MY DEAR SIR,—It will not be in my power to unite with my fellow-citizens of Boston in celebrating the anniversary of our National Independence; but I rejoice that we can celebrate it so happily, with Victory as the master of ceremonies.
Do not, I pray you, Mr. Mayor, let the great day pass without reminding our fellow-citizens that victory on the field of battle is not enough. There must be the further victory found in the recognition, everywhere throughout the country, of the ideas of the Declaration of Independence.
It must be confessed, that, according to these ideas, republican government can be founded only on “the consent of the governed” and the equality of all before the law. And why not dedicate ourselves to the work of establishing these ideas?
Then will our fathers be vindicated, and our country be glorified. God save the Republic!
Accept my thanks for the invitation with which you have honored me,
And believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.