Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 2

[211]

Peel seems to ‘steady on with upright keel.’ I confess my liking for his income tax. It is bold and frank. He does not move pawns, but plays his queen at once; and his move has drawn forth a good deal of admiration. I wish I could talk with you about his course. Is he not showing himself to be really a statesman?

I dined with Prescott yesterday. I always enjoy him very much. For you he has a most affectionate friendship, which he expresses to me constantly.

In the ‘Times’ of May 4 is a very interesting debate on universal suffrage, brought on by Duncombe presenting the petition of the Chartists. Lord John's speech is very good. Mark how gently he alludes to the United States. Macaulay's speech, though not wanting in force, fails in tact and address. I wonder there was not a laugh at his allusion to distress experienced under ‘pecuniary’ difficulties.¹ Duncombe must have started at it. Good-by.

Ever and ever yours,

Charles Sumner.

To Longfellow he wrote, June 6, 1842:—

It is artillery election-day, and the streets are full of happy throngs, and the Common is blackened by the multitude. . . . I received to-day an invitation from the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Dartmouth College to deliver the oration before the Alpha. Of course, I must decline. . . . How I envy Felton's happiness! His own bosom is such an overflowing fountain of goodness as to supply perpetual sources of happiness, which diffuse their refreshing influences over all about him, like the cool and abundant waters of the Fountain of Trevi at Rome.

To Dr. William E. Channing.

Boston, June 23, 1842.

my dear Sir,—I was very much gratified by your kind letter, written when you were first recovering from your illness. William, your son, was in our office a few minutes since, and tells us that you are now in Philadelphia. I simply wish to say that the second part² is now fairly before the public, and I think is doing a great deal of good. I have, in various ways, read it many times; and I may say, most sincerely, that it seems better each time. It is comprehensive, clear, earnest, and convincing.

I was in Providence yesterday, where I saw President Wayland. He wished me to say to you that he had read both parts with great pleasure, and that he agreed with you entirely. His views on Slavery, and with regard to the South, have materially changed lately.