DEAREST LONGFELLOW, —
I could not speak to you as we parted, — my soul was too full; only tears would
flow. Your friendship, and dear Fanny's, have been among my few treasures, like
gold unchanging. For myself, I see with painful vividness the vicissitudes and
enthralments of the future, and feel that we shall never more know each other
as in times past. Those calm days and nights of overflowing communion are gone.
Thinking of them and of what I lose, I become again a child. From a grateful
heart I now thank you for your true and constant friendship. Whatever may be in
store for me, so much at least is secure; and the memory of you and Fanny will be
to me a precious fountain. God bless you both, ever dear friends, faithful and
good! Be happy, and think kindly of me.
SOURCE: Edward L.
Pierce, Memoir and Letters of Charles Sumner, Vol. 3, p. 259
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