Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-05-21
between Senator Sunni
ner and tine American R1nrehanrs in
Letter to Mr.. Suosner.
PARIS, April %, lS5


PARIS, April 2S, 1867.
DEAR SIR--The American merchants resid-
ingin Paris, DESTROYS of expressing their high
regards and admiration for your noble indie.
pendence and distinguished services as a Sem
ator Of the United States, respectfully invite
you to meet them at public dinner to be
given at such time during your soiourn in
Paris as may be most convenient to yourself.
Though well aware that you are habitually
accustomed to decline all similar requests, we
earnestly hope you will yield to our wishes.
As citizens of the great repabhc, represent
ing many states, and all actively engaged in
commercial life, we tender you this tribute as
an evidence of our appreciation of your elevat-
ted patriotism, unbending integrity, and spot
less honor.
With the highest esteem, we have the
honor to be your friends and fellow citizens.
John Munroe, B. g. Wainwright, Elliot g.
Cowdin, Samuel p. Holmes, A. p Montant,
Thomas N. Dale, 6. F. L. Reed, janice w.
Tucker, George i. Richards, A. K. p. Cooper,
George Milne, c. l.. Sharpsteen, Henry
Woods, W. Endtcott, Jr., John c. Martin,
Walter I'll. Lewis, George L. Todd, David
Lane, v. Mumford Moore, ]. H. Deming,
Joseph D. B. Curtis, A. B. Strange
To this invitation Mr.. Sumner returned
the following graceful and eloquent reply:
HOTEL DE LA PAX, Rue de la Paix, April 80.
GENTLEMEN I'll have been honored by
your communication of the 18th of April, in
which, after referring to my services as a Sem
ator of the United States, in language which
is generous beyond the ordinary experience of
political life, you are pleased TO invite me in
the name of the American merchants residing
in Paris, to a public dinner at such time as
may be most convenient to myself.
The voice of hospitality is pleasant in a
strange land. But the hospitality which you
offer me is enhanced by the character and
number of those who unite in it, among
whom recognize well-known names, which
are Intimately associated with the commerce
of my country in one Of its most important
outposts.
But there is one aspect in which your invi.
tation is especially grateful 1t is this. If l
have been able to do anything not unworthy
OF your appreciation, it is because have new
er failed, whether in majorities or minorities,
against all obloquy, and at every hazard, to
uphold those principles of liberty which, Just
in proportion as they prevail under our Con-
stitution, make US an example to the nations.
And since my public course cannot be un.
known to you, am permitted to infer that
the public testimony with which you now
honor, is offered in some measure to those
principles -dearer to me than Guy personal
dlstinctiOn--with which am proud to know
that my name is associated.
The invitation you send me, coming from
such a source, couch ed in terms so hatterng,
and possessing such an import, presents a
temptation difficult to resist But 1 am adj
monished by the state of my health, which is
yet far from its natural vigor, that must not
listen to it, except to express my gratitude
In making this exeuse,let me fortify myself by
the confession, that l left home mainly to
withdraw from the excitements of public life,
and particularly from all. public speaking, in
the assurance that by such withdrawal, ac-
companied by that relaxation which is found
in change Of pursuit, my convalescence
would be completed. The good physician,
under whose advice l have acted, would not
admit that by crossing the sea L had been able
at once to alter all the conditions under which
his advice was given.
But cannot turn coldly from the opportu-
nifty you offer me. My heart overhows with
best wishes for yourselves individually, and
also for the commerce which you conduct,
mingled with aspirations that your influence
may always add to the welfare and Just re-
nown Of our country. AS American MGR
chants at Paris, you are representatives OF the
United States on foreign mission, without
diplomatic salary or diplomatic privilege. But
it belongs to the felicity OF your position, that
what you do well for yourselves, you will do
well for your country and, more than any
diplomacy, viii contribute to strengthen the
friendly tios OF two powerful nations. Pardon
the allusion, when add, that you are the