“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.”
Rev. Baron Stow, the Baptist clergyman, wrote from Boston:—
“My opinion of its merits may be of small importance to you, but I cannot forbear to assure you that it has the approbation and admiration of one of your constituents. I cannot be supposed to be much versed in International Law, but I understand your argument, and am sure that every one who reads must understand. I see not how you could have made it more clear or cogent. You condense the history of a vexed question into a crystalline lens, and every eye must see your point. I greatly mistake, if your views do not produce conviction both at home and abroad. You have performed a service to the true and the right which will surely be appreciated and acknowledged.”
Rev. Caleb Stetson, the Liberal preacher, wrote from Lexington, Massachusetts:—
“I must for a moment break in upon your vast public labors to thank you for your admirable speech on the affair of those two wretches, Mason and Slidell. You have said the best things that could be said, in the best manner. I greatly rejoice that the traitor villains are given up, for we cannot afford a war with England when we have this diabolical Rebellion. I am glad of your forbearance towards her, but I fear this generation will not forgive.”
Rev. William H. Furness, the eloquent and Radical preacher, wrote from Philadelphia:—
“Lend me your own gift, that I may tell you in fitting words how admirable your speech is. It is cheering to see how it has convinced people that all is right in regard to the Mason and Slidell affair. With all its shortcomings and shilly-shallying, what a glorious nation this North is!”
James Russell Lowell, eminent in our literature, wrote from Cambridge:—
“Let one of your constituents thank you for your speech on Maritime Rights. Excellent, as far as my judgment goes, in matter and manner.”
Charles E. Norton, the accomplished author, and for a time editor of the North American Review, wrote from Cambridge:—