When this letter was written, Kossuth was engaged in the effort to
enlist our country in active measures for the liberation of Hungary.
WASHINGTON, December 23, 1851.
DEAR SIR,--It is not in my power to unite with the citizens of
Philadelphia in their banquet to Governor Kossuth. But though not
present in person, my heart will be with them in every word of
honor to that illustrious man, in every assurance of sympathy for
his great cause, and in every practical effort to place our country
openly on the side of Freedom.
Among citizens all violence is forbidden by the Municipal Law,
which is enforced by no private arm, but by the sheriff, in the
name of the Government, and under the sanctions of the magistrate.
So, among the Nations, all violence, and especially all belligerent
intervention, should be forbidden by International Law; and I trust
the day is not far distant when this prohibition will be maintained
by the Federation of Christian States, with an _executive power_
too mighty for any contumacious resistance.