er numerous letters and newspaper
articles, she began writing and publishing, at her own expense, a
remarkable series of war pamphlets, which speedily became an important
element in the guidance of the country.

Senator John C. Breckenridge, in the July Congress of 1861, made a
notable secession speech. Miss Carroll replied to this in a pamphlet
containing such clear and powerful arguments that the War Department
circulated a large edition, and requested her to write on other
important points then being discussed with great diversity of opinion.

The following letters give some indication of the timely nature and
value of the Breckenridge pamphlet:

My Dear Miss Carroll:

Your refutation of the sophistries of Senator Breckenridge's
speech is full and conclusive. I trust this reply may have an
extended circulation at the present time, as I am sure its
perusal by the people will do much to aid the cause of the
Constitution and the Union.

CALEB B. SMITH.[3]

[Footnote 3: Caleb B. Smith was Secretary of
Interior in Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet and an old friend
of Miss Carroll.]

* * * * *

GLOBE OFFICE, _Aug. 8, 1861_.

Dear Miss Carroll:

Allow me to thank you for the privilege of reading your admirable
review of Mr. Breckenridge's speech. I have enjoyed it greatly.
Especially have I been struck with its very ingenious and just
exposition of the constitutional law bearing on the President,
assailed by Mr. B., and with the very apt citation of Mr.
Jefferson's opinion as to the necessity and propriety of
disregarding mere legal punctilio when the source of all is in
danger of destruction. The gradual development of the plot in the
South to overthrow the Union is also exceedingly well depicted
and with remarkable clearness. If spoken in the Senate your
article would have been regarded by the country as a complete and
masterly refutation of Mr. B.'s heresies. Though the peculiar
position of the _Globe_ might preclude the publication of the
review, I am glad that it has not been denied to the editor of
the _Globe_ to enjoy what the _Globe_ itself has not been
privileged to contain.

I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant,