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He remained three days, during which numerous calls upon him, the writing of several letters of introduction for his friend
R. H. Dana, Jr., who was about to visit
England, and the writing and dictation of other letters, were followed by exhaustion; and after the three days he returned to
Mr. Blair's.
Seward, who in company with
Foster called on him at
Mr. Blair's, July 4, wrote—
He is much changed for the worse.
His elasticity and vigor are gone.
He walks.
and in every way loves, like a man who has not altogether recovered from a paralysis, or like a ran whose sight is dimmed, and his limbs stiffened with age. His conversation, however, was like that of his season of better health.
It turned altogether on what the Senate were doing, and the course of conduct and debate therein.
When he spoke of his health, he said he thought he was getting better now; but his vivacity of spirit and his impatience for study are gone.
It is impossible to regard him without apprehension.1
Sumner came to
Washington, July 5, in order to go North and escape the intense heat.
During the day he had many visitors, including
Dr. Bailey of the ‘National Era,’
Mr. Banks the
Speaker,
Mr. Comins, and
Mr. Giddings.
2 After the assault the antislavery members of Congress called often to inquire as to his condition and express sympathy.
This was true also of the diplomatic corps.
The Administration men, senators as well as members of the
Cabinet, kept carefully away, with one exception,—that of
General Cass, who had not altogether forgotten old relations with
Sumner in paris.
3
Dr. Perry thus describes
Sumner's condition at this time:
4—
The wound on the left side of the head healed by first intention.
It was several weeks before that on the right side closed over.
During this time he
