the power of rebels to assail us, and then the work is done. They can build less iron-clad gunboats, now that we have Norfolk. They can cast less columbiads, build less steam-rams, and obtain less sugar to sweeten the bitter cup of treason, now that we have New Orleans; and when we have Richmond and Corinth, the back-bone of the rebellion will be broken. The path of duty never shone so bright for a people as it does for us to-day. As we advance it grows brighter. The President's message recommending emancipation was the rending of the vail. The gift of freedom to a few poor, but oh! how grateful, recipients, has returned to bless the hearts of millions who bestowed it. A deed more rich in virtue, more fruitful in the approving of conscience, more blessed with the smiles of Almighty God, stands not on the records of this nation. The whole ample domain of the Territories will soon be declared free, and that for which we have labored for many years is about to be accomplished. I do not know how much may be affected by legislation to redeem a race from bondage whose enslavement is the crime for which we suffer. The providences of God are brought about through courses that are not always plain to mortal eye, and yet to them there is no "variableness of shadow of turning," and our path to-day lies by their side. Events are marching on. Happy is that people who blind not their eyes to the "cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night." In 1874, Blair attempted to regain higher office, but was once again unsuccessful. Death and interment Blair died in Hollidaysburg and was interred in that community's Presbyterian Cemetery. References External links 1821 births 1890 deaths Pennsylvania lawyers People from Indiana, Pennsylvania Washington & Jefferson College alumni American Presbyterians Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania 19th-century American politicians 19th-century American lawyers