. In the
justness of the reasoning which led to the principles that have guided
me through life, I can suppose myself mistaken. The same thing may have
been the case with my opponents. Our powers are so limited, our means of
information so inadequate to the end, that common decency requires we
should forgive each other when we have every reason to think that each
has acted honestly.

"Sure I am, this is the case with me and I hope it is the same with some
of you. My conduct during this unhappy contest has been invariably
uniform. I can in no sense be called a traitor to your state. I never
owed it any allegiance, because I left it before it had assumed the form
or even the name of an independent state, and when I neither saw or felt
any oppression. I must have been mad as well as wicked to have acted any
other part than I did upon the principles I held. If I have been
mistaken I am sorry for the error, and if it be error I still continue
in it."

This letter is certainly a good illustration of the truth that, in all
great contests, perfectly honorable and consistent men are forced to
take opposite sides, even at the cost of suffering heavy injustice. The
letter to his wife is here given in full.

MY DEAR GIRL,--

This you will get by Mr. Hart's flag of Truce, who is coming to
Boston for his family. I know the disposition of the Leaders at
Boston so well, that I doubt not of his success. I would have come
for you and the boy, but I thought you would leave your father with
reluctance, nor am I sure that I could have obtained leave for you
to come away, if you were disposed. I fear the resentment of the
people against me may have injured you, but I hope not. I am sorry
such a prejudice has arisen.

Depend upon it, there never was the least truth in that infamous
newspaper publication charging me with ingratitude, etc. I am happy
that they have had [to have] recourse to falsehood to vilify my
character. Attachment to the old Constitution of my country is my
only crime with them--for which I have still the disposition of the
primitive martyr.

I hope and believe you want no pecuniary assistance. If you should
you may apply to some of my friends or your relations. You may then
use my name with confidence that they shall be amply satisfied. I
believe I shall have the power, I am sure I shall have the will, to
recompense