Though the memorial was addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury, I felt it my duty to apply to the Secretary of the Navy. He entered into the plan with much benevolence, and expressed a desire to do all that the means at his command would permit. The only vessel at Boston in readiness is the steam-frigate Merrimack, which is about to start on a “trial-trip” of one week, previous to a cruise of six months. This vessel has already been ordered to make the week’s voyage direct from Boston to Norfolk; but the Secretary will give directions that she shall proceed to the Great Banks as far as can be judiciously done, under the circumstances, in order to afford relief to vessels in distress. He would extend the cruise to a longer term at once, but the contractors who have furnished her engines have certain rights which he is bound to respect.
The Secretary authorizes me to say also that he will send further relief, if possible.
I beg you to assure the memorialists that it will give me pleasure to promote the objects of the memorial to the full extent of my power.
Believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
John T. Smith, Esq., Exchange News-Room.
THE EXAMPLE OF WASHINGTON AGAINST SLAVERY NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN NOW.
Letter to a Committee of the Boston Mercantile Library Association, February 19, 1856.