Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-04-29
TFrom the Commonwealth.
NJ %uruDer.s Position.

- hr. &UmnerS ReSitlOh'
The position and feelings of Mr.. Sumner in BEN
candidate for and accepting the high Office of Sen
ator ortbe United States are well defined in the fol
lowing letter which he addressed General Wilson
in for the use ofthe members of the Legislature.
BosroE, Feb 22d, 1851.
Nv Dear Sir: desire to repeat to you in wiring
what have so constantly said to you and others by
! word Of mouth
L Early in life, formed determination never to
hold any political ciice, and, Of course, never to be
> candidate for any. My hope was, (mght so as
pre . 10 show that without IFS titles or emolumen's,
something might be done for the good OF my fellow
men,
Notwithstanding the strength Of this determina-
ton, often declared, have, by the confidence Of the
friends of freedom, in Boston, more than once been
pressed into the position oil candidate; and now, by
the nomination Of the Free Soil and Democratic
members of the Legislature of Massachusetts, con-
trary to my desires specially made known TO all who
communicated with me on the subject, have been
brought forward as their candidate for the Senate of
the United States.
Pardon me if say that personal regrets miugle
with my gratitude, for the honor that has been done
me- The office of Senator, though elevated and i'm
portan, is to less attractive than other and more
quiet fields ofabor.
Besides, there are members of our party, valued
associates in our severe struggle, to whom gladly
defer, as representatives of the principles which we
all have at heart
trust, therefore, that the friends of freedom, in
the Legislature, will not hesitate, on any ground of
delicacy towards me- TO transfer their support to
candidate, faithful TO our cause. In this matter, |
pray you, do not think of me- have no political
prospects which desire to nurse There is nothing
in the political field which covet Abandon me,
then, whenever you think best, without notice or
apology. The cause is everything; am nothing.
rely upon you ID some proper way to commun-
cate this note to the Free Soil members of the Legs
ature. Believe me, my dear sir,
Very respectfully yours,
CHARLES SUMNER
Hon. Henry Wilson, Chairman of the Committee
Of the Free Soil members Of the Legislature.
Throughout the protracted struggle, Mr.. Sumner
unswervngly maintained the position he had as
sumed in this letter, and gave his friends the most
perfect liberty to withdraw his name, if they should
deem it expedient. He also assured all, that if he
received the Office he must receive it free from the
letters and trammels ofany man or set of men,
When his election was announced, he was at tn,
residence Of the Hon. Charles Francis Adams-
Many members of the Legislature, of both parties
and others, called upon him to congratulate him o.
his election. Several gentlemen proposed to ca
upon him in the evening, en- mcsse He said tina
he felt grateful to his iends for their kindness, br
he did not wish to do say anything that could
construed by any one as evidence of feeling of pei
, sonal triumph-that he had not sought the place
that it was triumph of the cause and that his hea
G dictated silence. This conside-ate course, whic
: must commend itself TO all high-ninded men, gay
US the further assurance that he was just the man
d the hour.