John Creswell: “He had collected the purest ore of truth and the richest gems of thought, until he was able to crown himself with…”

He lived to witness the triumph of his country in its desperate struggle with treason, and to behold all its enemies, either wanderers, like Cain, over the earth, or suppliants for mercy at her feet.

Oh, my friend! comforted by the belief that you, while living, deemed me worthy to be your companion, and loaded me with the proofs of your esteem, I shall fondly treasure, during my remaining years, the recollection of your smile and…

For the Christian, scholar, statesman, and orator, all good men are mourners; but what shall I say of that grief which none can share--the grief of sincere friendship?

He lived to vote for that grand act of enfranchisement that wiped from the escutcheon of the nation the leprous stain of slavery, and to know that the Constitution of the United States no longer recognized and protected property in man.