THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SILAS WRIGHT. BY R. H. GILLET, AUTHOR OF THE "DEMOCRACY OF THE UNITED STATES,' AND "THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, VOLUME I. ALBANY: THE ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS. 1874. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four. BY R. H. GILLET, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ΤΟ HON. FRANCIS PRESTON BLAIR The Life-long Personal and Political Friend OF SILAS WRIGHT, THIS WORK ON HIS LIFE AND TIMES IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS AN EVIDENCE OF ESTEEM, BY R. H. GILLET. INTRODUCTION. THE Author has endeavored to present SILAS WRIGHT to the present generation as he was seen and known to the last. Although ardently attached to him, he is not aware that he has overdrawn one trait in his character, or failed truly to represent the varied acts of his stirring life. For more than twenty years he was distinguished as a rising star whose brightness was never obscured by spot or cloud. Few did or said so much during their long lives. Whatever feelings envy may have engendered against him, he was no man's enemy. He wrote and spoke freely, and believed and felt what emanated from him. To what extent his thoughts should be presented to the public, was a question of deep solicitude to the Author. On reflection, he finally determined to present whatever came within his reach, as fully as the same came from him, whether it related to political, friendly or family matters. In no other way could he be presented and seen as he was, and his true character be fully known and properly appreciated. It would present him almost as unfairly to suppress a portion of what he said and did as to add to either. His speeches, in most cases, were carefully and laboriously prepared by his own hand for the public. His |