The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-06-28
s....sr sumner ana ,he President

We find in the papers the following pri-
vate letter from the Hon. Charles Sumner,
in reply to a letter addressed to him by
personal friend. Senator Summers hearty |
endorsement will not be without its infiu- |
ence upon those who arc impatient at what
they tenn tie pro-slavery policy of the
President. At the same time there is no.
thing in this endorsement which should
shake the confidence Of conservative men 10
his wisdom and prudence. The response
tility resting upon the President is noInen-
tous, and he docs well TO take no steps IN
advance of pubic sentiment. Making the
Constitution his guide. and with single
eye to the suppression of the rebellion and
the restoration Of the Union. he mus, dis
appoint many who would hasten the dawn
Of universal freedom by every appliance OF
legislation, and by the utmost stretch of the
war power 1t is something 10 obtain from
one who mas be regarded as representative
Of this class, so handsome a tribute 10 the
purity OF the Presidents motives, and SO
hearty an endors crnent Of the correctness of
his convictions aud sympathcs:
SENATE CHAMBER, June D, 1859.
Nv Dear Sy: Your criticism Of the Pres
idcnt is hasty. | am confden. that il you
knew him as l do, you would not make it.
Of course the President cannot be held
responsible for the msfeasanccs Of subordi
mates, unless adopted or at least tolerated
by him. And l am sure tina, nothing IN
r.. t~i. n
less adopted by him.
am happy 20 let you know that he has
no sympathy with Stanley in his absurd
wickedness, closing the schools, nor again
i'm his other act OF tnruing our camps into
hunting ground for slaves. lie repudiates
both-positively. The latter point has oc
cupied much OF his thought. aud the news
papers have not gone too far in recording
his repeated declarations, which have often
heard from bis own lips, that slaves finding
their way within the national lines are never
to be re enslaved. This is his conviction,
expressed without reserve
Could you have seen the Presdent-as it
was my privilege often-while he was con
sldering the great questions on which he has
already acted-the invitation to emancipa-
ton 10 the States. emancipation in tie Dis
trIct OF Columbia. and the acknow led cment
Of the independence OF Hayti and Liberia,
even your seal would have been satisfied,
for you would have felt the sincerity of his
purpose to do what he could to carry for. !
ward the principles Of the Declaration of
Independence. His whole soul was occu
pied. especially by the first proposition,
which was peculiarly his own. In familiar
intercourse with him, remember nothing
more touching than the earnestne>s and
completeness with which, he embrace this I
idea To his mind it was just and benefi- |
cent, while IL promised tie suro end of
slavery. Or course, to me. who had al I
ready proposed Bridge of Gold for the re-
treating tiend. it was Moss welcome Pro
cceding from the President, il must take its I
place among the great events of history.
Ii you are disposed to be impatient at
any seeming short comings, think, l pray
you. Of what has zen done in brief pc
Rod, aud from the past discern the sure |
promise of the future. Knowing something
of my convictions, and Of the ardor with |
which l maiutain them, you may, perhaps,
derive some assurance from my confidence
| say to you, therefore. stand by the Adj
minIstration. Ii need be, help it bv word
and act, but stand by i, and have faith in it.
l wish that you really knew the Presi-
dent, and had heard the arlles, expressio
of his convictions on those points which
concern you SD deeply. You might per-
haps wish that lie were less cautious, but
you would be grateful that he is so true to
oil that you have at heart. Believe me,
therefore, you are wrong. and regret it
the more because OF my desire to sec all our
friends stand firm together
If l write strongly it is because l feel
strongly, Tor my constant and intimate in.
tercouTse with the President, beginning
with the Ash of March, not only buds me
peculiarly 10 his Administration, but giycs
me personal well as political interest
IN seeing tina, Justice is done him.
Believe me, my dear sir.
With much regard.
Ever faithfully yours