The Peace Conference is like the Senate,—powerless to mature any system of harmony. And the question of enforcing the laws and retaking the forts,—in other words, of our existence as a Government,—when presented, must increase the discord.
If Mr. Lincoln stands firm, I do not doubt that our cause will be saved. All that we hear testifies to his character. But he is a man.
The heart-burnings and divisions showing themselves in our party a few weeks ago are now less active. Those fatal overtures will fall to the ground. Oh, that they never had been made!
God bless you!
Ever yours,
Charles Sumner.
NO SURRENDER OF THE NORTHERN FORTS.
Speech in the Senate, on a Massachusetts Petition in Favor of the Crittenden Propositions, February 12, 1861.