of Deputy
Marshal Neagle that happily frustrated the iniquitous plot
against your life.

Accept, my dear friend, my fervent congratulations on your
escape from the designs of this madman and of the shameless
creature who was his wife and accomplice.

For the sake of our country and its reputation in the eyes of
Christendom, I am indeed grateful that this vile stab at its
judicial power, as vested in your personality, miscarried, and
that by good fortune the insane malice of a disappointed
suitor should have been thwarted.

Your dignified courage in this tragical episode is most
impressive, and, while it endears you the more to those who
love you, will wring even from your foes a tribute of respect
and admiration.

Passing over the arguments that may be wrought out of the
verbiage of our dual constitution of government, the robust
and essential principle _must_ be recognized and
proclaimed--that the _inherent powers_ of every government
which are sufficient to authorize and enforce the judgments of
its courts are equally and at all times and in all places
sufficient to protect the individual judge who fearlessly and
conscientiously, in the discharge of his duty, pronounces
those judgments.

The case, my dear friend, is not yours alone; it is equally
mine and that of every other American. A principle so vital to
society, to the body politic, was never more dangerously and
wickedly assailed than by the assault of Terry and his wife
upon you for your just and honorable performance of your duty
as a magistrate.

I can well comprehend the shock to which this occurrence has
subjected you, and I wish I could be by your side to give you
assurance orally (if any were needed) of that absolute
sympathy and support to which you are so fully entitled. But
these lines will perhaps suffice to make you feel the
affectionate and steadfast regard I entertain for you, and
which this terrible event has but increased.

I cannot forbear an expression of the hope that the arguments
of jurisdictional and other points which must attend the
litigation and settlement of this tragedy may not be abated or
warped to meet any temporary local or partisan demand.

The voice of Justice can never speak in clearer or more divine
accents than when heard in vindication and honor