W. H. Ashhurst, an eminent merchant, wrote from Philadelphia:—
“I have read nothing for a long while that has moved me so much as your speech in the Senate on the 5th and 6th inst.”
George D. Parrish, an earnest friend of peace, wrote from Philadelphia:—
“I have written you more than once before, but, having no personal acquaintance, hesitated to thank you for the strength and instruction which really called for thanks and congratulations. You have done nobly, Sir, for your country and for this generation.”
Joseph T. Thomas, of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, wrote from Harrisburg:—
“You may be vilified and abused, and no doubt are, as all great benefactors of their race are in their day and generation. But future ages will do you full justice, and your name will be illustrious when the names of your revilers will be consigned to the most ignoble oblivion.”
T. E. Hall wrote from Galion, Ohio:—
“In the joy of my heart I congratulate the people of this Government that the old ship of state has at its helm a statesman who, despite the storms, the howling tempests, the Cimmerian darkness which enshrouds us, stands boldly and fearlessly at his post, unawed, calm, self-possessed, ready for any emergency.
“The great speech, portions of which it has been my privilege to peruse, is only second in importance to President Lincoln’s proclamation which liberated four millions of slaves; and, indeed, this speech carried out is virtually but the fulfilling of that proclamation.”
Rev. George Duffield wrote from Detroit, Michigan:—