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tops of Charleston and beneath the snow-clad citadels of Canada. More than this, no true-born son of Newburyport ever forgets that the greatest, most learned, the most upright and fearless judge whom history was our townsman; to his shrine came the young legal aspirants, who afterward molded the American Union, and all that is best and most lasting in its laws and precedents. Among such disciples at the inexhaustible fount of Theophilus Parsons was one of the most accomplished of the Presidents of the United States.
Ah, my dear friend! Your life is under the obligation of sustaining the unsmirched record of a noble name. The famous men who have borne it, whether preachers, teachers, jurists, statesmen, or soldiers, have, according to their age and knowledge, been ever on the side of truth and justice. I make no doubt you will do nothing to detract from this record. Though I cannot flatter, I will have the honest justice to say now to you, perhaps on the brink of death, that should the infamous crime of your assassination be accomplished, I will bear testimony to our fellowmen that you were not the least of those who have borne your name.
We are all the creatures of circumstances. No man can make himself a hero; events may make him one, provided he is made of the stuff to bear the strain. Events have placed you on the apex of eternal fame; s far you have never faltered from the trying test. I know you will continue to honor us who have had the happy fortune to honor you.
Whether you live or die, be assured of the highest esteem of
Yours
fraternally,
LATHROP WITHINGTON.
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