If I had the time to post all day, I might have responded sooner. Antyone familiar with Mr. Davis' works would understand that he is not one to favour the Southern position in these debates. But those that attempt to refute the quote should read the text provide by Walt to understand:
'The Shea and Boutwell pieces are readily available on CD, and neither of them contains the Chase quote, either. By elimination, that convicts the VBA article, unless Burke Davis made the whole thing up (unlikely) or failed to list his source for it (not impossible).'
I have a copy of 'The Trials and Trial of Jefferson Davis', and I already knew the quote was not contained therein - I have not checked the other citations in my copy of The Long Surrender. I do know that the quote in question is cited in an another, earlier volume (which might be where Mr. Davis obtained it). I will obtain a copy of that volume to pursue this matter further.
Just because Walt can't find a quote on the 'net doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
I've never been caught out the way you have.
Walt
The whole point is that the quote that Burke Davis attributes to Chase is not verifiable because Burke Davis didn't directly provide a reference. It was further pointed out that the four chapter references Burke Davis does cite do not contain the quote either. Thats pretty sloppy scholarship on Burke Davis' part don't you think?
Since you've used the Chase quote in question to underpin assertion that "Secession was legal and Lincoln knew it", this might be a good time to start looking for cover....