“As one of your constituents, I write to thank you for your
speech on the surrender of Mason and Slidell. I have read
and re-read it with great satisfaction. It is just the
thing to create a correct public opinion upon the subject
in the country.”
Hon. Alfred B. Ely, lawyer, and officer in the War of the
Rebellion, wrote from Boston:--
“I have just read your speech on the Trent affair with
great pleasure. I deem it entirely unanswerable, and
that it ought to conclude the whole subject. I desire,
therefore, to congratulate you upon it.”
William I. Bowditch, conveyancer and Abolitionist, wrote from
Boston:--
“I read your speech on the Mason and Slidell matter
yesterday. It certainly is very admirable and conclusive.
Still, I think it doubtful whether England will consider
that she has really abandoned any of her previous
pretensions by demanding and accepting the men.”
Hon. Edward L. Pierce, lawyer, writer, and speaker, correct in
opinion, and able, wrote from Boston:--
“I read your speech. It is grand,--dealing just right with
the British, and putting us on the highest grounds. It will
help the country.”