I said only in reply: "I am the custodian of my own duty."

This was the only personal remark that I ever made to Mr. Sumner in

connection with the removal of Motley. The removal was the only

reasonable solution of the difficulty in which Motley was involved;

but I sympathized with him in the disaster which had overtaken him,

and I was not disposed to discuss the subject. The incident at the

dinner led me to make a resolution. I called upon Mr. Sumner, and

without accepting a seat, I said: "Senator, if you ever mention

General Grant's name in my presence, I will never again cross your

threshold."