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

[175]

To Miss Peters, Philadelphia.

Boston, April 30, 1836.

my dear E.,—I have often chided myself and sometimes you for suffering our correspondence to die away. Business and the absorbing calls of the world, to which you are a stranger, have laid their iron hands upon me, so that I find it very difficult, even for a short time and for the sweet indulgence of friendship, to disengage myself from their strong grasp. But this is the life of man. He grows up and salutes labor and responsibility on the threshold of manhood, and these continue his constant and inseparable companions during his whole pilgrimage, until at last the wayfarer is permitted to lay down his load. Pardon this vein, which I have accidentally struck upon, and which will certainly jar upon a young lady's ear. . . .

Are your school days over? If not, I suppose you are anxious for the last day to come that shall fully discharge you from the dominion of childhood. I know, however, that you have filled up your time with profitable studies, so that you will be well prepared for a change. I should be pleased to know what your studies have been, and to what pursuits you have turned your attention; for, believe me, I shall watch your progress with deep interest, and, if by my counsel I may be instrumental in guiding your pursuits, it will be to me a source of unfeigned pleasure.

What is there new in the fashionable world of Philadelphia? Mrs. Wood's illness cuts you off from one source of enjoyment. Boston and Philadelphia seem to have vied with each other to see which would excel in the praise of this vocalist. Everybody among us was stark mad, not excepting, perhaps, one of your friends.

After this long letter, melancholic and ‘thus saith the preacher’ as is its tone, I think the law of reciprocity will dictate to you a proper course.

Let me not forget to thank you for the neat and well-braided watch-guard which you sent me. It was a most acceptable present.

Truly and affectionately your friend,

Chas. Sumner.

To Professor Simon Greenleaf, Cambridge.

June 29, 1836, half-past 12 o'clock, A. M.

my dear Professor,—I have walked safely to the city, and have done some study and browsed on some pages for a hint on your question to me. I do not remember any case which points your way; but I find that the rules of court throw some light. Rule twenty-seven of the First Circuit requires that the same property without waste should be restored by the stipulator. The rules of the Southern District of New York are much more to the point. . . .

I do not think of any thing further; and so good night, or rather good morning.

Chas. Sumner.