Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 2

[261] sister, who sail in the steamer to-day. In this same steamer are Thomas Appleton and William Wadsworth, bound for Spain.

Peel's speech in reply to Palmerston has given very great satisfaction here; and it seems to put a more agreeable face upon the affair.

Ever and ever yours,

Charles Sumner.

To John Jay, New York.

Boston, May 25, 1843.

my dear Sir,—It was only this morning that I learned from Longfellow that I was indebted to you for the most interesting pamphlet on ‘Caste and Slavery in the Church,’ which I had the honor of receiving some days ago, marked ‘From the author.’ I lose no time in expressing to you my sincere pleasure in being remembered by you in this way, and, allow me to say, my higher gratification, that the slave has in you so able and earnest an advocate.

Is it not strange that the Church, or any body of men upon whom the faintest ray of Christianity has fallen, should endeavor to exclude the African, ‘guilty of a skin not colored as their own,’ from the freest participation in the privileges of worshipping the common God? It would seem as if prejudice, irrational as it is uncharitable, could no farther go. Professing the religion of Christ, they disaffirm that equality which he recognizes in all in his presence; and they violate that most beautiful injunction which enfolds so much philanthropy and virtue,—‘Love thy neighbor.’ I am truly glad that you have been willing to lend the just influence of your name and talents to reclaim them from their error. The Catholic Church is wiser and more Christian. On the marble pavements of their cathedrals all are equal; and this Church invites the services of all colors and countries. While in Italy, it was my good fortune to pass four days at the Convent of Palazzuola, on the margin of the Alban lake,—not far from the supposed site of Alba Longa. Among the brethren of this convent was an Abyssinian, very recently arrived from the heart of Africa, whose most torrid sun had burned upon him. To one accustomed to the prejudices of color which prevail in America, it was beautiful to witness the freedom, gentleness, and equality with which he mingled with his brethren. His dark skin seemed to give him an added interest in their eyes, over his great claim as a stranger and brother.

Both to myself and my friends it was a cause of not a little regret, as the steamer parted from the wharf (where you had so kindly come), that we had not enjoyed the good fortune of seeing more of you. If you and Mrs. Jay should visit Boston,—perhaps Nahant may be an attraction in the heats of summer,—we all count upon renewing our acquaintance with you. You will probably find Longfellow a married man; for he is now engaged to Miss Fanny Appleton,—the Mary Ashburton of ‘Hyperion,’—a lady of the greatest sweetness, imagination, and elevation of character, with the most striking personal charms.