' New York and
Pennsylvania have to a great extent been disposed of — how far wisely time
must determine. But I will not annoy you by recounting my troubles.
Your own experience will inspire you with a ready appreciation of them.
Let me turn from them to a subject which, while it is free from the
embarrassment of conflict, is of the deepest interest to me personally and
of the highest public concernment. I refer to the mission to England. Mr.
Ingersoll has written that he desires to be relieved at such time as the
interests of the Country and the convenience of the administration may indi-
cate. My personal relations with Mr. I. of long standing and his high char-
acter would forbid me to make the change except in a manner entirely con-
sistent with a delicate regard for his feelings. His own view, however, of
what is due to the relations referred to and to my obligations have placed
the whole matter upon the proper footing.
And now it becomes my duty to state that in my own judgment and in
the judgment of all my constitutional advisers, the Country may well make
a requisition upon you for services so peculiarly in your power to render.
I shall tender to you, so soon as I shall be advised as to what will suit your
convenience in point of time, the mission to England. Will you communicate
with me at your earliest convenience, and believe me ever
Very truly yr. friend
Hon. Jas. Buchanan Frank. Pierce.
Lancaster, Penna.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1853] TO MISS LANE 505
TO PRESIDENT PIERCE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster 2 April 1853.
My dear Sir/
I have received & hasten to answer your favor of the 30th
ultimo, expressing your determination to tender me the mission
to England, as soon as you shall be advised as to what will suit
my convenience in point of time. For this distinguished &
gratifying evidence of your regard, communicated in terms so
kind & acceptable, I shall feel equally indebted, whether it is ac-
cepted or declined. If accepted, I could not, without great per-
sonal inconvenience & pecuniary loss, leave the Country before
the month of June.
I shall advise you of my decision at the earliest practicable
moment ; & in the mean time, believe me to be
Very gratefully & respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
His Excellency Franklin Pierce.
TO MISS LANE.^
Private & coniidential.
Lancaster 7 April 1853.
My dear Harriet/
I am thus far on my way to Washington, wholly uncertain
whether I shall accept or decline the mission. This will depend
upon circumstances which I cannot know until after my arrival
in that City. I have not the least personal inclination to go
abroad. Your letter was highly gratifying to me. As soon as
I shall have decided I will inform you of it.
In haste, yours affectionately
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
'Buchanan Papers, private collection.
506 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
TO PRESIDENT PIERCE/
Private & Confidential.
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 27 April 1853.
My dear Sir/
Pardon me for most respectfully requesting your attention
to the few remarks I am about to make. I shall not complain
either to yourself or any other person of the appointments which
have already been made in Pennsylvania. " Not Jove himself
upon the past has power." Permit me, however, to express the
hope that my recommendations in regard to the appointment of
Consuls about to be made may not meet the same fate they have
already experienced in regard to other appointments; & par-
ticularly that the Hon : J. Glancy Jones of " Old Berks," in
whose favor I have written & said so much, may prove successful
in obtaining a consulate of the first class.
You most kindly removed what would otherwise have been
an insuperable objection to my acceptance of the English mission
or any other office, by stating that this should not be charged to
Pennsylvania ; nor should it in any manner affect the fair propor-
tion of consular & other appointments to which her citizens might
justly be entitled. But for this, you will readily perceive, because
I know you would have acted in the same manner yourself under
similar circumstances, that in my peculiar position it would have
been impossible to accept office for myself at the expense of my
friends. I feel anxious solicitude on this subject. Opponents, as
well as disappointed friends, will I know be ready enough to
charge me with selfishness, & declare, however unjustly both to
you & myself, that I had compromised for the disappointment of
all the friends whom I had recommended by taking the lion's
share for myself.
I am ready at any moment to obey your summons to Wash-
ington, as I am anxious to obtain the most full & precise informa-
tion in regard to the duties of the mission with which you have
honored me; & this object can nowhere be so well accomplished
as in the State Dq^artment.
From your friend very respectfully
James Buchanan.
His Excellency Franklin Pierce.
' Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
1853] TO MR. JOHNSON 507
TO MR. JOHNSON.'
Private & Confidential.
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 3 May 1853.
My dear Sir/
I ought long since to have written to you, in answer to your
last; but the truth is I did not know what to write. Had I
been the Secretary of State, which I knew I would not be, I
should most cheerfully have exerted my influence in favor of your
friends James M'Quells, Esquire, & Governor Trousdale. For
the character of the latter I feel the highest respect, & no doubt
the former is all you represent him to be. But I am not Secretary
of State, which I did not desire to be; & what is more, my
recommendations to the President have not had the slightest
influence. Not one, no, not one of the important offices in Phila-
delphia was appointed on my recommendation. I am a mere
outsider & nothing more.
