Autograph letter signed : London, to James Youngs Smith, 1864 March 4.

Inquiring about the abolition of capital punishment in Rhode Island, of which Smith was currently Governor; explaining that a debate on the topic was likely to take place soon in the House of Commons and that he is "anxious to ascertain the result of the change, & how far your example may guide other States & nations"; enclosing a list of five questions, including "Is the law against the death penalty sustained by the public opinion of the State?" and "What is the punishment now inflicted on such Criminals as were formerly punished with death?"