The life of Charles Sumner : with choice specimens of his eloquence, a delineation of his oratorical character, and his great speech on Kansas

Front matter

Life of Charles Sumner Har sha

The Institute of Museum and Library Services through an Indiana State Library LSTA Grant

CHARLES SUMNER.

Preface

In preparing the following brief Memoir of the Hon. Chakles Sumner, we would mention three principal objects which we have had in view : 1st, The presentation of the leading events in his public life, in a chronological order ; 2d, The introduction of the choicest specimens of his eloquence, especially those passages which best illustrate his character as an advocate of human rights, and, at the same time, afford the finest examples of his style of composition ; and 3d, The delineation of his oratorical character.

The dates and circumstances connected with the delivery of his numerous orations and speeches are given, with comments on the passages quoted, particularly with regard to the style, the grandeur of their conception, or the happy and forcible illustration of their subjects. Nothing need be l*

6 PREFACE.

said in commendation of the great speech on Kansas, which we have added as the masterpiece of Mr. Sumner. It speaks for itself, and we earnestly request every American citizen to peruse it carefully. The ingenuous reader will admire it as an eloquent production, a manly declaration of the noble sentiments of its author on an important question, and a glorious defence of Liberty in an oppressed Territory. It is full of the beautiful and sublime, grand in its diction, rich and instructive in its historical details, logical in its deductions, and powerful in its appeals.

In the Appendix will be found the scathing speech of Daniel Lord, Esq., delivered at the indignation meeting in New York, and the remarks made at the indignation meeting in Faneuil Hall, Boston, together with the speeches of Rev. Drs. LTalley and Hague, at a similar meeting in Albany. We would here remark that the speeches of these distinguished clergymen are among the most eloquent and spirit-stirring that have been made on such occasions, and reflect much credit upon the genius and patriotism of their authors.

This biographical sketch, accompanied by an immortal speech, is now respectfully offered to

PREFACE. 7

the public, in the hope that it may prove both interesting and instructive to the thousands of our citizens who are manifesting their sympathy for the stricken senator. Would that it were a more worthy tribute of honor to the man, whose blood, unrighteously shed, calls aloud to heaven and earth for avenging justice, and whose name shall be transmitted to the most distant posterity, among the noble army of martyrs to the cause of Liberty ! May the reader rise from the perusal of this volume with feelings of admiration for Charles Sumner, the ripe scholar, the able lawyer, the eloquent orator, the accomplished statesman, the noble champion of Freedom.

Aegtle, N. Y., October, 1856.

" Tell me not of rights— talk not of the property of the planter in his slaves. I deny the right— I acknowledge not the property. The principles, the feelings of our common nature, rise in rebellion against it. Be the appeal made to the understanding or to the heart, the sentence is the same that rejects it. In vain you tell me of laws that sanction such a claim! There is a law above all the enactments of human codes— the same throughout the world, the same in all times; it is the law written by the finger of God on the heart of man ; and by that law, unchangeable and eternal, while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine and abhor blood, they will reject, with indignation, the wild and guilty phantasy that man can hold property in man." — Lord Brougham.

Chapter I

His birth — notice of his father — early education — wins several literary prizes — a close student of history — his youth — early associations— passage from Mr. Everett — remarks of Mr. Sumner on Boston — graduates at Harvard College— studies law — a diligent student — eloquent passage from Dr. Chalmers, on genius and industry— Mr. Sumner writes for the American Jurist — becomes its editor — admitted to the bar — practices in Boston — appointed reporter of the Circuit Court — lectures to the law students of Cambridge — edits an important law-book — his position as a lawyer 13

CHAPTER H.

