"John McQueen,
"William Porcher Miles,
"M. L. Bonham,
"W. W. Boyce,
"Lawrence M. Keitt.
"Washington, _December 9, 1860_."
And here I must, in justice to myself, remark that, at the time the
paper was presented to me, I objected to the word "provided," as it
might be construed into an agreement, on my part, which I never would
make. They said that nothing was further from their intention; they did
not so understand it, and I should not so consider it. It is evident
they could enter into no reciprocal agreement with me on the subject.
They did not profess to have authority to do this, and were acting in
their individual character. I considered it as nothing more, in effect,
than the promise of highly honorable gentlemen to exert their influence
for the purpose expressed. The event has proved that they have
faithfully kept this promise, although I have never since received a
line from any one of them, or from any member of the Convention on the
subject. It is well known that it was my determination, and this I
freely expressed, not to reenforce the forts in the harbor, and thus
produce a collision, until they had been actually attacked, or until I
had certain evidence that they were about to be attacked. This paper I
received most cordially, and considered it as a happy omen that peace
might still be preserved, and that time might thus be gained for
reflection. This is the whole foundation for the alleged pledge.
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