Your refutation of the sophistries of Senator Breckenridge's speech is full and conclusive. I trust this reply may have an extended circulation at the present time, as I am sure its perusal by the people will do much to aid the cause of the Constitution and the Union. CALEB B. SMITH.[3] [Footnote 3: Caleb B. Smith was Secretary of Interior in Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet and an old friend of Miss Carroll.] * * * * * GLOBE OFFICE, _Aug. 8, 1861_. Dear Miss Carroll: Allow me to thank you for the privilege of reading your admirable review of Mr. Breckenridge's speech. I have enjoyed it greatly. Especially have I been struck with its very ingenious and just exposition of the constitutional law bearing on the President, assailed by Mr. B., and with the very apt citation of Mr. Jefferson's opinion as to the necessity and propriety of disregarding mere legal punctilio when the source of all is in danger of destruction. The gradual development of the plot in the South to overthrow the Union is also exceedingly well depicted and with remarkable clearness. If spoken in the Senate your article would have been regarded by the country as a complete and masterly refutation of Mr. B.'s heresies. Though the peculiar position of the _Globe_ might preclude the publication of the review, I am glad that it has not been denied to the editor of the _Globe_ to enjoy what the _Globe_ itself has not been privileged to contain. I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant, SAM'L T. WILLIAMS.[4] [Footnote 4: Samuel T. Williams was at that time chief editor of the _Globe_ (the Congressional Record of the day) and son-in-law of Mr. Rives, the owner of the _Globe_.] * * * * * _September 21, 1861._ Dear Miss Carroll: I have this moment, 11 o'clock Saturday night, finished reading your most admirable reply to the speech of Mr. Breckenridge; and now, my dear lady, I have only time to thank you for taking the trouble to embody for the use of others so much sound constitutional doctrine and so many valuable historic facts in a form so compact and manageable. The President received a copy left for him and requested me to thank you cordially for your able support.