Speak of me as I am: nothing extenuate,As often as practicable, he will be permitted to speak in his own language; and many of the most eloquent passages from his ablest orations will be introduced. It is hoped that this record, the materials for which have been drawn from the most reliable sources, may prove acceptable to the patriot, the scholar, the orator, and the friend of freedom; that it may serve in some degree to promote the principles of liberty, fraternity, and equality among men, and to awaken some fresh aspirations for a still nobler national life and destiny. The author would here express his sincere thanks to those personal friends of Mr. Sumner, and also to other gentlemen, who have kindly assisted in this undertaking. Boston, March 24, 1874.
Nor set down aught in malice.
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to his grand ideal of a perfect commonwealth, and to his impassioned eloquence, must be in part ascribed the ardor which inspired our Union army, and the success which crowned the contest.
Others grandly spoke and fought for freedom: but none more eloquently, more learnedly, more effectively, enunciated its eternal principles than he; nor more profoundly and persistently instilled into the public mind its justice, grandeur, and necessity.
The life of such a man is therefore a lesson and an inspiration.
It will ever be held as a kind of beacon-light by the avant-couriers of freedom, not only in America, but throughout the world.
In attempting to portray it, I shall endeavor to be guided by the words of his own favorite Shakspeare:--
B. B. Russell, 1874.
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