[89] Writings and SPeeches, XVI. 582.

[90] Winthrop MSS., Mar. 21 and Apr. 10, 1850, Nov. 1951; Curtis,
Life, II. 580; Everett's Memoir; Webster's Works (1851), I.
clvii.


Isaac Hill, a bitter New Hampshire political opponent, confesses
that Webster's "kindly answer" to Calhoun was wiser than his own
might have been. Hill, an experienced political observer, had
feared in the month preceding Webster's speech a "disruption of
the Union" with "no chance of escaping a conflict of blood". He
felt that the censures of Webster were undeserved, that Webster
was not merely right, but had "power he can exercise at the
North, beyond any other man", and that "all that is of value will
declare in favor of the great principles of your late Union
speech".[91] "Its tranquilizing effect upon public opinion has
been wonderful"; "it has almost the unanimous support of this
community", wrote the New York philanthropist Minturn.[92] "The
speech made a powerful impression in this state . . . Men feel
they can stand on it with security."[93] In Cincinnati,
Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Pittsfield (with only one
exception) the speech was found "wise and patriotic".[94] The
sender of a resolution of approval from the grand jury of the
United States court at Indianapolis says that such judgment is
almost universal.[95] "It is thought you may save the country . .
. you may keep us still united", wrote Thornton of Memphis, who
soberly records the feeling of thoughtful men that the Southern
purpose of disunion was stronger than appeared in either