This speech was made on the eve of the Presidential election, with the special purpose of sustaining Hon. Goldsmith F. Bailey, the Republican candidate for Congress in the Worcester District, against Hon. Eli Thayer, the previous Representative, who, failing to obtain the Republican nomination, became an Independent candidate. When it was known that Mr. Sumner had accepted an invitation from the Republican Committee to speak in the District, Mr. Thayer addressed him a letter, proposing a public discussion together on an evening named. To this challenge Mr. Sumner promptly replied in the following letter.
Boston, October 30, 1860.
MY DEAR SIR,—I make haste to acknowledge your favor of 29th October, that I may not seem for a moment to fail in any courtesy towards you.
I have been invited by the Republicans of Worcester to address them in support of their candidate, and have not felt at liberty to decline the invitation. But I should not like to take part in any controversy with an Opposition candidate, even had I been invited to do so.
Accept the good wishes which I sincerely cherish for your personal welfare, and believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
Hon. Eli Thayer.