The most conspicuous instance of this was his joining the Know Nothing Party, in whose intolerance he had no belief.
But it was done as an instrument for destroying the existing political parties, which were an obstacle to freedom, and clearing the field for a new one.

This object was successfully accomplished, and in its accomplishment Wilson had a large share.

But it was, in my judgment, doing evil that good may come.

Wilson freely admitted this before he died, and said-- I have no doubt with absolute sincerity--that he would give ten years of his life if he could blot out that one transaction.
He was a very valuable legislator.

He was the author of many important measures in the war, during which he was chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs of the Senate, and showed much ability in the way of practical and constructive statesmanship.
I do not believe any man in the Senate in his time, not even Sumner, had more influence over his colleagues than he.
There was not a drop of bigotry, intolerance, or personal hatred in him.