T he following letter speaks for itself, if ever a letter in this world has done so. It demands an answer, and yet it is clearly incapable of being answered fairly. It imperatively demands of him to whom it is addressed an open apology.
Nothing appeals to the best human emotion so much as the spectacle of a brave man.
But, while admiring your achievements as a soldier and a fearless reformer, my admiration ceases when you strike at what I believe to be the truth. Indeed, I am afraid that your brilliant career may receive a check in the unequal contest, for Truth has never yet been vanquished. I can not believe that a gentleman and a soldier will make serious charges against an opponent without being in possession of absolute proof of the truth of his statements. Consequently, if your charges are true, I must cease to be a champion of the cause of my people. If they are false, you ought to cease to be the champion of yours.