“But I must admit,” continued Mr. Adams, sarcastically, “that when color comes into the question, there may be other considerations.  It is possible that this house, which seems to consider it so great a crime to attempt to offer a petition from slaves, may, for aught I know, say that freemen, if not of the carnation, shall be deprived of the right of petition, in the sense of the House.”

When southern members saw that, in their haste, they had not tarried to ascertain the nature of the petition, and that it prayed for the perpetuation, instead of the abolition of slavery, their position became so ludicrous, that their exasperation was greatly increased.  At the time the petition was announced by Mr. Adams, the House was very thin; but the excitement it produced soon filled it; and, besides, the sergeant-at-arms had been instructed to arrest and bring in all absentees.  The excitement commenced at about one o’clock, and continued until seven o’clock in the evening, when the House adjourned.  Mr. Adams stood at his desk, resolutely refusing to be seated till the matter was disposed of, alleging that if he were guilty, he was not entitled to a seat among high and honorable men.  When Mr. Droomgoole’s resolution was read to the House for its consideration, Mr. Adams yielded to it one of those sarcastic sneers which he was in the habit of giving, when provoked to satire; and said—­“Mr. Speaker, if I understand the resolution of the honorable gentleman from Virginia, it charges me with being guilty of giving color to an idea!’” The whole House broke forth in one common irrepressible peal of laughter.  The Droomgoole resolution was actually laughed out of existence.  The House now found that it had got itself in a dilemma,—­that Mr. Adams was too much for it; and, at last, adjourned, leaving the affair in the position in which they found it.

For several days this subject continued to agitate the House.  Mr. Adams not only warded off the virulent attacks made upon him, but carried the war so effectually into the camp of his enemies, that, becoming heartily tired of the contest, they repeatedly endeavored to get rid of the whole subject by laying it on the table.  To this Mr. Adams objected.  He insisted that it should be thoroughly canvassed.  Immense excitement ensued.  Call after call of the House was made.  Mr. Henry A. Wise, who was, at the time, engaged on the Reuben Whitney affair, was sent for:  with an accompanying message that the stability of the Union was in danger!

Breathless, and impatient, Mr. Wise made his appearance, and inquired what was the matter.  He was informed.

“And is that all?” ejaculated Mr. Wise.  “The gentleman from Massachusetts has presented a petition signed by slaves!  Well, sir, and what of that?  Is anybody harmed by it?  Sir, in my opinion, slaves are the very persons who should petition.  Mine, sir, pray to me, and I listen to them; and shall not the feeble supplicate?  Sir, I see no danger,—­the country, I believe, is safe.”