"I take this occasion to express my warm admiration of the spirit
and power you have exhibited in your late contest with Messrs.
Butler, Pettit, _et id genus omne_. I am rejoiced and grateful
that your 'backbone' has proved strong enough to stand such a test
without bending: that I have not given you this acknowledgment
earlier is because, being very busy, I did not take time to write a
letter for that purpose only, as I knew you were so well acquainted
with my sympathies that the expression of them was unnecessary.
I am glad to understand that you have received commendations on
this score from sources where a short time ago you would not have
expected them."