Washington March 21^st
My dear Sister,
You who enter so warmly into the
good or evil fortunes which befal those you
love, you should have been with us the last
2 weeks – The first week after Henry’s speech
was made was a season of darkness –
unsparing abuse in the Senate, or coldness
even from those who ought to have supported
him – the unmanly course of the Whig paper
and last of all doubting doubting letters
from all this would have sunken a
spirit less bouyant than Henry’s and fell
somewhat heavily upon him – Now the light
is bursting upon us – The Whig press at the North
is making ample amends for the denunciation
of the South, letters innumerable from all
quarters full of the highest commendation
come daily – I wish you were here to help
us read – and Fred too the day had scarcely
dawned when he left – One man writes
from Massachusetts – “You did not quail
before the South – you and not Webster are
the true representation of the Bay State”-

It is almost impossible to supply the demands
for the speech – Hardly a letter that does
not draw a contrast between the course
of Seward and Webster – A very excellent
letter from Dr Hicox this morning – another
from Mr Austin – One of the earliest
filled with high praise and warm commendation
was from Charles King the father of Rufus –
Henry says write to Lazette that this
Administration had nothing to do with the
Article in the Republic – I believe I did
write something of the kind in my last
letter – Mr. Gen Taylor is honest and true
as we have ever thought him – No means
has been left untried to turn him from
the upright course he is pursuing –
We are all well – Dennis will come home
early next week – Nothing further from
Augustus – Love to all at home
Your own Sister