Visit to Europe — letters of introduction — received in England with marked attention — attends the debates in Parliament — favorably received by members of the English Bar, &c. — visits Paris — -writes a defence of the American claim to the Northeastern boundary — visits Italy — studies art and literature there — visits Germany — returns to Boston — again lectures in Cambridge — publishes an edition of Vesey's Reports — delivers his oration, entitled the True Grandeur of Nations — Judge Story's opinion of it— eloquent passage on the Reign of Peace 26

10 CONTENTS.

Chapter III

Spoken of as the successor of Judge Story in the Law School — remarks of Story and Kent — espouses the cause of freedom — compared to Charles James Fox — delivers a speech against the admission of Texas as a slave State — extracts from tlie speech 40

Chapter IV

Pronounces an oration hefore the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Harvard University — beautiful extracts — sentiment of John Quiney Adams — delivers a speech on the anti- slavery duties of the Whig party — glowing passages from this speech — delivers a brilliant lecture on white slavery in the Barbary States 46

Chapter V

Pronounces an Oration before the Literary Societies of Amherst College — extracts — delivers an oration before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Union College — splendid passages from this address — makes a speech before the Whig State Convention of Massachusetts, at Springfield — forcible passages quoted from this address. — remarks 59

CHAPER VI.

Delivers a Speech in a Mass Convention at Worcester, Massachusetts—extracts—delivers an address before the American Peace Society in Boston — admirable passages quoted from this effort — remarks, &c 73

CHAPTER VIE.

Delivers a Speech at the Free Soil State Convention — remarks on this effort — forcible extracts— Mr. Sumner ever true to the cause of freedom 85

CONTENTS. 11 chaptek vrn.

Elected to the United States Senate — Letter of Acceptance — Speeches on the Iowa Railroad Bill — An extract — delivers his celebrated Speech in the Senate, entitled Freedom National, Slavery Sectional— passage quoted on Freedom of Speech — the Peroration — remarks 96

CHAPTER LX.

Delivers a Speech at the Plymouth Festival — its peroration quoted — makes his memorable Speech in the Senate, The Landmark of Freedom ; Freedom National — extracts — his final protest for himself and the Clergy of New England against Slavery in Nebraska and Kansas — his remarks on that occasion 112

CHAPTER X.

Delivers his speech in the Senate on the Boston Memorial for the Repeal of the Fugitive Slave Bill, etc. — makes an address before the Mercantile Library Association of Boston — delivers his speech in the Senate, entitled the Demands of Freedom — Repeal of the Fugitive Slave Bill — pronounces an address at the Metropolitan Theatre, New York — eloquent extracts 124

CHAPTER XL

The late Session of Congress — Mr. Sumner delivers his great Speech on Kansas — the assault in the Senate chamber — Mr. Sumner's statement respecting it — indignation meetings — remarks. ... 138

CHAPTER XII.

Oratorical character of Mr. Sumner — his person — his delivery — hia voice — his intellect — his learning — his imagination, &c. — his love of freedom — his style of composition — compared to Fisher Ames — concluding remarks 151

12 CONTENTS.

Speech

The crime against Kansas. The apologies for the crime : the true remedy 161

Speech of Daniel Lord, delivered in the Broadway Tabernacle, May 30th, 1856 303

Eemarks made at the indignation meeting in Boston, May 24th, 1856 30S

Speech of Eev. Dr. Hague, at the indignation meeting in Albany, June 6th, 1856 313

Speech of Eev. Dr. Halley, at the indignation meeting in Albany, June 6th, 1856 321

MEMOIR

OP

HON. CHARLES SUMNER.

Chapter I

His birth — notice of his father — early education — wins several literary prizes — a close student of history — his youth — early associations— passage from Mr. Everett — remarks of Mr. Sumner ou Boston — graduates at Harvard College — studies law — a diligent student — eloquent passage from Dr. Chalmers, on genius and industry— Mr. Sumner writes for the American Jurist — becomes its editor — admitted to the bar — practices in Boston — appointed reporter of the Circuit Court — lectures to the law students of Cambridge— edits an important law-book — his position as a lawyer.

