while buchanan did nothing, several senators made speeches in congress trying to calm things down. the peace conference of 1861 was held at the willard hotel in washington on february 4, 1861. of the 33 states, 21 sent delegates. former president john tyler, a native of virginia, was elected the presiding officer. the convention lasted for about two weeks. during that time a number of proposals were created that were then delivered to congress. a number of compromises were worked out that would take the form of proposed amendments to the united states constitution. but none were passed by congress. at lincoln's inauguration, he rode in a carriage beside the outgoing president. buchanan is quoted as saying to lincoln, "if you are as happy entering the presidency as i am leaving it, then you are a very happy man." within weeks, four more slave states seceded and the confederates fired on fort sumter.