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

[268] The subject was ‘The Relation of the Poet to his Age;’ and it was treated with exquisite grace and beautiful thought, refined and elevating, with apt criticism and touching descriptions and allusions. In Edward Everett's great field Hillard has been pronounced master. Old John Quincy Adams, whom I reverence so much for two things,—his high morale and his comprehensive attainments,—said that the oration was, without question, the finest he had ever heard; and old President Quincy spoke of it as ‘the finest piece of eloquence he had ever heard.’ I arm myself in the panoply of these names, that you may not distrust the ardor of my praise.

Samuel Eliot has arrived at last, brown from the Atlantic sun. The presence of Lieber and Greene has made us very gay. To-night we supped with the Longfellow's in the library, at the round-table where I have so often dined, and where Longfellow's mellow soul has mingled in communion with mine. Dr. Fisher¹ is full of intelligence and goodness. I have conferred with him lately about several matters, and like him much. May all happiness attend you! Good-night.

Ever affectionately yours,

Charles Sumner.

To Lord Morpeth.

Boston, Sept. 1, 1843.

my dear Morpeth,—Under another cover, I have taken the liberty of sending you four copies of a letter from the Secretary of the Emigration Society in Boston,—hoping that you will do us the favor to address them to gentlemen in Ireland, who will be interested in the emigration of their countrymen to America. A society has been formed in Boston during the last year, of which I am a director, for the purpose of affording assistance to emigrants, and of collecting information for their benefit. In order to carry into execution our designs, it is thought proper that our Secretary should be en rapport with philanthropic gentlemen in other countries, who may aid him by their correspondence. I know that the letters which I enclose cannot go to Ireland commended by a higher influence than yours. It is a long while since I have been gladdened by news of you, though I hear of your great kindness to Americans, and read your speeches with admiration and delight. The speech at the Anti-slavery Society was grand. It had the proper traits of firmness and gentleness, bold enmity to slavery, and a candid consideration of the characters and circumstances of slave-owners, expressed with beautiful eloquence. The address at the Cattle Exhibition we admired for its cleverness and wit, and for the dexterity with which before an assembly of agriculturists you rendered homage to manufactures and commerce.

Webster returns to the bar. I have seen old Mr. Adams lately several times. He is very well; and indeed he is strong and more intense than ever