South Boston, November 3rd, 1846.
My Dear Sumner:
— I am placed in a cruel position. I am assured by what I saw last night that I
should be carried into the School Committee with a rush.1 I must
sacrifice that; I must lose the opportunity of doing certain good; I must,
moreover, sacrifice my tastes, my wishes, my hopes, my interest of every kind.
I must stand before the public a man defeated in what they will consider his
first attempt for political office. I must be considered as a last resort,
accepted only after all others had been applied to in vain. My position is much
worse than yours was; nevertheless I leave myself in your hands.
If I am first nominated by the Young Whigs, let them write
me a letter, — enclosed is my answer. Let both be published before the
Native nomination is published, else I shall lose what else would tell much (if
properly addressed), — the support of Catholics.
Remember, I make my conditions.
Ever yours, in
bitterness of grief,
S. G. Howe.
_______________
1
I.e. if he did not accept the nomination for Congress.
SOURCE: Laura E. Richards, Editor, Letters and
Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe, Volume 2, p. 251
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