Whitelaw Reid: “I consider myself a standing proof of the mercy of my government.”

On the record

I consider myself a standing proof of the mercy of my government.

Said by

Whitelaw Reid

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Reid claims to be a testament to the mercy of the government, highlighting his personal experience during the Civil War.

More from Whitelaw Reid

Suppose it to be merely a war in defense of our own just rights and interests.

And next, shall we not probably fare best in the end if we try to profit somewhat by the experience others have had in like cases?

Isn’t it better to have the laws in some way take the matter out of their hands and make them work?

But, in the main, they are surprisingly orderly, and cases of serious violence among them are quite rare.