You want to pick a quarrel with France over Mexico and with Spain over St.Domingo, and unite the nation in a war against foreigners.

I tell you honestly I don't like the proposal.
It seems to me downright wicked.
"If the Lord sends us war, we have got to face it like men, but God forbid we should manufacture war, and use it as an escape from our domestic difficulties.

You can't expect a blessing on that." The Secretary of State flushed.

"Have you considered the alternative, Mr.President ?" he cried.

"It is civil war, war between brothers in blood.