“Before concluding that which related to North Carolina, Mr. Sumner interrupted the reading, and requested Mr. Stanton to stop until he could understand whether any provision was made for enfranchising the colored man. Unless, said he, the black man is given the right to vote, his freedom is mockery.
“Mr. Stanton said there were differences among our friends on that subject, and it would be unwise, in his judgment, to press it in this stage of the proceedings.
“Mr. Sumner declared he would not proceed a step, unless the black man had his rights. He considered the black man’s right to vote the essence, the great essential.”
In conformity with this declaration Mr. Sumner continued to act, as appears in correspondence and speech. His Eulogy on President Lincoln, at the request of the municipal authorities of Boston, was an appeal for the black man. So also was his private correspondence, during this summer, with Secretary Stanton, Secretary McCulloch, Secretary Welles, Secretary Harlan, and Attorney-General Speed, all of the Cabinet.
Meanwhile the President went forward in his “policy.” The country was alarmed. Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, the acknowledged leader of the House of Representatives, partook of the anxiety which ensued. Though not yet prepared to press the ballot for all, he was strenuous against the assumption and precipitation of the President.
As early as May 10th he wrote to Mr. Sumner, from Philadelphia:—
“I see the President is precipitating things. Virginia is recognized. I fear before Congress meets he will have so bedevilled matters as to render them incurable. It would be well, if he would call an extra session of Congress. But I almost despair of resisting Executive influence.”
This was followed by another letter, under date of June 3d, from Caledonia, Penn., where were his iron-works:—
“Is it possible to devise any plan to arrest the Government in its mad career? When will you be in Washington? Can’t we enlist bold men enough to lay the foundation of a party to take the helm of this Government and keep it off the rocks?”