"You must allow me to thank you for your reply to the assaults of
Mr. Pettit and Mr. Clay. It is a personal matter with me, and all
of us; for we have felt ourselves insulted, and we are satisfied.
I have read all your speeches in the Senate with instruction and
gratification; but this has warmed me so that I cannot withhold my
thanks, though I trespass on your time. The whole community feels
as I do. Men stop their business to ask each other if they have
read Mr. Sumner's speech, and even men calling on me to visit their
sick families forget their errand till they have put the universal
question. We have hitherto admired your forbearance, but your reply
is as dignified and noble as your forbearance, while it is strong,
rich, and Saxon. We have had nothing like it since the Hülsemann
letter. I will say no more, but I could say no less."