Letter to a Meeting at Faneuil Hall, October 29, 1856.
Philadelphia, October 29, 1856.
SIR,—I cannot be at Faneuil Hall on Saturday evening, according to the invitation with which I have been honored. But, though feeble still, I hope to be in Boston on the succeeding Tuesday, to vote. If not strong enough to speak, I trust at least to be able to perform this duty of the citizen.
My vote will not be needed; but I am unwilling that the opportunity should pass of uttering my determined NO against the efforts now making to subjugate Kansas and to install the Slave Oligarchy in permanent control of the National Government. Against this dreadful conspiracy I protest, with all the ardor of my soul; and I know no way in which I can hope to make this protest immediately effective, except by casting my vote for those candidates openly and unequivocally hostile to the consummation of the crime.
Especially shall I vote for Burlingame; and I shall do this, not only because I think him worthy of honor, and admire his generous nature, intrepidity, and eloquence, but because I have at heart the good name of Boston, and the welfare of my country. Boston should sustain Burlingame, not merely for his sake, but for her own sake,—not merely to do him honor, but to save herself from dishonor,—not merely from local pride, but to strengthen Liberty and to serve the whole Republic, now endangered alike from criminal audacity and from subservient timidity.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your faithful servant,
Charles Sumner.
To the Chairman of the Meeting at Faneuil Hall.