Worcester daily spy., 1851-05-17
Mr.. Summers Letter of Acceotance.


Mr.. Summers Letter of Acceptance.
The following letter from Charles Sumner, Esq, ac.
cepting the post of U. S. Senator was read by the
resident Of the Senate, before that body, yesterday
Fellow citizens of the Senate and House of Repre-.
sentatves: have received by the hands of the Secre-
ary oil the Commonwealth, certificate that. by
current votes of the two branches of the Legislature
namely, by the Senate the 22d day of January, and
by the House Of Representatives the oath day of
April, was duly elected, in conformity to the bro.
visions OF the Constitution and Laws of the United
States, Senator TO represent the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in the Senate of the United States for
the term OF SIX years, commencing the 4th day of
March 1851.
III were to follow the customary course shoull re-
ceve this in silence But the proiracted and unprece-
dened contest, which ended my elections the int rest
1t awakened; the Importance universally conceded to
IT; the ardor of opposition, and the constancy ofsup-
port which It aroused; also the principles, which, more
than ever before among US, Brought into discussion
seem to justify what my feelings iresstiby prompt
departure IRON this rule. II, beyond these consdeia
tons any apology be needed for thus directly address
ing the Legislature, may find it in the example of an
usrIous predecessor, whose clear and venerable name
will be a sufficient authority.
he trust conferred upon me is one of the most
welghy which citizen can receive 1t concerns the
grandest interests of our Commonwealth and also
OF the Union, whereof ale an indissoluble
Like every post Of eminent duty, is post of eminent
honor personal ambition, such as cannot confess
might De satisfied to possess 1t. But when think of
what 1t requires am obliged to say, that its honors
are all eclipsed IN my sight by its duties.
Your appointment finds in a private station. with
which am entirely content. But this is not all For
| the first time in my life, now called 10 political
once. with none OF the experience, so amply possess.
ed by Others to smooth the way of labor, might well
hesitate But am cheered by the generous confidence
which, throughout heightened contest nersevered in
SUSTAINING bv
Seeming differences Of party, the Sentiments of which
am the known advocate, and which led to my origi-
nal selection candidate, dear to the hearts Of
large majority of the people of this Commonw ealth-
derive also grateful consciousness of personal indie.
pendence from the circumstance, which deem it frank
and proper thus publicly declare and place on record
that this Office comes to me, unsou9ht and undesred
acknowledging the right of my country to the SER
vice OF her sons wherever she chooses to place them
and with heart full of gratitude that sacred cause
has been permitted to triumph through me. now ac
cept the post of Senator.
accept it as the servant Of Massachusetts mindful
OF the sentiments soemny uttered by her successive e
gisatures; OF the genius which inspires her history
ana oi the men, her perpetual pride and ornament who
nreathed into her that breath of liberty, which early
made her an example to her sister states. In such a.
service, the way, though to my footsteps will be
lllumIned by lights which cannot be missed
accept 1t as the servant of the Unicn bound to
study, and maintain with equal patriotic care, the
e.
nance every effort to loosen any of those ties hy
which our fellowship of States is held in fraternal
company; and to oppose all seetionalism, whether
tappear in unconstitutional efforts by the North to
carry so great a boon as freedom into the slave
States, or in unconstitutional efforts by the South,
aided by Northern allies to carry the sectional evil
OF slavery into the free States; n whatsoever eff
orts may make TO extend the sectional domination
OF s,avery over the national government. With me
no IIntn &c
guardian of the repose and happiness of thirty-one
sovereign States clasped by the endearing name of
country; and next, as the model and beginning of
that all-embracing federation of States, by which
UNITY, peace and concoId will finally be organized
among the nations. Nor do believe it 1osible
Whatever may be the deuson of the hour, that any
part thereof can be permanently lost from its we'll
comPacted bulk. e PluribuS Unum is STAMPED
upon the national coin, the national territory, and
tue national heart. Though composed of many
parts united into one the Union is separable only by
crash which shall destroy the WHOLE
Entering now upon the public service venture
to bespeak for what may do or say, that candid
Judgment which trust always to extend to others.
but which am well aware the preiudces of party
too rarely concede. may fail in ability, bat not in
sincere efforts to promote the general veal In the
conflicts of opinion, natural 10 the atmosphere Of
liberal institutions, may err; bur trust never to
Hrn0ees.
or the modesty which becomes the consciousness of
right If decline to recognize as my guides any of
the men Of Today, shall feel safe, while | follow
the master principles which the Union was estab-
lshed to secure, and lean for support on the great
triumverate Of American freedom--W Washington.
Franklin and Jefferson. And since politics are sim |
ply morals applied to public affairs, shall find con-
stant assistance from those everlasting rules of right
and wrong, which are law alike to individuals and
communities; nay, which constrain the Omnipotent
God in self-imposed bonds.
Let me borrow, in conclusion, the language Of
another; +" see my duty; that Of standing up for
the liberty of my country and whatever difficulties
and dscouragements len my way, dare not shrink
from il; and rely on that being, who has not left
to us the choice Of duties, that, whilst shall con.
sclentousy discharge mine, shall not finally lose
my reward" These are the words Of Washington
uttered in the utter darkness Of the American Reyo-
iuilon The rule Of duty is the same for the lowly
and the great; and hope il may not seem presump-
tuous in one so humble as myself, to adopt his de-
termination, and to avow lis confidence. ! have
the honor to be, fellow citizens, with sincere regard,
your faithful friend and servant, tH 3h
CHARLES SUMNER
Boston, May Ia, 1851. l al sI ~