Boston, Thursday, March 15, 1852.
Dearest Sumner:
— I write you from my house, to which I have been confined by a more than
commonly severe attack of neuralgia. I have been indisposed four days, or else
I should have studied the land question in order to be able to give a reason
for the faith that is in me. I have a sort of instinct that you are in the
right, but that you do not go far enough. This whole matter of ownership of
God's earth, whether by individuals or by nations, has got to be ripped up and
readjusted upon principles and considerations different from those ever yet
entertained by any except those who are pooh-poohed down as visionaries.
I do not think the press can make much impression by their
outcry against you; besides, that will cease now that Daniel, in order to make
a little capital, has followed in your wake. However, I shall be out to-morrow,
and will see what I can do.
Some of your friends, and good judicious ones, have been
alarmed by the onslaught made upon you for your silence about slavery;1
and all Hunkerdom shouted “a hit! a capital hit!” when Judge Warren quoted
something of yours about the effect of Washington atmosphere upon our Northern
representatives &c. Some friends say that you cannot altogether get over an
impression (if such should get abroad) that you had wavered, even by your being
ever so firm afterwards. I do not share their alarm — not as yet. I do not much
regard any temporary and passing policy got up by the daily press; by and by it
will not be asked how long was Sumner silent — at what precise moment did he
speak — but it will be asked did he speak out and speak bravely? I do think it
important, and more than a matter of taste, that your speech should be
well-timed, and seem to be called for. There are great and vital questions yet
to come up about the Territories, and about California. However, I know nothing
about the how, the why, the when — but this I know, you are true and brave—the
Bayard of politicians, sans peur et sans reproche.
You will, I doubt not, give due weight to those
considerations which your friends urge as calling for a speedy manifestation of
your principles.
Vaughan is here, upon Kossuth business principally, but this
is entre nous.
I have seen much of him; he is a very intelligent man and I
think an honest one as politicians go.
I saw Longfellow at his beautiful home a few days ago.
I saw Palfrey too — growing rapidly into an old man; thin,
wan and sad. He is a noble and beautiful spirit.
At the State House our friends are fighting for freedom in
every way that seems to them likely to redound to their own credit and continue
them in power.
They talk, you know, of violating the common law of custom,
and running Rantoul into the Senate — but they will hardly venture, because
they do not feel strong enough, and a defeat would be very bad. I am sorry they
ever put out any feelers about it.
Your description of your genial days makes me sigh; to-day
we have a cold easterly storm and the ground is covered with snow and sleet.
I had fully determined to leave on the first of April when
my vacation at the Blind begins; but I have to look out for the Idiots.
Seguin2 has been here two months, and proves to
be a man of great vigour of intellect, and full of resources; he has done
wonders — but we can hardly keep him; he is full of self-esteem and exigeant
to the uttermost; one of his conditions is that the Trustees shall not be
allowed to hold any meetings without his being present. Another that neither
the matron nor any teachers shall hold any communication with the parents of
the pupils, &c., &c. Besides, he is choleric, not benevolent, and not
very high in his motives.
C'est la gloire — la gloire.
But I must close.
Ever thine,
s. G. H.
_______________
1 See post, p. 382.
2 Dr. Edward Seguin, author of “De l'Idiotie,”
etc., came in 1852 to “take charge of the school for Idiots long enough to
organize the classes, and introduce his method of training.” This gentleman . .
. was at the head of the first public institution (for the teaching of idiots,)
organized in France.
SOURCE: Laura E. Richards, Editor, Letters and
Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe, Volume 2, p. 365-8
