I received a good many letters expressing approval of my argument. Perhaps, without inordinate vanity, I may be permitted to preserve those which follow. The approval of my honored and beloved instructor, Judge Thomas, gave me special satisfaction. I am led to publish these letters partly because I think the opinion of the writers on the question is worth preserving for future reference, but chiefly, I believe, from what I hope will be deemed a pardonable vanity. Mr. Sumner, in editing the thirteen volumes of his speeches, has given in regard to all of them, letters from friends and correspondents, expressing his approval. I do not suppose it would ever have occurred to Daniel Webster to publish similar certificates as to any speech or act of his. FROM GEORGE S. BOUTWELL, GOVERNOR; SECRETARY OF THE U. S. TREASURY; U. S. SENATOR, ETC., TO JUDGE E. R. HOAR. UNITED STATES SENATE, WASHINGTON, May 8th, 1876. _My dear Judge,_ It was the opinion of all who heard your brother's argument in the Belknap case that it was the best of the arguments yet given and that it will rank with the best at any time delivered in the Senate. I do not write this because I was in any degree surprised, but it cannot be otherwise than agreeable to you to know that there is a concurrence in the view I have expressed. Very truly, GEO. S. BOUTWELL. To The Honble E. R. Hoar, Concord, Mass. FROM JUDGE BENJAMIN F. THOMAS OF THE SUPREME COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS. NO. 9 PEMBERTON SQ BOSTON May 25th '76. _My Dear Sir_ I am greatly obliged to you for sending me a copy of your admirable argument on the question of jurisdiction in the impeachment case. The argument is sensible and exhaustive, the style clear, forcible and attractive and the whole tone temper and spirit becoming a jurist and statesman. Very truly yours BENJ F. THOMAS. Hon Geo F. Hoar FROM WILLIAM M. EVARTS, SECRETARY OF STATE; UNITED STATES SENATOR, ETC. NEW YORK, May 22, 1876. _My dear Mr. Hoar,_ I am much obliged to you for sending me your speech, as manager, on the question of jurisdiction. I had seen it applauded in the newspapers and am happy to add mine to the general suffrage. It seems to me a very complete and able presentation both of law and reasons of State on your side. My own opinions are strongly adverse to the jurisdiction, and I should greatly lament its maintenance by the Senate. In ordinary times I should not suppose it possible, and I do not think it probable, now. I hope the defendant's counsel presented the argument as satisfactorily from their side as you have done for yours. But I have little hope that it is so. Yours very truly, (Signed) WM M. EVARTS. The Hon'ble Geo F. Hoar. FROM JUDGE DWIGHT FOSTER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS. BOSTON, 20 May, '76. _My Dear Sir:_