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

[431] and Hale had made against Atchison, whom he called his ‘distinguished friend,’ and whose recent letters he said he had in his drawer. He described Atchison as a peacemaker and mediator in the camp before Lawrence, and intimated that he might yet ‘pass the Rubicon’ and avenge the taunts and insults heaped upon him in the Senate,—an evident warning to Northern senators to beware how they spoke of this leader of the invading Missourians. As usual with him, he brought forward disunion as the South's ultimate remedy. The discussions, while confined chiefly to the senators named, disclosed the intensity of feeling between the opposing parties.¹ This increased bitterness was noted at the time, as shown in the changed manner of senators and the prevailing non-intercourse between the Republican and the Democratic senators.²

Sumner wrote to C. F. Adams, February 5:—

There are circumstances at this moment which draw special attention to the Monroe doctrine, and which would give strong interest to any revelation from your father's diary; but of course this could not be done without associating his name with present controversies.³ I doubt not you have judged well, and yet I part with regret from the opportunity of introducing to the country such interesting testimony. While I write Mr. Foot is speaking on Seward's lead, saying sonic things of England which, if said in Parliament about us, would set the Republic in flames. But England pardons such outbursts, as we pardon what we are obliged to hear from some country bumpkin. Cass has done the same thing. Seward's speech⁴ is felt to have killed all idea of war by invoking war he has made it impossible for this Administration to press it. I have been on the point of speaking on the question fully, but I cannot now regard it as a reality, it seems to be like a question before a debating club. I first learned from the New York papers that my colleague is to take the floor on it.⁵ At last Banks is elected. I was present when he was conducted to his chair. It was a proud historic moment. For the first time during years there seems to be a North. I fancied I saw the star glittering over his head. His appearance, voice, and manner were in admirable harmony with the occasion.