the severest scrutiny into the legality of the proceedings?  More especially, when it is known that the persons employed in this nefarious business of hunting up fugitive slaves are men destitute of principle, whose hearts are callous as flint, and who would send a free man into bondage with as little compunction as they would a slave, if they could do it with impunity.

“Of latter time, we hear much said about a dissolution of the Union.  Far better, in my view, that this should take place, if it can be effected without violence, than to remain as we are; when a peaceable citizen cannot enter your territory on his own lawful business, without the risk of being murdered by a ruthless mob.

“With reverent thankfulness to Him, who numbers the hairs of our heads, without whose notice not even a sparrow falls to the ground, and to whose providence I consider myself indebted for the redemption of my beloved son from the hands of barbarians, permit me again to say that I feel sincerely grateful to thee and others, who kindly lent aid, though late, in rescuing him from the violence of unreasonable and wicked men, who sought his life without a cause.  I may never have it in my power to do either of you personally a kindness; but some other member of the great family of mankind may need assistance in a way that I can relieve him.  If this should be the case, I hope I shall not fail to embrace the opportunity.

“With fervent desires that the beneficent Creator and Father of the Universe may open the eyes of all to see that ’the fast which he hath chosen is to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke.’

  “I am thy sincere friend,

  “ISAAC T. HOPPER.”

Soon after the circumstances above related, the mayor of New-York revoked the warrant of the marshal, who had been so conspicuous in the outrage.  This step was taken in consequence of his own admissions concerning his conduct.

In 1837, a little incident occurred, which may be interesting to those who are curious concerning phrenology.  At a small social party in New-York, a discussion arose on that subject; and, as usual, some were disposed to believe and others to ridicule.  At last the disputants proposed to test the question by careful experiment.  Friend Hopper was one of the party, and they asked him to have his head examined by the well-known O.S.  Fowler.  Having a good-natured willingness to gratify their curiosity, he consented.  It was agreed that he should not speak during the operation, lest the tones of his voice might serve as an index of his character.  It was further stipulated that no person in the room should give any indication by which the phrenologist might be enabled to judge whether he was supposed to be speaking correctly or not.  The next day, Mr. Fowler was introduced blindfolded into a room, where Isaac T. Hopper was seated with the party of the preceding evening.  Having passed his hands over the strongly developed head, he made the following statement, which was taken down by a rapid writer, as the words fell from his lips.