THE FEDERAL RELATIONS

of

it

all.

33

OF OREGON

213

Calhoun was firmly convinced that only by the war be averted, and it was

efforts of southern Senators could

on

this

account that he returned to the Senate in the winter

of 1845-6. 34

To one observer the Annual Message was not convincing. When John Quincy Adams was asked by George Bancroft what he thought of the document and whether he disapproved he said he did not disapprove the offer not have made it. He approved the would himself he although reference to Monroe's doctrine and hoped that the President of the offer of 49

would adhere to it by force of arms if necessary, but added "had not been entirely without apprehension that Mr. Polk would ultimately recede from it." Later, after Adams had read the correspondence submitted with the Message, he noted that the most remarkable thing about it all was that notwithstanding Folk's positive assertions he had made the offer, "which was formerly made under the impression that it would not be accepted." "My own opinion is that this that he

offer should never again be made, nor accepted if offered by Great Britain herself; but it is too clear to me that Mr. Polk will finish

35

by accepting it." In Europe the Message produced the same feeling that the majority of Americans had, that it uncompromisingly committed the American government and people to demand all Oregon or fight, although the press was inclined to think some way would be found out of the muddle. 36 In Parliament there was some disposition to press the matter although no formal step was taken until April when a demand for papers was refused by the government. 37 Aberdeen stated that the negotiation was not at an end, and, while nothing could prevent See quotation in Chapter IX. 33 Diary, I, 264-5. Correspondence of Calhoun, letters to Clemson and to T. 34 See Hammond, 18 and 28 September, 1845. See Globe XVIII, 878, for story told by Holme* rbid., 096. that by Bayly of Virginia how some Whig merchants of New York reouested Holmes to use his influence with Calhoun to have him return to the Senate to lead the 49 forces. Bayly refuted the statement made by Holmes that until Calhoun appeared in Washington no Democrat dared lift his voice for any-

m

thing but 54 40'. 35 Memoirs, XII, 218-221. 36 Niles* Register, of 3 Jan., 1846, has a press.

37 3 Hansard, 79:120-4,

H

summary

of the views of the British