Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-06-14

private letter from Hon. Charles Sumner in
reply to one addressed to him by personal
friend =
SENATE CHAMBER June 3, 1862.
My Dear. Sir:-Your criticism of the
president is hasty. L am confident that, if
you knew him as | do, you wouldnot make it.
Of course the president cannot be held re-
sponsible for the misfeasances of subordinates,
unless adopted or at least tolerated by him.
And am sure that nothing unjust or ungen-
erous will be tolerated, much less adopted by
him.
am happy to let you know that he has no
sympathy with Stanley in his absurd wicked
ness, closing the schools, nor again in his 9TH
er act OF turning our camps into a hunting
ground for slaves. He repudiates both-pos-
itively. The latter point has occupied much
of his thought, and the newspapers have not
gone too far in recording his repeated dcclar-
ations, 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 re-
serve.
Could you have seen the president-as it
was my privilege otten-while he was consid-
ready acted-the invitation to emancipation
in the states, emancipation in the District of
Columbia, and the acknowledgment of the in
dependence Of Hayt and Liberia even your
zeal would have been satisfied, for YOU would
have felt the sincerity of his purpose to do
what he could to carry forward the principles
OF the Declaration of Independence. His
whole soul was occupied, especially by the
first proposition, which was peculiarly his
own. In familiar intercourse with him, | re-
member nothing more touching than the earn
estness and completeness with which he en-
braced this idea. To his mind it was lust and
beneticent while it promised the sure end of
slavery. VI course, to me, who had already
proposed a Bridge of Gold for the retreating
hend, 1t was most welcome. Proceeding
from the president, it must take its place
among the great events of history.
If you are disposed to be impatient at any
seeming shortcomings, think, pray you. of
what has been done in a brief period, and
from the past discern the sure promise of the
future. knowing something of nv conyic-
tons and of the ardor with which | maintain
them, you may, perhaps, derive some assur-
ance from my confidence. | say to Won
therefore, stand by the administration If
need be, help it by word and act but stand bv
it and have faith in it.
wish that you really knew the president,
and had heard the artless expression of his
convictions on those questions which concern
you so deeply. You might, perhaps, wish
that he were less cautious, but you would be
grateful that he is so 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 all our friends stand firm to-
gether.
If write strongly, it is because l feel
strongly, for my constant and intimate inter-
course with the president, beginning with the
4th of March, not only binds me peculiarly to
his administration, but gives me a personal as
well as political interest in seeing that JUS
tice is done him.
Believe me, my dear sir, with much regard,
Ever faithfully yours,
CHARLES SUMNER.