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[76] channels since those early days of precocious judicial enthusiasm. That volume contains some eighteen articles, or notices of books, written and published while I was yet a student.

To George Sumner, November 26:—

I rejoice in your hopes for France. If less hopeful than you, I am more hopeful than people here. I believe in France, in freedom, and in progress; but I have no respect for Louis Napoleon and for his machinations,—not that they can secure empire, but because they may thwart the republic. When you have seen more of Cavaignac, I shall be pleased to know what you think of him. He seems a person of character.

To Whittier, December 3:—

Some days ago I sent you my two volumes,1 and I am now tempted to write, partly to excuse myself for thus venturing. my ideal is so much above everything actual in my poor life that I have little satisfaction in anything I am able to do; and I value these things which are now published, simply as my earnest testimony to truths which I have most sincerely at heart. They have all been done because I could not help it,—almost unconsciously, I may say. One of the thoughts which reconciles me to my audacity is that possibly these volumes may tempt young men, particularly at colleges, to our fields of action. But I have little confidence even in this aspiration.

To J. Willard Brown, a student at Phillips Academy, Andover (with whom Sumner was not personally acquainted), Jan. 31, 1851:—

I am not able to correspond with you at length on the subject of your inquiry;2 but I cannot lose the opportunity of impressing on your mind the importance while at school and college of mastering the regular studies, omitting nothing, and adding to them as much as possible of solid history. Above all, do not expect to do anything without work, as well attempt to fly. No person ever regretted any scholarship he succeeded in obtaining. Alas! all of us are called to regret that we missed obtaining much that was within our reach. It is of incalculable importance to the student that he should be thorough in his studies. Such a habit commenced early will last through life. I have a sympathy with the young, and always wish them the best success.

To Lord Morpeth, April 8:—

Have you enjoyed Tennyson's “In Memoriam” ? It has charmed, touched, and exalted me. I have read very few poems in any language with equal delight. What a tribute of friendship! No one can read it without feeling how great a thing it is to have and to be a friend. The young Hallam is preserved in poetic amber. I have mourned with the father in his second loss. Two such sons are rarely given to a single father.

1 Orations and Speeches.

2 Concerning the allotment of time between regular studies and other academic means of culture.

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