Mr. Webster knew the
complexion of the court, and hoped little from the point raised in Trustees
vs. Woodward. Still, no one despaired, and the work was kept up until, in
September, President Brown wrote to Mr. Webster in reference to the
argument:--
"It has already been, or shortly will be, read by all the
_commanding_ men of New England and New York; and so far as it has
gone it has united them all, without a single exception within my
knowledge, in one broad and impenetrable phalanx for our defence
and support. New England and New York _are gained_. Will not this
be sufficient for our present purposes? If not, I should recommend
reprinting. And on this point you are the best judge. I
prevailingly think, however, that the current of opinion from this
part of the country is setting so strongly towards the South that
we may safely trust to its force alone to accomplish whatever is
necessary."
The worthy clergyman writes of public opinion as if the object was to elect
a President. All this effort, however, was well applied, as was found when
the court came together at the next term.
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