Dr.Cheever's pamphlet, "Deacon Giles' Distillery," was scattered far and wide, and, as he was sued for libel, the question was discussed in the courts as well as at every fireside.

Then came the Father Matthew and Washingtonian movements, and the position of the Church on these questions intensified and embittered the conflict.

This brought the Cheevers, the Pierponts, the Delevans, the Nortons, and their charming wives to Peterboro.

It was with such company and varied discussions on every possible phase of political, religious, and social life that I spent weeks every year.

Gerrit Smith was cool and calm in debate, and, as he was armed at all points on these subjects, he could afford to be patient and fair with an opponent, whether on the platform or at the fireside.