Charles Sumnek was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 6th of February, 1811. His father, Charles Pinckney Sumner, was born in 1776 ; was graduated at Harvard College, and studied law under Hon. George Eichards Minot, and Hon. Josiah Quincy. He was a man of learning and abilities, and possessed a noble, philanthropic spirit. It is said that the happiness of mankind was his controlling passion. A simple anecdote will illustrate this :

" Shortly after he left college, an incident occurred expressive of this character. He passed a winter in the "West Indies. The vessel in which he was a passenger, happened to stop at the Island of Hayti, which was then rejoicing in its independence ; and the officers and passengers, with other American citizens there, were invited to a public entertainment on the anniversary of the birthday of Washington, at which General Boyer, afterwards president of that republic, presided. Mr. Sumner, when called upon for a toast, gave the following : ' Liberty, Equality, and Happiness, to all men ;' which so much pleased Bojrer, that he sent one of his aids-de-camp to invite the young American to take the seat of honor by his side at the feast."

In 1798, at the age of twenty-two, he delivered the poem before the Phi Beta Kappa of Harvard College, and in 1800, pronounced a eulogy on Washington, which was included in an octavo volume entitled " Eulogies and Orations on Washington," intended to embrace the best tributes to the memory of the " Father of his Country." In 1825, he was appointed by Gov. Lincoln to the office of high sheriff of the county of Suffolk, Massachusetts — a station which he occupied till his decease in 1839.

Among other estimable qualities, Charles Pinckney Sumner was distinguished for his probity and conscientious integrity. It is stated, that more than one person remarked of him, that they would trust their whole fortunes to him, without bond or security of any kind.

With regard to his literary character, we may also mention that he possessed respectable poetical talents. Some of his toasts at public festivals were expressed in verse, and were very felicitous. As a specimen, take the following, given July 4, 1826. " The United States : One and indivisible."

" Firm like the oak may our blest Union rise, No less distinguished for its strength and size ; The unequal branches emulous unite To shield and grace the trunk's majestic height; Through long succeeding years and centuries live, No vigor losing from the aid they give."

Another toast, which he gave on the 4th of July, 1828, in honor of Governor Lincoln, who was a practical farmer, deserves to be repeated here :

" In China's realms, from earliest days till now, The well-loved emperor annual holds the plow ; Here, too, our worthiest candidates for fame, With unsoiled honor, sometimes do the same. Upholding such, our yeomen's generous hearts Show a just reverence to the first of arts."

Mr. Sumner declined an invitation to become a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts. His memory will long be venerated by the patriotic citizens of his noble, native State.

In early life the subject of our memoir inanifested uncommon powers of intellect, and applied himself with indefatigable perseverance to the acquisition of useful knowledge, and to the improvement of his mind. His youthful years were thus profitably passed in collecting gems of wisdom and truth, and in laying the foundation of his future eminence as a scholar, and as an orator and statesman. He was carefully prepared for a collegiate course, at the Boston Latin School, where he acquired the reputation of a diligent and successful student. Indeed, so high were his literary attainments at this school that, at the end of his course, he won the prizes for English composition and Latin poetry, besides the Franklin medal.

It may here be stated that, among other studies which at this period engaged his attention, he was particularly delighted with history, a subject which he has ever since regarded with intense interest, and of which he has acquired a very accurate and extensive knowledge. It is said that while at the Boston Latin School, he would often rise before daylight to read Hume and Gibbon, and other celebrated historians. His mind was early replenished with the choicest passages and noblest expressions of ancient and modern writers, and these have been of eminent service to him while illustrating, defending, and enforcing the grand principles of justice and freedom.

As we shall yet have occasion to see, his speeches are full of classical allusions — of apt and beautiful comparisons and elucidations drawn from the sparkling fountains of antiquity. He also studied with much interest the manners and customs of different nations, and the chronology and mythology of the ancients.

The youth of Sumner was a pleasant season of rapid, intellectual development and progression in science and literature ; and the remembrance of youthful associations has been delightful to him ever since, as it must be to those who have passed their early days in virtuous habits and correct mental discipline. In allusion to those tender associations of youth, which we all cherish to the evening of life, he some time since beautifully remarked :

" We incline, by a natural emotion, to the spot where we were bora, to the fields which witnessed the sports of childhood, to the seat of youthful studies, and to the institutions under which we have been trained. The finger of God writes all these things, in indelible colors, on the heart of man ; so that, in the dread extremities of death, he reverts, in fondness, to early associations, and longs for a draught of cold water from the bucket in his father's well."

