an, whose letter was published. That I believe was
sufficient under the circumstances. I know there are Members on
that side of the House who have considered it as satisfactory; and
my friends so regard it. At the time I stated that I had not read
the book, that I did not know what was in it.

"The gentleman alludes to another time. The other day, when this
subject was again brought before the House by him, in language
which, although he claims to be courteous, I could not regard as
such, when I was, by implication, but with a disclaimer of personal
offense, charged with disseminating treason, with lighting the
torch in the dwelling of my southern brethren, and of crimes of
which, if I was guilty, I should not be entitled to a seat upon
this floor, I then rose in my place and told the gentleman from
Missouri that if he would withdraw that resolution I would answer
this book page by page, or those extracts one by one, and tell him
whether I approved them or not. The gentleman refused to withdraw
the resolution. Long ago he was notified by me, and my friend from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Morris) announced on the floor, that this resolution
was regarded by me as a menace, and, if withdrawn, would lead to
a frank avowal, or disavowal.

"I say now that I do not believe it is the desire of the gentleman
to give me that opportunity. If he does desire it, I am willing
to do now what I said I would have done then. And I say, with
equal emphasis, that never, so help me God, whether or not the
speaker's chair is to be occupied by me, will I do so while that
resolution is before this body, undisposed of. I regard it as
offensive in its tone, unprecedented, unparliamentary, and an
invasion of the rights of representation. Under the menace clearly
contained in it, I never will explain a single word contained in
those extracts.

"If the gentleman will withdraw his resolution, even for a moment,
to relieve me from the menace--he may reinstate it afterwards if
he chooses--I will then say what I have to say in regard to those
extracts. But while it stands before the House, intended as a
stigma upon me, and sustained by an argument without precedent in
parliamentary history, he cannot expect me to say more than I have
done. I believe not only my friends, but the gentlemen on the
other side of the House, who have a sense of honor, believe that
my position is correct. I know that some of them regard my statement
made on the third