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

‘ [512] . . . the earnest friend of suffering humanity and of every good cause, ... the successful defender of the honor and integrity of Massachusetts,’ and pledged the State to stand by him to-day, to-Morrow, and forever. He bespoke for the already too wearied guest the privilege of undisturbed quiet in his own house, and freedom from exacting intrusions. Sumner began his reply with feeble voice, and spoke with difficulty. He had been speaking hardly more than a minute, during which he referred to his welcome and the familiar scenes about him, when, unable to proceed, he handed his manuscript to the reporter.¹

In the undelivered remainder of his written reply he spoke of his five months of disability, with his hopes of health deferred; of his sorrow in renouncing for a season all part in the pending contest for human rights in the Senate and before the people; his assurance that though still an invalid he should soon be permitted to resume with unimpaired vigor all the responsibilities of his position. He paid tributes to his colleague, Mr. Wilson,—to his readiness, courage, and power, and his extraordinary energies equal to the extraordinary occasion; to Massachusetts, great in resources, great in children, approaching the pattern of a Christian commonwealth, standing forth the faithful, unseduced supporter of human nature; and to Quincy, now at the age of Dandolo when he asserted in behalf of Venice the same supremacy of powers, putting himself at the head of the great battle for liberty. He closed thus:—

May it please your Excellency, I forbear to proceed further. With thanks for this welcome, accept also my new vows of duty. In all simplicity let me say that I seek nothing but the triumph of truth. To this I offer my best efforts, careless of office or honor. Show me that I am wrong, and I stop at once; but in the complete conviction of right I shall persevere against all temptations, against all odds, against all perils, against all threats, knowing well that whatever may be my fate the right will surely prevail. Terrestrial place is determined by celestial observation., Only by watching the stars can the mariner safely pursue his course; and it is only by obeying those lofty principles which are above men and human passion that we can make our way safely through the duties of life. In such obedience I hope to live, while as a servant of Massachusetts I avoid no labor, shrink from no exposure, and complain of no hardship.

Nine hearty cheers were given as he closed. It was five in the afternoon when Sumner was escorted by the cavalcade to