“ ‘The president again arose, and having imposed silence, said⁠—“Sir, you are too serious and too sensible a man not to understand the consequences of our present situation, and your candor has already dictated to us the conditions which remain for us to offer you.” The general, putting his hand on his sword, exclaimed⁠—“If you talk of honor, do not begin by disavowing its laws, and impose nothing by violence.”

“ ‘ “And you, sir,” continued the president, with a calmness still more terrible than the general’s anger, “I advise you not to touch your sword.” The general looked around him with slight uneasiness; however he did not yield, but calling up all his fortitude, said⁠—“I will not swear.”