On the 30th March, the President addressed me a very
complimentary letter offering me the English mission. I went to
Washington on the 8th April; & I entered the White House on
that day determined to decline its acceptance; though all the
friends, with a single exception, whom I had consulted, advised
me to pursue a different course. After a full conversation with
the President, in which he removed as far as he could one
objection after the other, I informed him that an insuperable
objection still remained. That those friends whom I had recom-
mended for office had been disappointed & a number still remained
from Pennsylvania whom I had recommended for foreign con-
sulates, &c. &c. That if I should accept the English mission, in
my peculiar position this would be to take the Lion's part for
myself at the expense of friends to whom I was devoted, & would
look like the acceptance of a compromise in my own favor for
their disappointment. He promptly assured me that I need
entertain no fears on that account, that he would not charge my
appointment to Pennsylvania, & that she should have the same
share of appointments as though I had not accepted the mission.
I have good reason to fear, however, that other counsels
have prevailed & that my appointment will cause the defeat of
my friends. Indeed, I know that members of the Cabinet have
told applicants from Pennsylvania that they could not expect
^ Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
508 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
foreign appointments, their State having already had a Cabinet
minister & two full missions. " Nous verrons," as father Ritchie
says. If faith should not be kept with me, I shall know my
duty. I never desired the English mission.
I have no cause of complaint against Marcy. He is, I think,
well disposed towards me. He has an insatiable thirst for office.
I sincerely wish him success in his present position. He would
have succeeded in any other Department of the Government ; but
I know no public man of experience & character -who is more
ignorant than he is of all which relates to our foreign affairs.
He has never made them any portion of his study. But he has
a cool clear head & a strong intellect, & I place great reliance on
his capacity. He may & I trust will succeed.
I have not yet heard of Mrs. Garland's marriage, nor in
your last did you mention the name of the gentleman whom
she is destined to render happy.
I would give any reasonable amount for a day with you.
I am truly sorry that our destiny has removed us to such a
distance from each other.
Miss Hetty desires to be specially & most kindly remem-
bered to you. I believe, with the exception of poor Colonel
King, you are oftener remembered in our small family circle
than any other friend.
Should I go to England, I hope to keep up a regular cor-
respondence with you.
With my very kindest regards to Mrs. — I know not now
what to call her, & all the children, I remain as ever
Most gratefully & respectfully your friend
James Buchanan.
Hon: Cave Johnson.
P. S. I ought to say that when I learned from Head
Quarters that I would not be appointed Secretary of State, I
recommended Judge Campbell for a Cabinet appointment; & I
think he will well & ably perform the duties of Postmaster Gen-
eral. It is, also, but justice to the President to remark that
he had good reason to believe that I did not desire the State
Department at the time he appointed Marcy. Still less do I
desire the mission to England.
1853] TO MISS LANE 509
TO MR. MARCY.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 12 May, 1853.
My dear Sir:
I owe you my thanks for your kindness and courtesy in
informing me when the Consular appointment would probably
be made. I should have gone to Washington immediately upon
the receipt of your letter, but have ever since been expecting
daily to hear from the President. Although I have not yet heard,
I intend to visit Washington early next week probably on Mon-
day. My chief object there is to book myself in regard to my
duties in the State Department. I hope you will allow me some
corner in the building where I can read and write until 3 or 4
o'clock each day for a week. If I should not go now, I know
not when I could go without great inconvenience before my de-
parture, except merely to receive your instructions and to take
leave. I have remained at home for three weeks, awaiting the
summons of the President, which I might have employed in
visiting W^estern Pennsylvania and arranging my business afifairs
in that quarter. I make no complaint. I know and can appreci-
ate the situation of the President and yourself; and what I have
written is simply an apology for visiting Washington without
having heard from the President. From your friend,
Very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
Hon. Wm. L. Marcy.
TO MISS LANE.=
State Department 24 May 1853.
My dear Harriet/
I have received your letter, & have not written until the
present moment because I did not know what to write. It is now
determined that I shall leave New York on Saturday, 9th July.
I cannot fix the day I shall be at home; because I am determined
not to leave this until posted up thoroughly on the duties of the
mission. I hope, however, I may be with you in the early part
of next week. I am hard at work.
' Copies of Marcy MSS., in the editor's possession.
''Buchanan Papers, private collection.
510 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
I went from Willard's to Mr. Pleasonton's last evening.
Laura & Clemmie are well, & would, I have no doubt, send their
love to you, if they knew I was writing. I have seen but few
of the fashionables, but have been overrun with visitors.
Remember me very kindly to Miss Hetty & to James, &
believe me to be yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
Miss Harriet Lane.
TO PRESIDENT PIERCE.'
Wheatland, near Lancaster, 7 June 1853.
My dear Sir/
Your favor of the 2d Instant, postmarked the 4th, did not
reach me until this morning, nor did it arrive in Lancaster until
yesterday afternoon.
Heaven forbid I should entertain the most remote idea that
the negotiations between Governor Marcy & Mr. Crampton, on
the Reciprocity & Fishery questions, should be delayed for a
single moment on account of any considerations personal to
myself. Far, very far from me be such a thought! On the
contrary, it affords me great satisfaction to learn that there is
a fair prospect of their speedy conclusion, though I still think it
is much to be regretted that the Central American questions
could not have been embraced in the same Treaty. The time
has passed when these negotiations could, with propriety, have
been arrested at Washington. This could only have been done
in April last by an official notification to the British Government
of the fact that you had appointed me minister to Great Britain,
for the purpose of settHng all the questions in dispute between
the two countries ; & that, therefore, it was your desire & inten-
tion to transfer the negotiations from Washington to London.
