The preamble further softened the action of Congress by declaring that the notice was given in order that "the attention of the governments of both countries may be the more earnestly directed to the adoption of all proper measures for a speedy and amicable adjustment of the differences and disputes in regard to said territory." The Southern Democrats in the House receded from their action, and the modified resolution was carried by nearly as large a vote as had been the previous one for decided and peremptory notice.

In short, the great mass of the Southern Democrats in both Houses precipitately threw the Oregon issue aside.

They had not failed to perceive that the hesitation of the administration in forcing an issue with Mexico was due to the apprehension of trouble with Great Britain, and they made haste to promote schemes of territorial acquisition in the South-West by withdrawing the pretensions so imprudently put forth in regard to our claims in the North-West.
Only forty-six votes were given in the House against what was termed a disgraceful surrender.

These were almost entirely from Northern Democrats, though a few Southern Democrats refused to recede.
Among those who thus remained firm were Andrew Johnson, Stephen A.
Douglas, Howell Cobb, Preston King, and Allen G.Thurman.
The passage of the modified and friendly resolution of notice dispelled all danger of trouble with Great Britain, and restored a sense of security in the United States.

Immediately after its adoption, Mr.Buchanan, Secretary of State, under direction of the President, concluded a treaty with the British minister on the basis discussed by Mr.Calhoun two years before.