Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 4

[593] it should be a national rather than an international affair. He regarded with favor an exhibition of American progress as a part of the commemoration, but he was averse to the idea of converting it into a world's fair, which in his judgment, besides being premature so soon after that recently held in Vienna, could only succeed under the direct patronage and supervision of the United States government. He followed the bill closely, and on two different days (February 27, and Friday, March 6) spoke at length¹ in favor of further consideration and another reference to a committee. The Senate agreed with him, and voted the reference March 6. He was on that day full of spirit and earnestness. His contention with the Pennsylvania senators (Cameron and Scott) was sharp; though friendly. Flanagan of Texas,² however, who followed him, and closed the debate on Friday, reminded him of his recent divergence from his party, and his failure ‘to pull his State from her solid moorings.’ Sumner's remarks on that day were his last words in the Senate.³

On the night of Sunday the 8th his malady, which had been quiet for months, returned with its former severity.⁴ The angina pectoris attacked him as soon as he retired at midnight, and kept him awake for four hours,—the physicians⁵ being obliged to resort to the former remedies. The Senate had adjourned from the 6th to Monday the 9th, when there was an adjournment, after a session of a few moments only, in recognition of Ex-President Fillmore's death. That evening he talked freely to a visitor⁶ of European affairs and friends, of English politics and the new Germany; read aloud in deep rich tones of tender melody Milton's sonnet on the massacre of the Waldenses; and showed the parchment copy of the rescinding resolution of the Massachusetts Legislature, which had been sent him by the governor. In referring to an intended speech in favor of a