"The occupation or evacuation of Fort Sumter, although not in fact a slavery or a party question, is so regarded. Witness the temper manifested by the Republicans in the free States, and even by the Union men in the South. "I would therefore terminate it as a safe means for changing the issue. I deem it fortunate that the last administration created the necessity. "For the rest, I would simultaneously defend and re-enforce all the ports in the Gulf, and have the navy recalled from foreign stations to be prepared for a blockade. Put the island of Key West under martial law. "This will raise distinctly the question of union or disunion. I would maintain every fort and possession in the South. "FOR FOREIGN NATIONS. "I would demand explanations from Spain and France, categorically, at once. "I would seek explanations from Great Britain and Russia, and send agents into Canada, Mexico, and Central America to rouse a vigorous continental spirit of independence on this continent against European intervention. "And, if satisfactory explanations are not received from Spain and France, "Would convene Congress and declare war against them. "But whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic prosecution of it. "For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and direct it incessantly. "Either the President must do it himself, and be all the while active in it, or "Devolve it on some member of his Cabinet. Once adopted, debates on it must end, and all agree and abide. "It is not my especial province; but I neither seek to evade nor assume responsibility." It is impossible for any one to conceive the feelings of the President when he read this boastful and insolent document. But his self-control was so perfect, his anxiety to preserve harmony among those who were trying to save the Union was so great, and his patience so limitless that he returned the memorandum to Mr. Seward with the following firm and conclusive but courteous rebuke, and the subject was never alluded to again by either of them: "EXECUTIVE MANSION, April 1, 1861. "HON. W. H. SEWARD. "MY DEAR SIR: Since parting with you, I have been considering your paper dated this day, and entitled 'Some Thoughts for the President's Consideration.' The first proposition in it is, '_First._ We are at the end of a month's administration, and yet without a policy, either domestic or foreign.'