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once as they are, and the bill as soon as possible.
Delay will be the tactics of the enemy.
Sincerely yours,
In a letter to me dated
Amesbury, 8th month. 1874,
John G. Whittier, in reference to
Mr. Sumner's election, says, “I am inclined to believe that I was the first to suggest to him, in the summer of 1850, the possibility of his election to the Senate.
He thought it impracticable, and stated with emphasis, that he desired no office, that his plans of life did not contemplate any thing of the kind, and that he greatly doubted his natural fitness for political life.
He made no pledges nor explanations of any kind to insure his election when it took place.
His statement in the exordium of his speech against the
Fugitive-Slave Law is, to my knowledge, true to the letter.”
In his letter of acceptance
Mr. Sumner thus indicates the broad national policy which he intended to pursue:--
Acknowledging the right of my country to the service of her sons wherever she chooses to place them, and with a heart full of gratitude that a sacred cause has been permitted to triumph through me, I now accept the post as senator.
I accept it as the servant of Massachusetts; mindful of the sentiments uttered by her successive legislatures, of the genius
