human
I seize upon this opportunity, Mr. Pakenham, said Mr. Tyler presently, with a smile which he meant to set all at ease and to soften as much as possible the severity of that which was to follow,
gpt
I gladly take this opportunity to mention in an informal way my hope that this matter which was already inaugurated by Mr. Upshur before his untimely death may come to perfectly pleasant consummation. I refer to the question of Texas.
human
I beg pardon, your Excellency, rejoined Mr. Pakenham, half rising.
gpt
Your meaning is not perfectly clear to me.
human
I can not believe that your government can wish to interfere in matters upon this continent to the extent of taking the position of open ally of the Republic of Mexico, a power so recently at war upon our own borders with the brave Texans who have left our flag to set up, through fair conquest, a republic of their own.
gpt
As to that, your Excellency, said he,
human
Quite so, rejoined Mr. Tyler gravely.
gpt
The note of my Lord Aberdeen to us, none the less, in the point of its bearing upon the question of slavery in Texas, appears to this government as an expression which ought to be disavowed by your own government. Do I make myself quite clear?
human
I am not at liberty to discuss my Lord Aberdeen's wishes in this matter, he said.
gpt
We met here upon a purely informal matter, and--
human
I have only ventured to hope, rejoined Mr. Tyler,
gpt
War, sir, _war_? Mr. Pakenham went wholly purple in his surprise, and sprang to his feet.
human
War! he repeated once more.
gpt
As though there could be any hope--
human
Quite right, sir, said Mr. Tyler grimly.
gpt
As though there could be any hope for us save in our own conduct of our own affairs, without any interference from any foreign power!