In the same mingled strain of pathos and beau- 2* ty does the classical and accomplished Everett allude to the scenes of his own schoolboy days. In 1838, at a public festival at Exeter, where he had received his academical education, he remarked : " It was my good fortune, to pass here but a portion of the year before I entered college ; but I can truly say that even in that short time I contracted a debt of gratitude, which I have felt throughout my life. I return to these endeared scenes with mingled emotion. I find them changed ; dwelling-places are no more on the same spots ; old edifices have disappeared ; new ones, both public and private, have been erected. Some of the respected heads of society whom I knew, though as a child, are gone. The seats in the Academy-room are otherwise arranged than formerly, and even there the places that once knew me know me no more. Where the objects themselves are unaltered, the changed eye and the changed mind see them differently. The streets seem narrower and shorter, the distances less con siderable ; this play-ground before us, which I re member as most spacious, seems sadly contracted But all, sir, is not changed, either in appearanct or reality. The countenance of our reverend pre ceptor has undergone no change to my eye. It still expresses that suaviter in modo mentioned by the gentleman last up (Rev. Professor Ware,

Jim.), with nothing of the sternness of the other principle. It is thus I remember it ; it was always sunshine to me. Nature, in the larger features of the landscape, is unchanged ; the river still flows, the woods yield their shade as pleasantly as they did thirty years ago, doubly grateful for the contrast they afford to the dusty walks of active life ; for the solace they yield in an escape, however brief, from its burdens and cares. As I stood in the hall of the Academy, last evening, and saw from its windows the river winding through the valley, and the gentle slope rising from its opposite bank, and caught the cool breeze that was scattering freshness after the sultry summer's day, I could feel the poetry of Gray, on revisiting, in a like manner, the scenes of his schoolboy days :

' Ah, happy hills ! ah, pleasing shade !

Ah, fields beloved in vain !

Where once my careless childhood strayed,

A stranger yet to pain !

I feel the gales that from ye blow A momentary bliss below,

As, waving fresh their gladsome wing, My weary soul they seem to soothe, And, redolent of joy and youth, To breathe a second spring.' "

Mr. Sumner early manifested the strongest attachment to Boston, his native city. In a passage of uncommon beauty he shows this regard in a happy manner :

" Boston has always led the generous and magnanimous actions of our history. Boston led the cause of the Revolution. Here was commenced that discussion, pregnant with the independence of the colonies, which, at first occupying a few warm but true spirits only, finally absorbed all the best energies of the continent, — the eloquence of Adams, the patriotism of Jefferson, the wisdom of Washington. Boston is the home of noble charities, the nurse of true learning, the city of churches. By all these tokens she stands conspicuous, and other parts of the country are not unwilling to follow her example. Athens was called the eye of Greece, — Boston may be called the eye of America ; and the influence which she exerts is to be referred, not to her size, — for there are other cities larger far, — but to her moral and intellectual character."

In 1830, Mr. Sumner was graduated at Harvard College, and the following year, entered the Law School of the same institution. His whole attention was now turned to the study of juridical science. Not trusting to genius alone, he inured his mind to incessant and hard study, and read all the legal authors of value which he met with. His labor in this respect was truly assiduous, as it was astonishing. "We are informed that he never relied upon text-books, but sought original sources, read all authorities and references, and made himself familiar with books of the common law, from the year-books, in uncouth Norman, down to the latest reports. It was said that he could go into the law library of which he was the librarian, and find in the dark any volume, if in its proper place.

