2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
SUMNER, Charles (1811-1874), U.S. Senate from 1851 to 1874, initially as a Free Soiler (a party that he helped found) and later as a Republican. He was a leader in Congress among the opponents of slavery, and instrumental in the impeachment proceedings against President Andrew Johnson. Autograph Letter Signed, "Charles Sumner", October 26, 1851, Boston., 4p. quarto, being a strong worded letter supporting Kossuth which in part, " ... I wish it to be understood that I can never fail to unite in every earnest and manly word, by which the sympathies of our country shall be extended to all in whatever land, who defending the Rights of man. To this cause we are pledged as a Nation by the Declaration of Independence; & my heart warmly responds to the vow. Nor can I forbear to add, that the clemency which you invoke, from a powerful Government towards those whom it classes as political offenders, is in harmony with the Spirit of the Age & with the lessons of Christianity." Sumner continues, "'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown. A recent instance enforces the appeal. Kossuth has at last passed from the house of bondage. His emancipation, promoted by the aspirations, the prayers & the express intervention of our Republic is an example to all nations ..." And more, "But the step we have thus taken cannot be the last. With increasing power are increasing duties. The influence, we are now able to wield, is a scared trust, which should be exercised firmly, discreetly, in conformity with the Law of Nature & with an anxious eye to the peace of the world, so as always to promote the great cause of Human Rights." VG.
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