I am particularly
moved to this [to write] by your allusion to me in connection with a certain post. I appreciate your generosity, and am proud of your confidence. I am not
entirely insensible to the honor that post would confer, though I do not feel
this strongly, for I have never been accustomed to think highly of political
distinction. I feel that it would, to a certain extent, be a vindication of me
against the attacks to which, in common with you and others of our friends, I
have been exposed. And I am especially touched by the idea of the sphere of
usefulness in which it would place me. But notwithstanding these things, I must
say that I have not been able at any time in my inmost heart to bring myself to
desire the post, or even to be willing to take it. My dreams and visions are
all in other directions. In the course of my life I have had many; but none
have been in the United States Senate. In taking that post, I must renounce
quiet and repose forever; my life henceforward would be in public affairs. I
cannot contemplate this without repugnance. It would call upon me to forego
those literary plans and aspirations which I have more at heart than any merely
political success. Besides, even if I could incline to this new career, there
are men in our ranks, my seniors and betters, to whom I defer sincerely and
completely. Mr. Phillips, by various titles, should be our candidate. If he
should be unwilling to take the place, then we must look to you. In seeing you
there I should have the truest satisfaction. You are the man to split open the
solid rock of the United States Senate. I shrink unfeignedly from the work. For
this I have never “filed my mind.” I shall see you soon, I trust, when we may
talk of these things.
SOURCES: Edward L.
Pierce, Memoir and Letters of Charles Sumner, Vol. 3, p. 233
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