In the early intellectual culture of Mr. Sumner, we have another exemplification of that acknowledged truth, that in order to lead any individual, however gifted he may be, to the highest literary eminence, labor, industry, and perseverance, must always accompany genius. This idea is beautifully unfolded by Dr. Chalmers in an admirable passage which we must here be permitted to quote at length :

" It is by dint of steady labor — it is by giving enough of application to the work, and having enough of time for the doing of it — it is by regular painstaking and the plying of constant assiduities— it is by these, and not by any process of legerdemain, that we secure the strength and the staple of real excellence. It was thus that Demosthenes, clause after clause, and sentence after sentence, elaborated, and that to the uttermost, his immortal orations ; it was thus that Newton pioneerea his way, by the steps of an ascending geometry, to the mechanism of the heavens — after which, he left this testimony behind him, that he was conscious of nothing else but a habit of patient thinking, which could at all distinguish him from other men. He felt that it was no inaccessible superiority on which he stood, and it was thus that he generously proclaimed it. It is certainly another imagination .that prevails in regard to those who have left the stupendous monuments of intellect behind them — not that they were differently exercised from the rest of the species, but that they must have been differently gifted. It is their talent, and almost never their industry, by which they have been thought to signalize themselves ; and seldom is it adverted to, how much it is to the more strenuous application of those common-place faculties which are diffused among all, that they are indebted for the glories which now encircle their remembrance and their name. It is felt to be a vulgarizing of genius that it should be lighted up in any other way than by a direct inspiration from heaven ; and hence men have overlooked the steadfastness of purpose, the devotion to some single but great object, the im weariness of labor that is given, not in convulsive and preternatural throes, but by little and little as the strength of the mind may bear it, — the accumulation of many small efforts, instead of a few grand and gigantic but perhaps irregular movements on the part of energies that are marvellous. Men have overlooked these as being indeed the elements to which genius owes the best and the proudest of her achievements. They cannot think that aught so utterly prosaic as patience, and painstaking, and resolute industry, have any share in the upholding of a distinction so illustrious. These are held to be ignoble attributes, never to be found among the demigods, but only among the drudges of literature : and it is certainly true, that in scholarship there are higher and lower walks. But still the very highest of all is a walk of labor. It is not by any fantastic jugglery, incomprehensible to ordinary minds, and beyond their reach — it is not by this that the heights of philosophy are scaled. So said he who towers so far above all his fellows ; and whether viewed as an exhibition of his own modesty, or as an encouragement to others, this testimony of Sir Isaac may be regarded as one of the most precious legacies that he has bequeathed to the world."

While a student of law, Mr. Sumner wrote several excellent articles for the " American Jurist," and soon became editor of that important journal. After reading law for some time in the office of Benjamin Rand, Esq., a counsellor of Boston, he was admitted to the bar at Worcester, and comrnenced the practice of his profession in Boston, in 1834. He was shortly after appointed reporter to the Circuit Court, and published three volumes which are known as " Sumner's Reports." For three successive winters after his admission to the bar, during the absence of Professors Greenleaf and Story, he lectured to the law students at Cambridge, and for some time had the sole charge of the Dane School. These labors he performed with distinguished ability, and entire satisfaction to the students and faculty, and while in this capacity, gained for himself a valuable reputation. From this period he speedily advanced to the front rank in his profession, soon became eminent as a jurist, and attracted the admiration of such men as Chancellor Kent, Justice Story, and other renowned civilians.

In 1833, he ably and judiciously edited A Treatise on the Practice of the Courts of Admiralty in Civil Causes of Maritime Jurisdiction, oy Andrew Dunlap. The valuable comments, which he added in the form of an appendix, contained as much matter as the original work. The editing of this treatise was undertaken in consequence of the illness of Mr. Dunlap, who stated on his deathbed that Mr. Sumner had worked over it " with the zeal of a sincere friend, and the accuracy of an excellent lawyer." Indeed, Mr. Sumner's position in the legal world, at this time, was an enviable one : he was universally regarded as a young lawyer of exalted talent, brilliant genius, and commanding eloquence.

26 MEMOIK OF

Chapter II

Visit to Europe — letters of introduction — received in England with marked attention— attends the debates in Parliament — favorably received by members of the English Bar, <fcc. — visits Paris — writes a defence of the American claim to the Northeastern boundary — visits Italy — studies art and literature there — visits Germany — returns to Boston — again lectures in Cambridge — publishes an edition of Vesey's Reports — delivers his oration, entitled the True Grandeur of Nations — Judge Story's opinion of it — eloquent passage on the Reign of Peace.

