The Portland daily press., 1876-11-20

Saturday, August Goth, 1869, was dark and
| gloomy. A pail hung over the city portentous
| of what was approaching. the death of VIM
| Pitt Fessenden. The darkness came early, in
| dicating rain; the streets were deserted;
| scarcely a football was heard On my way
home from my office 1 called at the Merchants
| Exchange to get the latest news. What was
my surprise to see written on the Exchange
| bulletin board, "Charles Sumner very sick'
not expected to lve." AS there were but few
people in the Exchange or on the street l knew
that this report, interesting as it was, W ould
almost be unknown until the coming day.
After my tea decided to call on Mr.. Fes-
sender and advise him of the news. Mr..
Fessenden received me very cordially After
some casual remarks in regard to his health,
the weather and to some portraits which hung
on the walls of his reception room l asked
him, "Have you heard the important news"
he replied 81 have not. What is it?'' ans
wered, "a Geographic report says Charles
Sumner is very sick and not expected to live.'
els it possible?" was his quick reply. The
news seemed almost to psralyze him. After
some moments of musing he made this MEM
orable reply: Il am happy that all our differ
ences are settled
This fact at this time seemed to afford him
much pleasure-that whatever of ill-teeling had
existed between him and Mr.. Sumner had
passed away, and that they would work to-
gether again, as they did in the dark and
gloomy days of the Republic. Mr. Fessenden
was then in his usual health, not well, but
comfortable, himself and his friends anticipat-
Ing for bin long and useful life Many were
sanguine that their hopes in regard to him
would be fully realized and that he would have
the highest Office within the disposal of the
American people, and what he richly deserved
the Presidency. His Roman frmness, honesty,
integrity, undertaking regard for what was
right, and great ability, made him worthy CT
the highest place in the Republic
had before conversed with him in regard to
his trouble with Mr.. Sumner, wlseh they were
unhapply estrangea from each other. 1 knew
that they were reconciled and friends again,
and the impressions Of that evening and that
hour will dwell in my memory while 1 live.
MIR. Fessenden was called by some who did not
know him, cold and unfeeling. He was far
from it. He had warm heart. He appeared
sad as bade him good bye and saw him no
more alive.
Monday morning came and the reported sick
ness of Mr. Summer was contradicted, affording
much pleasure to those who loved their country
and knew that his eminent services were re-
quired toconsumate the great work which the
loyal North had carried forward until that
time
But what change was to come in one day.
Tuesday morning came and the report was
spread over the city of Portland that VIM P.
Fessenden was very sick and not expected to
live For days the people were anxious in re-
gard to the result, expectation vibrating be-
tween hope and fear, and when it was an
noupced that he could not live the whole city
was in mourning. Political friends and foes
Joined together in the great sorrow.
wrote Mr. Sumner an account of my call on
Mr.. Fessenden Saturday evening and the great
feeling and sympathy manifested by him
toward Mr.. Sumner at the sad news. After
Mr.. Fessenden's death received the following
letter from Mr.. Sumner which speaks for ITSELF
"BosToN, Sept. Sth, '69.
MY DEAR SIR / am grateful for your kind and
thoughtful letter.
The report you gave of what Mr.. Fessenden said of
me touched me much. Until his recent illness had
looked forward to happy intercourse and coopera-
ton in the public SERVICE His death leaves me more
than ever alone for he was among those whose term
came nearest my own. wish you would assure his
sons OF my sincere sympathy.
Faithfully yours,
CHARLES SUMNER
Mr. Sumner remained few years longer to
complete the great work which he and Mr.
Fessenden as patriots were engaged in, and !
which by their eloquence, disinterestedness,
fearlessness aud great ability with Others, they |