In other days he had been a Webster Whig, and as
marshal of the district of Massachusetts he had charge officially of
the return of the negro Sims to slavery.
This act had brought down upon him criticisms, quite like maledictions,
from the Anti-Slavery Party. By these criticisms he had been
embittered, and although he was hearty in support of the war, he had
not then reached a point in his experience when he could realize that
the only efficient way of supporting the war was to support the
Republican Party.
At a later period he identified himself with the Republican Party, and
as a Republican he filled with honor a place upon the bench of the
Supreme Court of Massachusetts, and upon the election of President
Hayes, he was made Attorney-General of the United States. That office
he filled with tact, urbanity, and reasonable ability. He belonged to
a class of orators of which Massachusetts has furnished a considerable
number--Mr. Everett was the chief. His disciples or followers
included Hillard, Burlingame, Bullock, Devens, Long, and some others
of lesser note. The style of these men was attractive, sometimes
ornate, but lacking in the force which leaves an indelible impression
upon the hearer.
XXIV
THE PEACE CONVENTION OF 1861
In the month of January, 1861, the State of Virginia invited the States
to send delegates to a congress or convention to be held in the city of
Washington.
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