“Allow me, as one of the people, though not one of your immediate constituents, to thank you for your great speech. In these times, when there is a tendency to let down the great principles of Universal Liberty in order to gain a temporary triumph, it was so refreshing to have them so nobly and faithfully advocated in the great forum of the nation, that I felt truly grateful to you, and to Him who has preserved you for such a service. If Slavery is to be restricted, it is because of its own inherent wrong, wheresoever and upon whomsoever it rests. And if wrong, we are bound not only to resist its extension, but by whatever powers we have to seek its extinction.”
Professor Benjamin Silliman, distinguished in science and venerable in years, wrote from Yale College:—
“It is a terrible indictment, and supported by such an array of facts, that, having now gone to the jury, there can be no doubt as to the verdict, and a verdict without appeal, except to violence,—against which, as regards yourself personally, I trust you will exercise a ceaseless, although not a timid vigilance.”
Cyrus R. Sanborn wrote from Rochester, New Hampshire:—
“After the many anxious inquiries during your long absence in a foreign land, your return to the Senate has been a topic of not much less interest. Upon the question often being asked, ‘Shall we again hear from Mr. Sumner on the question of Slavery?’ as often it would be answered either in the affirmative or negative. Not too late, just at the time, you have answered the whole question in your recent elaborate speech. Happy and delighted are freemen that the bludgeon and threats have not daunted your courage and freedom of speech upon the great question of Slavery.”
John A. Andrew, afterwards the great Governor of Massachusetts, wrote from Boston:—
“Among the numerous congratulatory letters which your recent brilliant Senatorial effort is doubtless bringing to you, I doubt not you will derive some pleasure in being remembered at No. 4, Court Street.
“‘The Philosopher’[143] and myself, as you know, always read you promptly and carefully. In this recent triumphant success I recognize the ‘wonted fires’ which have now these dozen years illumined our heavens. And I rejoice at the evidence of confirmed physical vigor which is assured by your encounter of the fatigues and excitement of such an intellectual exercise. May you live a thousand years!”
Hon. Francis W. Bird, one of the ablest and honestest politicians in Massachusetts, for many years an Abolitionist, and of peculiar influence, wrote from East Walpole:—