[THE NATIONAL FLAG THE EMBLEM OF UNION FOR FREEDOM.]
Letter to the Boston Committee for the Celebration of the 4th of July, 1852.
Washington, July 2, 1852.
Dear Sir,—It will not be in my power to unite with my fellow-citizens of Boston in celebrating the approaching anniversary of our national independence. I venture, however, in response to the invitation with which I have been honored, to recall an incident not unworthy of remembrance, especially in our local history.
The thirteen stripes which now distinguish our national flag were first unfurled by Washington, when in command of the American forces which surrounded Boston, after the Battle of Bunker Hill, and before the Declaration of Independence. Thus early was this emblem of Union consecrated to Freedom. Our great chief at once gave to the new ensign a name which may speak to us still. In a letter, written at the time, he calls it the Union Flag, and declares why it was first displayed. His language is, that he had "hoisted the UNION FLAG in compliment to the UNITED Colonies."[96] Afterwards, on the 14th of June, 1777, by a resolution of the Continental Congress, the stars and stripes were formally adopted as the flag of the United States.
This piece of history suggests a sentiment which I beg leave to offer.
Our National Flag. First hoisted before Boston, as the emblem of Union for the sake of Freedom. Wherever it floats, may it never fail to inspire the sentiments in which it had its origin!
I have the honor to be, dear Sir,
Your faithful servant,
Charles Sumner.
Hon. Benjamin Seaver, Chairman of the Committee, &c., &c.
[UNION AGAINST THE SECTIONALISM OF SLAVERY.]
Letter to a Free-Soil Convention at Worcester, July 6, 1852.