Question. I see, Colonel, that in an interview published this morning, Mrs. Van Cott (the revivalist), calls you “a poor barking dog.” Do you know her personally? ¶
Answer. I have never met or seen her. ¶
Question. Do you know the reason she applied the epithet? ¶
Answer. I suppose it to be the natural result of what is called vital piety; that is to say, universal love breeds individual hatred. ¶
Question. Do you intend making any reply to what she says? ¶
Answer. I have written her a note of which this is a copy: ¶
Buffalo, Feb. 24th, 1878. MRS. VAN COTT; ¶
My dear Madam:—Were you constrained by the love of Christ to call a man who has never injured you “a poor barking dog?” Did you make this remark as a Christian, or as a lady? Did you say these words to illustrate in some faint degree the refining influence upon women of the religion you preach? ¶
What would you think of me if I should retort, using your language, changing only the sex of the last word? ¶
I have the honor to remain, ¶
Yours truly, ¶