"WASHINGTON, _22 Feby., 1863_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--I have just read your letter of 1860 to Judge Kent. It
is full of wisdom and accurate prophecy. I wish it could be read by all
reflective men of the old Union. Until we act upon the theories there
developed, our country must submit to the evils which error has brought
upon us. More fatal delusions never led mankind than guide the party in
power. Until they give place to reason, sound sense, and honesty there
will be no relief.
"In one of the addresses issued by the executive committee here, in
1860, prepared by me, there is a prediction of the fatal consequences
of elevating to power a representative of the principles of those
who nominated Lincoln. I was, it is true, unwilling to believe what
my reason told me was inevitably true. But I felt bound to proclaim
the convictions resulting from much reflection. But our countrymen
were mad, and like mad men would heed no warning. The fatal error was
committed, the consequences of which no one can calculate. But you, at
least, are not responsible for the result. You did all that one man
could do to direct to the path of safety. I tried to do mine, but met
with no success in making converts.
"I fear there is a disposition on the part of many of our friends to
take and act upon a mistaken view of our present duty. The 'peace
policy' of many will prove fallacious. I would go with the sword in
one hand and the most liberal measures of reconciliation in the other,
while I would require all, in and out of authority, to observe the
Constitution and the rights of all citizens, and punish all infractions
where possible to do so without regard to station.
"After our court adjourns I intend to go to Lebanon, and hope to see
you when going or returning.
"Yours truly,
"R. H. GILLETT."[35]
William Chauncey Fowler, a son of Reuben Rose Fowler, was born
September 1, 1793. When four years of age his parents removed to
Durham, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale College in 1816, became a
tutor in 1819; two years later he became pastor of the Congregational
Church in Greenfield, Massachusetts. In 1825 he became professor of
chemistry and natural philosophy in Middlebury (Vermont) College,
whence he resigned to take the chair of rhetoric and oratory in Amherst
College in 1843. In 1825 he married the daughter of Noah Webster,
and edited for his father-in-law the university edition of Webster's
Dictionary. He served in the Legislature of Massachusetts in 1851,
and in the Senate of Connecticut in 1864. His _English Grammar_ was
extensively used as a text-book in the schools. He was a member and
chairman of the school board in Durham for twenty-five years. He died
January 15, 1881.