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London, October 20, 1854.
SIR: Herewith I have the honor to transmit to you a joint communication from Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Mason and myself embodying the result of our deliberation on the subject about which we had been desired to confer together.
The issues with reference to which we were instructed to express our judgment were of too momentous an import not to tax all the discernment and discretion in our power, and it was with a deep sense of solemn responsability that we entered upon the duties which had been assigned to us.
May we have accomplished our task in a manner not unworthy of the great object for which it was conferred on us.
My colleagues have had a full view of the difficulties and dangers which the question presents; and you will see that they have not hesitated to join me in the expression of sentiments according strikingly with the intimations repeatedly thrown out in your despatches to me.
I do not know if we shall be found sufficiently explicit in the language thorugh which we have attempted to convey our impressions. I trust, however, that it will be found sufficiently free from ambiguity to leave no room even for a doubt as to its true meaning.
The question of the acquisition of Cuba, by us, is gaining ground as it grows to be more seriously agitated and considered. Now is the moment for us to be done with it; for if we delay its solution we will certainly repent that we let escape the fairest opportunity we could ever be furnished with, of bringing it to a decisive test.
Present indications would seem to encourage the hope that we may come to that solution peaceably.
But, if it were otherwise, if it is to bring upon us the calamity of a war, let it be now, while the great powers of the continent are engaged in that stupendous struggle which cannot but engage all their strength and tax their energies, as long as it lasts, and may before it ends, convulse them all.
Neither England nor France would be likely to interfere with us.
England could not bear to be suddenly shut out of our market and see her manufactures paralyzed even by a temporary suspension of her intercourse with us.
And France, with the heavy task now on her hands, and when she so eagerly aspires to take her seat as the acknowledged chief of the European family, would have no inducement to assume the burthen of another war, nor any motive to repine at seeing that we took in our keeping the destinies of the new World, as she will soon have those of the old.
I close this despatch, in haste, as I have not time left me to carry it further.
Mr. Mc Rae Leaves for Liverpool within a few minutes. I entrust to him details which could not have easily found a place here nor in the other despatch. He will impart to you what of my mind I am not able to pour out in these lines.
Respectfully yours [etc.].