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

[332] this that I shall be tempted to address you a letter on the subject, which you may read to Mr. Berrien, Mr. Crittenden, or any others you may think it not improper to approach in this way. Hillard has already written to Mr. Bates; so has Mr. Lawrence to Mr. Crittenden. Mr. Dix, the new Senator from New York, I am told, is a gentleman of taste in art and letters. He is a warm friend of Crawford.

Will Texas be admitted? We hear to-day that the chances are against the present resolutions.

If Mr. Peters is still in Washington, remember me to him.

Ever affectionately yours,

Charles Sumner.

At this moment, our City Government is imbecile,—being the miserable offspring of Native Americanism. It has so little of the confidence of the people that it cannot do much under the new Act;¹ and it is probable that no important steps will be taken till a new government is organized.

I heard, through a friend in Prussia, that Baron Humboldt had been reading with the King of Prussia a description of the Croton Works. It must be your brother's book.

‘My “Vesey” will be completed in a fortnight,—thus much to be stored in the wallet of the past.’

To Thomas Crawford, New York.

Boston, April 17, 1845.

my dear Crawford,—Have you heard that the students of Harvard College have voted to request you to execute a bust of President Quincy?² The President, after a brilliant administration of sixteen years, at the age of seventy-three resigns his important duties. Early in life he was a distinguished member of Congress. It was at first proposed, I believe, that the students should ask his acceptance of a piece of plate as a parting token of regard; but this gave place to the idea of a bust by your classical chisel, to be placed in the Library or large hall of the University. I have seen your ‘Mercury’ with delight and pride. Every body looks on it with the same feelings. It is, dear Crawford, most exquisite. When shall we possess other works of like beauty from your genius?

The plans for the new Athenaeum are now on exhibition,—fourteen in all. There is no single plan that satisfies me. Perhaps a new plan might be composed by adopting features from all. In one I was pleased with the facade;