Mr. Eames brings me the opinion of the Court in the cotton case of prize — Alexander Red River cotton. I think Chief Justice Chase has got himself in a fix, and will have to back down. He must divest himself of personal aspiration and partisan feeling to be a successful judge. The Court will not be subservient to him if he commits such grave mistakes.
Olcott, the detective, or commissioner, writes Fox a strange letter about the conclusions in Smith's case. He has seen Sumner's argument, or a part of it, and is alarmed. Sumner says the Smiths should have some redress. Olcott intimates that if they propose to arrest him he will flee the country. The fellow has no moral courage. So long as the responsibility was with me, he was very courageous. He feared I would not fearlessly meet questions, was inclined to encourage me; but as soon as a cloud shadows his path — an ounce of responsibility comes upon him the valiant commissioner wilts and is abject. I had on Monday told Chandler that in my opinion these traits belonged to Olcott; that he was rash, reckless, and arbitrary in the exercise of power but would cringe himself. C. reminds me of this estimate.
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