In the autumn of 1837, Mr. Sumner visited Europe, where he remained till the spring of 1840, enjoying superior advantages of a literary nature, and adding largely to the number of his intellectual accomplishments.

The renowned Judge Story, who always cherished the highest regard for him, wrote a letter of introduction to a distinguished gentleman in London, in which he says :

" Mr. Sumner is a practising lawyer at the Boston bar, of very high reputation for his years, and already giving the promise of the most eminent distinction in his profession ; his literary and judicial attainments are truly extraordinary. He is one of the editors — indeed, the principal editor of the ' American Jurist,' a quarterly journal of extensive circulation and celebrity among us, and without a rival in America. He is also the reporter of the court in which I preside, and has already published two volumes of reports. His private character, also, is of the best kind for purity and propriety; but, to accomplish himself more thoroughly in the great objects of his profession,— not merely to practice, but to extend the boundaries in the science of law, — I am very anxious that he should possess the means of visiting the courts of "Westminster Hall under favorable auspices ; and I shall esteem it a personal favor if you can give him any facilities in this particular."

When he reached England, Mr. Sumner was received with marked distinction by eminent statesmen, lawyers, and scholars. During his stay in England, which was nearly a year, he closely attended the debates in Parliament, and heard all the great speakers of the day, many of whom he became intimately acquainted with. His deportment was so gentlemanly, his mind so vigorous and accomplished, and his address so winning, that he became a favorite with many in the best circles of English society. With regard to the pleasing qualities of Mr. Sumner in conversation, it has been well said, " "We know not the man, that is more lovable, companionable, and profitable, in social intercourse, than is Charles Sumner."

In writing to Mr. Sumner, while enjoying such advantages in England, Judge Story says in a letter, dated August 11, 1838:

" I have received all your letters, and have devoured them with unspeakable delight. All the family have heard them read aloud, and all join in their expressions of pleasure. You are now exactly where I should wish you to be, — among the educated, the literary, the noble, and, though last, not least, the learned of England, of good old England, our mother-land, God bless her! Your sketches of the bar and bench are deeply interesting to me, and so full that I think I can see them in my mind's eye. I must return my thanks to Mr. Justice Vaughan for his kindness to you ; it has gratified me beyond measure, not merely as a proof of his liberal friendship, but of his acuteness and tact in the discovery of character. It is a just homage to your own merits. Your Old Bailey speech was capital, and hit, by stating sound truths, in the right way."

The most flattering attentions were shown to Mr. Sumner by distinguished members of the English bar and the bench, and while attending the courts at Westminster Hall, he was frequently invited by the judges to sit by their side at the trials.

" At the meeting of the British Scientific Association, he experienced the same flattering attentions. In town and country, he moved freely in society, to which intelligence and refinement, wealth and worth, lend every charm and grace. Nor did the evidence of such respect and confidence pass away with his presence. Two years after his return from England, the Quarterly Review, alluding to his visit, stepped aside to say : ' He presents, in his own person, a decisive proof that an American gentleman, without official rank or wide-spread reputation, by mere dint of courtesy, candor, an entire absence of pretension, an appreciating spirit, and a cultivated mind, may be received on a perfect footing of equality in the best circles — social, political, and intellectual ; which, be it observed, are hopelessly inaccessible to the itinerant note-taker, who never gets beyond the outskirts of the show-houses.' Eight years later yet, he received a compliment, which, from an English bench, is of the rarest occurrence. On an insurance question, before the Court of Exchequer, one of the counsel having cited an American case, Baron Parke, the ablest of the English judges, asked him what book he quoted. He replied, 'Sumner's Reports.' Baron Rolfe 3* said, ' Is that the Mr. Sumner who was once in England V On receiving a reply in the affirmative, Baron Parke observed, ' We shall not consider it entitled to the less attention because reported by a gentleman whom we all knew and respected.' Not long ago, some of Mr. Sumner's estimates of war expenses were quoted by Mr. Cobden, in debate, in the House of Commons."