Beyond these
considerations the invitation to him from Massachusetts was made
January 8, 1852,--among the first of the States of the Union.
In my annual address to the Legislature, delivered the 15th of January,
I said: "Your action will be regarded as an expression of the sympathy
of Massachusetts for the distinguished exile, and for the cause of
European liberty, which he so truly represents. The common sentiment
of America is on the side of constitutional governments."
The resolutions of the Legislature and the letter of the Governor were
presented to Kossuth at Pittsburg, Pa., January 26, by Hon. Erastus
Hopkins, then a member of the House of Representatives.
Kossuth's first speech in New England was made at New Haven, Thursday,
April 22. From what he there said some inferences may be drawn as to
his religious opinions and the basis on which, to him, the principles
of freedom seemed to rest:
"I know that there is one God in Heaven, the Father of all humanity,
and Heaven is therefore one. I know that there is one sun in the sky,
which gives light to all the world. As there is unity in God, and
unity in the light, so is there unity in the principles of freedom."
Upon his arrival in Boston, April 27, 1852, I met with him on the
steps of the State House, greeting him with the following speech:
"Governor Kossuth: As the voice of the Legislature and people of
Massachusetts, I welcome you to this capitol to-day.
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