As soon as I thought satisfactory reasons existed for believ-
ing that you had finally changed your purpose, & never doubting
but that this change had resulted from the highest public con-
siderations, I respectfully asked leave, in my letter of the 23d
ultimo, to decline the mission. There the matter would have
ended, but for the declaration in yours of the 26th, that my
^ This letter, perhaps only a draft, is among the Buchanan Papers of the
Historical Society of Pennsylvania. See the letter of June II, 1853, to
President Pierce, infra.
1853] TO PRESIDENT PIERCE 511
declination, at this time, would be embarrassing to you & for
many reasons to be deeply regretted. Anxious to gratify your
wishes, if this could be done, with any reasonable hope on my
part that by going abroad I might be able materially to serve
your administration & the Country in the adjustment of the
Central American questions, I ventured the suggestion in mine
of the 29th that the Treaty on the Reciprocity & Fishery ques-
tions might be perfected at Washington, with the exception of
its final execution, which might await the result of the negotia-
tions at London, especially as no delay could thus be produced
in the final ratification of the Treaty by the Senate. I believed
that by holding this Treaty in suspense, which Great Britain, at
least so far as regards Reciprocity, is so anxious to conclude, she
might be induced to abandon her unjust & unfounded pretensions
in Central America & especially as a preliminary to restore to
Honduras the Colony of the Bay of Islands. Its establishment
was a clear violation of the Clayton & Bulwer Treaty, & has
been so pronounced by the Committee of Foreign Relations of
the Senate. Besides, from its great value & importance as a
naval & commercial station near the Isthmus, commanding the
Caribbean Sea, I believed that Great Britain would not surrender
it peaceably without some such equivalent as the Reciprocity
Treaty. Indeed strong evidence exists of her intention to hold
it, in the State Department.
Your favor of the 2d Instant establishes the fact that my well
intended suggestion could not be adopted without serious danger
of actual collision between the two Countries on the Fishing
grounds. This suggestion being inadmissible for the reasons
which you state, my declination of the mission, on the 14th
ultimo, then became absolute.
Under these circumstances, you may judge of my surprise,
when Mr. Mann, a messenger of the State Department, about six
o'clock yesterday afternoon, presented me a sealed package,
which, upon opening, I found contained my commission & in-
structions as minister to Great Britain, without the slightest refer-
ence to our previous correspondence on the subject, & just as
though I had accepted instead of having declined the mission &
was on the wing for London !
Had I seen your letter of the 2d Instant before Mr. Mann
delivered me the package, I should not have felt myself at liberty
to peruse the instructions. But having done this, I discover that
they do not seem to contemplate any immediate attempt on my
512 THE WORKS OF JAMES BUCHANAN [1853
part to conclude a Treaty with Great Britain on the Central
American questions; — no specific instructions to that effect have
been given; — no terms prescribed as to the stipulations which
such a Treaty ought to contain; — & above all, the full power
from yourself usual on such occasions has neither been trans-
mitted nor mentioned. It might have been supposed that first &
above all, as a preliminary measure, I would have been instructed
to demand, in your name, in strong but respectful terms, the with-
drawal of Great Britain from the Bay of Islands, thus restoring
the relative position of the parties to the statu quo, — to what it
had been at the conclusion of the Clayton & Bulwer Treaty.
These omissions may be & doubtless are fairly attributable to
haste & inadvertence ; but yet such are the instructions with which
it was intended I should proceed, without delay, to London. The
general observations are, in the main, excellent, & bear strong
marks of the clear head & sound judgment of the Secretary of
State.
You inquire what explanation could be given for my declina-
tion of the mission at this time ? I answer that the simple truth,
in the most concise form, will relieve both you & myself from
all embarrassment. To this I alluded in my letter of the 29th
ultimo, when I said, " a bi'ief explanation can be made in the
Union which will put all right & the whole matter will be
forgotten in a week."
The explanation might state, that after my agreement to
accept the mission & before the time fixed for my departure had
arrived, imperative circumstances had intervened, rendering it
absolutely necessary, in your opinion, that the negotiations with
which you had intended to entrust me at London should be con-
ducted in Washington. That whilst fully concurring myself in
the propriety of the change, this had produced a corresponding
change in my determination to accept a mission which I had
always considered a sacrifice of the duties which I owed to the
numerous dependent members of my family, & of vay strong
desire to remain in retirement, to the higher obligations which
the unchanged mission would have imposed.
You will certainly be at no loss to find distinguished & com-
petent Democratic Statesmen who will be willing to accept the
station.
With sentiments of the highest regard, I remain,
Always your friend
James Buchanan.
His Excellency Franklin Pierce, &c. &c. &c.
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