My own opinions are strongly adverse to the jurisdiction, and I should greatly lament its maintenance by the Senate. In ordinary times I should not suppose it possible, and I do not think it probable, now.
I hope the defendant's counsel presented the argument as satisfactorily from their side as you have done for yours. But I have little hope that it is so.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) WM M. EVARTS.
The Hon'ble
Geo F. Hoar.
FROM JUDGE DWIGHT FOSTER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, 20 May, '76.
My Dear Sir:
I have read with satisfaction and admiration your exhaustive and conclusive argument in the Belknap impeachment case. It would have convinced me, if I had not been of your opinion already. In thought I doubted a little at first. My mind was soon satisfied that the narrow construction which left the accused to decide whether to abide his trial or by resignation to defeat the jurisdiction of the court could not possibly be correct.
Congratulating you on your success,
I am
Yours sincerely
DWIGHT FOSTER
Honble Geo F. Hoar