The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-06-27
Senator Sumner on tho Presidents
Course.

There arc certain men who, discerning
truthiully the existence of slavery to be tn
cause Of the present civil war in this repub
lie, manifest some inpatience that the Presi
dent does not strike more directly at thu
"peculiar institution" itself. That this clas'
of men have tho utmost confidence in Chas
Sumner there can be no doubt. To them
then, his opinion of the Presidents course
may be interesting, as well as to all Others.
A personal friend of Mr.. Sumner wrote
him letter, expressing his fears as to the
policy of tho Administration. The letter
below is the reply made to this correspond
ent:
SENATE CHAMBER, June 8, 1862.
|. My DEAR SIR: Your criticism of the Pres
ident is hasty. | am confident that, ii you
knew him us well as do, you would moi
make it.
OF course the President cannot be held re-
yponsible for the misieasances OF subordin
ates, unless adopted Or ut least tolerated by
him. And am sure that nothing unjust OF
ungenerous will be tolerated, much less adopt
I'd by him.
am happy to let you know that hc has
no sympathy with Stanley in his absurd wick.
edness, closing the schools, nor again in hi:
other act of turning our camps into hunt.
ing ground for slaves. Iierepudiatcs both
positively. The latter point has occupied
much OF his thought, and the newspapers
have not gone too far in recording his repeat.
ed declarations, which have often heard
from his 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 Prcsident-as it
was my privilege olten-while he was con-
uidering the great questions on which he has
already acted-the invitation to emancipa-
ton in the States, emancipation in the Dis
trict Of Columbia, and The acknowledgment
of the Independence of Hayti and Liberia,
even your zeal would have been satisfied. for
YOU would have felt the sincerity Of his pur.
pose to do what he could to carry forward
the principles of the Declaration of INDIE
pendencc. His whole soul was occupied, es.
pecially by the first proposition, which was
neculiarly his own. In familiar intercourse
with him, remember nothing more touching
than the earnestness and completeness with
which he embraced this idea. To his mind
Il was lust and benefcent, while II promised
the sure end Of slavery. Of course, to
me. who had already proposed bridge oil
gold for the retreating fend. II was welcome.
Proceeding from tho President, 1t must take
Its place among the great events OF history.
II YOU ore disposed to be inpatient ut any
shortcomings, think, pray you. OF what
has been done in short period, aud rom the
past discern the sure promise OF the future;
knowing something oil my convictions and Of
the ardor with which maintain them, you
may, perhaps, derive some assurance from my
confidence. say to you, therefore, stand Dy
the Administration. II need be, help IT by
word and act, but stand by 1t and have faith
in it.
wish that you really knew the President,
and had heard the artless expression oil his
convictions on those questions which concern
you so deeply. You might, perhaps, w'sh
that be were less cautious. but you would pe
grateful that he Is 30 true to all that you
have at heart. Believe me, therefore, you
are wrong. and regret It the more because
of my desire TO see ell Of our friends stand
firm together.
IT write strongly IL Is because ! ieei
stronly, for my constant and Intimate inter
course with the President, beginning with
the 4th Of March, not only binds me pecui-