[
14]
industry of certain eminent persons,—Franklin,
Gibbon,
Cobbett, and
Scott,—with biographical details as to
Cobbett, and insisting upon liberal studies as the accompaniment of the pursuit by which a livelihood is gained, with here and there hints suggestive of the pending agitation concerning slavery.
It was first delivered late in 1845, was repeated in the following February in the
Federal Street Theatre before the
Boston Lyceum, and was not finally laid aside till the author entered on his duties as senator.
1
As showing the spirit of caste which then lingered in
Massachusetts, it may be mentioned that the lyceum at New Bedford adopted a rule excluding colored persons from its privileges.
Both
Sumner and
Emerson, when apprised of the exclusion, withdrew their names from the advertised list of lecturers.
A correspondence led to the rescinding of the obnoxious rule, and
Sumner gave his lecture in that city.
2
Sumner wrote to
Lieber, Nov. 19, 1845:—
. . . Two days ago the long suspense was ended, and Everett intimated that he would accept the post of President of Harvard College which had been informally tendered to him. This is most agreeable to the friends of the college.
If he had refused, it would have been difficult to final a person on whom the public sympathies would unite.
By this acceptance it Seems to me that Everett renounces two things.—politics, and the opportunity of executing an elaborate work of literature.
The duties of his office will absorb the working portion of his time for the remainder of his life.
To
George Sumner, November 30:—
I have just read “Conselo.” . . . Such a work cannot fail to accomplish great good; it will awaken emotions in bosoms which could not be reached except by a pen of such commanding interest as George Sand's.
To
Mittermaier, Jan. 12, 1846:—
I cannot forget your beautiful town and the pleasant days which I passed there, enriched by your society and friendship.
Would that I could fly across the sea, and again ramble among those venerable ruins which hang over your house!
To
Rev. R. C. Waterston, May 29, on receiving a gift of
Sir Samuel Romilly's Life:—
