Sunday, September 17, 2023

Charles Sumner to Mr. Wilson, September 9, 1850

NEWPORT, R. I., September 9, 1850.

My Dear Sir—I regret that it will not be in my power to attend the meeting of our friends at the Adams House.

I am unwilling to intrude my opinion with regard to the points in question; but I cannot forbear urging two things of essential importance, first, our principles; and second, harmony among ourselves.

Nobody would propose an abandonment of our principles; but there may be a difference of opinion as to the most effective way of maintaining them. For myself I should incline against any departure from our customary course which did not enlist the sympathies of all who have thus far acted together in our movement.

I see no objection, in point of principle, to unions in towns, and also in counties, such as took place last autumn. Dr. Palfrey has vindicated these in a manner difficult to be answered, in his 'Letter to a Friend,' recently printed.

If such unions should take place, it is possible that the general politics of the State might be changed.

But it seems to me a step of questionable propriety for our State committee, or any number of Free Soilers, to enter into an arrangement or understanding with the Democrats as to the disposition of offices.

As at present advised, I should be unwilling to be a party to any such bargain. All that we could properly do would be to make the unions in the towns and counties if practicable, and upon the whole deemed best, and to leave the future to the discretion of the men who should be chosen, without any bargain of any kind.

Faithfully yours,
CHARLES SUMNER.

SOURCES: Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and Letters of Charles Sumner, Vol. 3, p. 222-3; “Notes and Incidents.—Two Recent Letters from Mr. Sumner—A Touching Testimonial, Etc.,” The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, Tuesday, March 17, 1874, p. 5

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