323 Seaver ST.,
Dorchester. Mass.
May 12, 1917.
My Dear Senator Lodge:-
I have let our little
affair rest till the immediate uproar was over
but you must of course realize that the state-
ment that came out apparently from you and a man
of your prominence was extremely injurious to me.
I feel there can be no question as to
the actual facts, Viz.: that the discussion while
doubtless annoying to you because of your diff-
erence of conviction was nevertheless entirely
respectful up to the point when you said, "all
those working for peace are cowards"
Thereupon I retorted, "It's the war
party who are cowards".
You then momentarily lost your usual
calm and cried, "You're a damned liar".
Whereupon I replied, "I might return
the compliment".
Immediately you struck without warning.
I then returned the blow.
I feel that your sense of justice should
impel you to confirm that this is a correct
statement of the regretable affair- because,
while we both in the heat of passion may have
done what neither is proud of, you are incapable
in cold blood of allowing a fellow mortal to
be, perhaps irreparably, injured by permitting
a bad matter to appear infinitely worse than it is.
Trusting you will welcome this opportunity
to testify to the truth, I am,
[Subscription (recipient's name at end of letter)]
Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge,
U.S.Senate,
Washington, D. C.