A large class in that section quickly perceived the amelioration of the President's feelings, and they used every judicious effort to forward and develop it.

They were ready to forget all the hard words of Johnson, and to forgive all his harsh acts, for the great end to be gained to their States and their people by turning him aside from his proclaimed policy of punishing a great number of rebels with the utmost severity of the law.

Johnson's wrath was evidently appeased by the complaisance shown by leading men of the South.

He was not especially open to flattery, but it was noticed that words of commendation from his native section seemed peculiarly pleasing to him.
The tendency of his mind under such influences was perhaps not unnatural.

It is a common instinct of mankind to covet in an especial degree the good will of the community among whom the years of childhood and boyhood are spent.