“During your Congressional career, I have so uniformly
found my views and feelings on public affairs in accordance
with those of your speeches, that I now feel myself
obliged, for once at least (for I shall not often trouble
you), to express my gratitude, and give a word of good
cheer to you, who, amid so many discouragements, and under
so much obloquy as has been attempted to be thrown upon
you, have ever so faithfully and manfully stood up for the
oppressed and for liberal principles.
“It appears to me, on reading your speeches, that I find
my own views and principles announced, stated, and clothed
with a richness and beauty of style and illustration that I
admire, but cannot emulate.
“Again, I am much pleased that you always deal fairly
with your opponents, not using misrepresentation and _ad
captandum_ argument, but drawing your weapons from the
armory of truth and right.”