Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 3

[408] Moffat, M. P., was there,—an amusing character, with a pleasant mixture of literature, fashion, and radicalism. It is refreshing to meet an English gentleman. At Washington for a little while I had great pleasure in Lord Elgin,¹ whom I have also seen in Canada; and within a few days here in Boston we have had Sir Edmund Head, the new Governor-General of Canada, a most excellent person, as is also Sir Charles Grey, from Jamaica.

One of my visions is another visit to England. When there before I saw many persons and things; but I was young. 1 long to see it now with mature eye; to meet again a few old friends, and to see others who now take the places of those whom I knew. I would also see Paris and Switzerland. But I fear that all this must be postponed indefinitely. My brother George, after being at home for a year and more, has lately left again for Paris, but promises to return in the spring. My only sister is now married and in Italy, where she will pass the winter, if she does not follow your track in the East. My lot seems to be of work at home. Thus have I passed garrulously from topic to topic, touched by your letter and by the memory of your friendship. Do not be silent so long again. I will not. Let me hear from you very soon, and tell me of yourself and your family. I note your retirement from active public life; but I trust you will yet exert a commanding influence on your country, for your influence must be beneficent. Farewell, my dearest Morpeth, and believe me, with sincere affection.