Washington, 18th March,
'56.
My Dear Gerrit Smith — I have your volume, “Gerrit
Smith in Congress,” and am glad to possess it.
I am happy also that it owes its origin in any degree to a
hint from me.
Of this I am sure. It will remain a monument of your
constant, able and devoted labors during a brief term in Congress, and will be
recognized as an arsenal of truth, whence others will draw bright weapons.
Douglas has appeared at last on the scene, and with him that
vulgar swagger which ushered in the Nebraska debate. Truly — truly — this is a
godless place. Read that report, also the President's messages, and see how
completely the plainest rights of the people of Kansas are ignored. My heart is
sick.
And yet I am confident that Kansas will be a free State. But
we have before us a long season of excitement, and ribald debate, in which
truth will be mocked and reviled.
Remember me kindly to your family, and believe me,
My dear friend,
Sincerely yours,
Charles Sumner.
SOURCES: Octavius Brooks Frothingham, Gerrit Smith:
A Biography, p. 225-6
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