He will find me ready to follow him in argument,--though I trust never to be led, even by his example, into any departure from those courtesies of debate which are essential to the harmony of every legislative body.

And now, giving to oblivion all these things, let me, as I close, dwell on a single aspect of this discussion, which will render it memorable.

It is true, the remonstrants and their representatives here are treated with indignity; but the great right of petition, the sword and buckler of the citizen, though thus dishonored, is not denied.

Sumner replied at once, "Then let the Senator say the immoral courage.

They were glad to find the audacious pretensions of the slave-masters repelled in Congress.

This able, triumphant vindication, which covered the assailants with confusion, told with the more effect because it was unexpected.

I have not been accustomed to praise the Senator who is now my theme; but that heart must be cold, and that judgment lamentably distorted, which could withhold from Mr.

Sumner has made more brilliant, classical, scholarly speeches, but never one more effective, nor one upon which his fame as Congressional debater can more creditably rest.

It carried the war into the bowels of his opponents in a manner not ordinarily excusable, but, after the provocation which had been given, in this instance most abundantly justifiable.

I assure you that last week was the proudest week I ever saw.

Sumner stood inimitable, and hurled back the taunts of his assailants with irresistible force.

I never felt so proud of you as now, and can't go to bed without first thanking you for the noble words which Apthorp has just read me of yours from the Transcript of to-night.

I write to say to you that you have given the heaviest blow you ever struck to the slaveholding oligarchy.

All our friends are delighted, and men, who, even up to this hour have withheld all words of commendation, are proud of your speech, and loud in their commendations.

You had ample occasion, and now I hope you will keep up the war aggressively; never fail to attack them, in the right way, whenever they deserve it.

The insolence of the presumption to stand between a man and his own conscientious interpretation of the Constitution, especially when they defiantly and every day dare everybody to tread on their coat-tails, at the price of treason and…

All your late efforts have been grand: see the benefit of being insulted.

I liked and entirely approved the self-respect with which you put your own opinion side by side with the Virginian's and left it.

You claimed not a tittle too much, and he deserved just that sort of treatment.

I have just read the full report of your speech with intense satisfaction.

I have read your speech of the 28th June with, I think, more thorough satisfaction and delight than any other in my life, not excepting even your first speech on the Fugitive Bill, for which I waited so impatiently, as your first great…

When I came to that answer of yours, 'Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?' I could not but cry out, 'That is just the thing!

I have heard but one opinion of these speeches from every side: indeed, there can be but one,--that which expresses unmingled admiration and delight.

I have read all your speeches in the Senate with instruction and gratification; but this has warmed me so that I cannot withhold my thanks, though I trespass on your time.

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.