But Jefferson Davis, who commanded the Mississippi regiment in question, began an interchange of notes with Bissell which from the first smelt of gunpowder.

"Were his reported remarks correct ?" asked Davis in substance.

Bissell answered, repeating the language of his speech and defining the spot and the time to which it applied, adding: "I deem it due, in justice alike to myself and the Mississippi regiment, to say that I made no charge against that regiment." Davis persisting, then asked, in substance, whether he meant to deny General Lane's official report that "the regiment of Mississippians came to the rescue at the proper time to save the fortunes of the day." Bissell rejoined: "My remarks had reference to a different time and place from those referred to by General Lane." [Sidenote] Pamphlet, Printed correspondence.
At this point both parties might with great propriety have ended the correspondence.

Sufficient inquiry had been met by generous explanation.

But Davis, apparently determined to push Bissell to the wall, now sent his challenge.