I think I may fairly claim that it was the result of what
I said and did that he was agreed upon by the opponents of
General Butler as their candidate for Governor, and was Butler's
successful antagonist.
Beneath his plain courtesy was a firmness which Cato never
surpassed. Upon a question of morality, or freedom or righteousness
there was never a drop of compromise in his blood. He could
not be otherwise than the constant foe of slavery, and the
constant friend of everything which went to emancipate and
elevate the slave. It was his good fortune to record his
vote in favor of all the three great amendments to the constitution,
and to be the supporter, friend and trusted counsellor of
Abraham Lincoln.
After his election to fill Sumner's unexpired term I had a
letter from Adin Thayer in which he said: "Washburn hates
Butler with an Evangelical hatred which you know is more intense
than a Liberal Christian can attain to."
James Buffington was a shrewd and amusing character. He understood
the temper of the House very well and had great influence
in accomplishing anything he undertook.
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