Charles Sumner.
William H. Seward.
[JAMES OTIS AN EXAMPLE TO MASSACHUSETTS.]
Letter to the Cape Cod Association of Massachusetts, July 30, 1854.
Here, again, is an effort against the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act.
Senate Chamber, July 30, 1854.
Dear Sir,—I have been honored by the Cape Cod Association with an invitation to unite with them in their approaching festival at Yarmouth.
Amidst these unprecedented heats it is pleasant merely to think of the seaside; much pleasanter would it be to taste for a day its salt, refreshing air, especially with cherished friends, and stirred by historical memories, in these times bracing to the soul. But my duties will keep me here.
In that part of Massachusetts to which you invite me was born James Otis, one of our immortal names. He early saw the beauty of Liberty, and in those struggles which preceded the Revolution gave his eloquent tongue to her support. To the tyrannical Writs of Assistance, offspring of sovereign power, and at that day regarded as constitutional, he offered inflexible resistance, saying, "I will to my dying day oppose, with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand and villany on the other. I cheerfully submit myself to every odious name for conscience' sake. Let the consequences be what they will, I am determined to proceed." And then again he declared of this outrageous process, "It is a power that places the liberty of every man in the hands of every petty officer." With this precision he struck at an engine of tyranny, and with fervid eloquence exposed it to mankind. Such a character should not be forgotten at your commemoration. Were I there, I might ask leave to propose the following sentiment.
The memory of James Otis, of Barnstable, the early orator of American Liberty.—Massachusetts cherishes the fame of her patriot child. Let her also imitate his virtues.
I remain, dear Sir, very faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
To the Chairman of the Committee.