The papers announce, that the following letter, when read, was
received with six rousing cheers.
SENATE CHAMBER, February 25, 1856.
MY DEAR SIR,--I cannot be present at the festival in
commemoration of the election of Mr. Banks as Speaker. My duties
will keep me here.
But with you I rejoice in this triumph of Freedom, which is the
first achieved in the National Government, since the recognition,
by the earliest Congress under Washington, of the Ordinance
prohibiting Slavery in the Northwestern Territory. To advance
this victory, and to obtain its just fruits, there must be no
relaxation of efforts, but constant exertion, with union among
good men, and a determination to yield no jot in the conflict.
To Massachusetts belongs an honorable place at the head of the
battle. May no treason or hesitation of any of her sons deprive
her of this post!
Yours, faithfully,