I entered Devens's tent just as this Committee was leaving it with his written acceptance in their hands.
I told him the other side of the story, told him how the whole people were alive with enthusiasm, and that Governor Andrew was doing the very best possible, and that these petty jealousies, while there was some little reason for them, ought not to affect the public action of the people.

Devens regretted very much what he had done.

He told me that if he could recall the letter, he would do it.

But it was too late.
Governor Andrew was triumphantly reelected, and Devens was ever after an earnest and loyal Republican..