He possessed even then singularly clear ideas as to how the South would receive such petitions, and of the course which it would pursue to discourage their presentation.

He was no less clear as to how the friends of freedom ought to carry themselves under the circumstances.

In the _Journal of the Times_ of November, 1828, he thus expressed himself: "It requires no spirit of prophecy to predict that it (the petition) will create great opposition.

An attempt will be made to frighten Northern 'dough-faces' as in case of the Missouri question.

There will be an abundance of furious declamation, menace, and taunt.