“I ought long ago to have thanked you for your very kind
remembrance of me in sending me your observations respecting the punishment of
death, which arrived at a moment when I had turned my attention
towards the same subject, with a view to publication. I was, therefore, earnest
to learn your sentiments, which I had flattered myself would, in all points, be
in perfect unison with my own; but judge how I was surprised to find that we
differed on the very threshold,—that you had considered anger and revenge as
not only allowable but necessary, whilst I had contended that kindness and
benevolence were the true principles of penal law. After stating your own
opinion, you have proceeded to sanction it by the authority of several other
distinguished writers, some of whom have carried it to much greater extent.
This subject,
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 203 |
