Letter to the Young Men’s Association of Albany, April 16, 1864.
The managers of the Young Men’s Association of Albany, after excluding from their lecture-room all persons not of an approved color, invited Mr. Sumner to speak on Lafayette. He returned the following answer.
Senate Chamber, April 16, 1864.
SIR,—You invite me to deliver an address on Lafayette before the Young Men’s Association of Albany. In view of a recent incident in the history of your Association, I am astonished at the request.
I cannot consent to speak of Lafayette, who was not ashamed to fight beside a black soldier, to an audience too delicate to sit beside a black citizen. I cannot speak of Lafayette, who was a friend of universal liberty, under the auspices of a society which makes itself the champion of caste and vulgar prejudice.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Sumner.
C. W. Davis, Esq.,
Cor. Sec., &c., Albany.