--while he was considering the great questions on which he has
already acted--the invitation to Emancipation in the States,
Emancipation in the District of Columbia, and the acknowledgment of
the Independence of Hayti and Liberia--even your zeal would have
been satisfied, for you would have felt the sincerity of his
purpose to do what he could to carry forward the principles of the
Declaration of Independence.

"His whole soul was occupied, especially by the first proposition,
which was peculiarly his own. In familiar intercourse with him, I
remember nothing more touching than the earnestness and
completeness with which he embraced this idea. To his mind, it was
just and beneficent, while it promised the sure end of Slavery. Of
course, to me, who had already proposed a bridge of gold for the
retreating fiend, it was most welcome. Proceeding from the
President, it must take its place among the great events of
history.

"If you are disposed to be impatient at any seeming
shortcomings, think, I pray you, of what has been done in a brief
period, and from the past discern the sure promise of the future.
Knowing something of my convictions and of the ardor with which I
maintain them, you may, perhaps, derive some assurance from my
confidence; I may say to you, therefore, stand by the
Administration. If need be, help it by word and act, but stand by
it and have faith in it.

"I wish that you really knew the President, and had heard the
artless expression of his convictions on those questions which
concern you so deeply. You might, perhaps, wish that he were less