The following private letter found its way into the public prints.
SENATE CHAMBER, March 30, 1854.
My dear----: Your letter has cheered and strengthened me. It came
to me, too, with pleasant memories of early life. As I read it, the
gates of the Past seemed to open, and I saw again the bright fields
of study in which we walked together.
Our battle here has been severe, and much of its brunt has fallen
upon a few. For weeks my trials and anxieties were intense. It is a
satisfaction to know that they have found sympathy among good men.
But the Slave Power will push its tyranny yet further, and there is
but one remedy,--Union at the North without distinction of party,
to take possession of the National Government, and administer it in
the spirit of Freedom, and not of Slavery. Oh, when will the North
be aroused?
Ever sincerely yours,