What has Preston Brooks to do with the Presidential election? Never while a sufferer did anybody ever hear me speak of him in unkindness; and now after the lapse of more than half a generation I will not unite with you in dragging him from the grave where he sleeps, to aggravate the passions of a political conflict and arrest the longing for concord.4
[531]
was prompt with denial, and usually brought a withdrawal or explanation of the statement.
Sumner's speech in the Senate was made primarily to prevent Grant's nomination, which, however, was a foregone conclusion.
He was nominated without dissent, and Wilson's name was put on the ticket with his for the Vice-Presidency.
But the senator withheld any declaration as to his purpose in supporting candidates; and he was still plied on both sides,—by Republican leaders to maintain his reserve, and by the supporters of Greeley to declare openly his connection with them.
At first he thought of abstaining from taking any part; but with serious reflection he saw his duty in a different light.
On July 29, in an open letter to colored citizens, he announced formally his support of Greeley.1 This brought approving letters from Chief-Justice Chase, N. P. Banks, and R. E. Fenton, and a grateful letter from Greeley himself, who had hitherto refrained from any direct communication with the senator.2 It brought also reproaches from old comrades.
Mr. Blaine, Speaker of the House, addressed at once an open letter to Sumner, animadverting on his advice to colored citizens, and reminding him of the unnatural company he was keeping with former secessionists and confederates of Preston S. Brooks.
Sumner promptly replied3 in a caustic vein, saying to Mr. Blaine at the outset, that, serving in the fellowship of men devoted to the Antislavery cause, he had not missed the Speaker until he ‘hastened to report absence;’ and commenting on the reference to his old assailant, said:—
1 Works, vol. XV. pp. 175-195. Mr. Curtis in Harper's Weekly, August 17, reviewed the letter, saying to its author what he had said to him (Mr. Curtis) in connection with his support of Grant: ‘You have taken a tremendous responsibility. God keep your conscience clear!’ The New York Tribune, July 31, gives an interview with Sumner concerning the letter to the colored citizens, and contains a leader app-roving the letter.
2 Greeley's letter, dated July 30, 1872, was printed after his death in the Boston Journal, Dec. 30, 1872.
3 August 5; Works, vol. XV. pp. 196-201. The reply to Mr. Blaine brought an approving letter from Rev. A. Toomer Porter, of Charleston, S. C. Invitations to address the Southern people came to the senator. An interview between him and Southern delegates returning from the Democratic convention at Baltimore is given in the New York World, July 12.
4 July 12. This letter, as well as the speech in the Senate, was warmly praised by Whitelaw Reid in leaders in the New York Tribune.
Cambridge, MA. Press of John Wilson and Son. 1877.
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