Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 1

[380] of so many of the learned in the law, in mingling with the good and great in such various walks of life? I have feasted from silver, and lived among nobles; but I believe that you would find me at the present moment not less desirous of getting knowledge and doing my duty, than I have ever been during the few years in which I have had the happiness of your friendship. I look forward to my return with no little anxiety; and hope, after a few days of quiet intercourse with my friends, to renew the labors which I have for the while forsaken; to grasp resolutely the plough which I have left in the furrow.

Tell me frankly; do you and the Judge think it would have been better for me had I stayed at home? This broad page of human life which I have been studying has been full of instruction; and I feel that I know more, and can do more, than before I forsook my affairs for Europe. You have thrown out some hints with regard to my occupying a place with you and the Judge at Cambridge. You know well that my heart yearns fondly to that place, and that in the calm study of my profession I have ever taken more delight than in the pert debate at the bar. I shall only wish to see some distinct and honorable line of duty marked out for me, and I shall at once enter upon it. I should observe, however, that, for various causes, I shall feel a strong obligation to devote myself to my profession on my return, in such wise as will insure me the most considerable income,—those principles of duty and honor being regarded which you have taught me never to lose sight of. I shall of course be always obliged by your advice and suggestions, and hope to hear from you at length before my return with regard to the best way of recovering the place in my profession which I have left. Lord Brougham said to me, ‘It is very strange that men in your profession in America can abandon their clients and go abroad, without entirely breaking down,—Mr. Pinckney did it.’ I added that Mr. Pinckney was a student of his profession when in Europe, and that I was myself. ‘That alters the case,’ said his Lordship; ‘and I doubt not you will go home better prepared than before.’ This is a case in point, certainly a dictum, by an ex-chancellor of England. The court is about to commence its labors, and I leave this retreat to-morrow for Westminster Hall.

As ever, affectionately yours,