“’Well, in obedience to my friendship for you, Smooth—­and with the knowledge that you are going into business with Uncle Sam—­appreciating the ‘Young American’ party as I do, I don’t care if I take.  It may revive the hope of 1856.  After all, there is something in you New Englanders I like—­give us yer hand,’ he replied suddenly, as a soft smile spread over his hard face.  He commenced wiping his lips, and was so polite.  I rang the bell, and up came the negro, his face as full of alarm as a frightened moon in a hail-storm.  Alarmed at his appearance, the General sprang to his feet, and was for bolting through the window.  ‘Don’t be scared, General!’ says I, trying to suppress a laugh; ’put on the pluck of Young America—­niggers then will seem as nothing.’  Mr. Pierce pursues this course.  General knows it takes somebody to cut a figure in the world; and seeing that these United States constitute a free country, what violation of principle is there in doing with negroes what you please?  The steaming punch now awaited us; I filled the General’s glass, and he said ’this was a great country, which would soon send Young America out on the world to proclaim manifest destiny.’  I said amen, and the punch disappeared into his depot, as he concluded.  It was clear his inards warmed, he beginning to brighten up soon after.  With a laconic air, he touched me on the elbow, and said, ’Somehow, it seems to touch the right place—­I declare it does!  I am half inclined to the belief that General Pierce sups formidably of this just before he talks about winding things up in a straight sort of way, all of which he ultimately forgets:  the influence of this sort of steam was undoubtedly that which selected Minister Solan Borland the man for Central America.  It was not that friend Solan went to settle perplexing questions with that dwarf combination of helpless governments; it was enough that he amused sundry citizens and much annoyed others with the little fracases which, through the power of political steam, he was wont to indulge in.’

“‘Now, Uncle Cass!’ said I, interrupting him, at the same time adding a good-natured wink, ’you must excuse Smooth’s seeming intrusiveness; but, what do you think of annexation in general, and filibustering and taking Cuba in particular?’ At this, the General gave a knowing pause, scratched his head as if it was troubled with something, and then replied with much dryness:  ’Ah! the one is a subject popular to-day, the other is fast becoming so:  when both are equally popular, we may advocate them with safety.  Mr. Pierce understands this policy.  That which is popular and holds out advantages must go down in our go-ahead country.  According to the axiom of our Southern doctrines we must have Cuba:  she must be wedded in political bonds to Cape Florida; not for the purpose of consolidating niggerdom, but merely to complete in that direction the point of manifest destiny.’

“‘Lord love yer political faith, General!’ said I, rising up and taking him firmly by the hand.