Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-07-19
a private letter to a friend in Connecticut.)
Peter Pnrley's Opinion of Col. Fremont

New YORK, June II, 1856.
Dear B.; 1t Is true, as you suppose, that
knew Mr.. Fremont, at Paris. He was there
for several months while was consul, and
had frequent business at the consulate. l
also met him in society. He is about forty
five years old, tall and slender, of modest de-
meanor. and of quiet, undemonstrative man
ner. at first, he makes no strong impression
upon you, but in conversation, by degrees.
you come to the conclusion that you are in
the presence of no common man. There il a
deep integrity of expression in his eye, which
taken in connection with his calm, measured
words, forces upon you the conviction, that
his extraordinary course is but just reflec-
ton of his inherent character. Unhinching
courage, fixed purpose, patience that con-
quers difficulties, mastery OF himself, which
enables him to master others, are i'll the quail
ties which acquaintance with him, as well as
the events OF his life, eminently display
This was the impression he made upon lead
ing minds, foreigners as we'll as Americans,
in Paris. recollect to have l.eard it said of
him, that his habit of self reliance and self
counselling, evident from his manners and
conduct, reminded one strongly of similar
qualities in Louis Napoleon, and which have
given him such an ascendance, since his &C.
cession to power in France.
These are the impressions received in
Paris, and hence it has not at all surprised
me to find many minds turning towards Mr..
Fremont for the presidency. He has I'M
doubtedly those qualities of frmness aud de-
cision which eminently fit him for the ad-
ministration of public affairs. He is not
man to be wheedled; he is pure. amiuble and
incorruptible in private life, and wherever he
is placed, he will not, if judge him rightly.
part from that sound morality, which thus
forms the basis of his character.
think ii is possible that he will be nomi-.
mated by the Republican convention for the
Presidency. do not, however, propose to
take any active part in politics. have had
enough-too much Of it.
If our good old State of Connecticut should
go for Fremont, she will at least have re-
spectacle candidate
He is man of education has higher sci
entitic ataininents than any one who has ev-
er yet held the presidency, and. though mex
perienced in technical legislation, few per-
sons have had equal practice in governing,
guiding, and controlling men under dfioul-
ties. When see his platform, his associa-
tons, his whole position, as well as that of
other candidates-and provided, moreover, he
be nominated Il shall then be able to decide
whether l shall vote for him or not--a mat
ter OF no consequence, indeed, to any one but
myself.
should be glad to fnd-and tell you
franky-that am satisfied on these points,
and that could conscentiously give him my
support. Mrs. Fremont, you know. is
daughter Of Senator Benton and was educa-
ted chiefly by him. She speaks several lam
guages, and is alike pattern housewife and
an accomplished lady. She has good deal
of western heartiness about her, though she
has been familiar with refined society from
childhood.
You will understand that this is written
wholly for yourself. will write more fully
hereafter Yours truly,
S. 6. GOODRICH.