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1 General Grant, who served in the war, regarded it as ‘one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker power.’ (Personal Memoirs, p. 53.) He says that it was ‘a political war,’ and that our troops ‘were sent to provoke a fight.’
2 There is a conflict of evidence as to which side made the first attack, but the question is not important. See William Jay's ‘Review,’ pp. 140,141.
3 Mr. Calhoun pleaded for deliberation; denied the truth of the statement in the bill as to the origin of the war; distinguished between hostilities which had begun and war which could alone he authorized and declared by Congress; and refused to vote on the bill. (See his speeches, Jan. 4, March 16, 17, 1848.) Berrien of Georgia, and Evans of Maine, senators, also refused to vote on it. Giddings's ‘History of the Rebellion,’ pp. 253, 265.
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