Senate Chamber [May, 1866].
DEAR SIR,—I have your letter of the 19th in reference to the removal of your political disabilities.
I am not sure that the time has yet come to make exceptions to our general policy in individual cases. To do so would open the door to innumerable applications; and once open, it would be difficult to shut it.
I hope to meet such cases as yours by some general enactment; and as soon as the condition of the country will permit, I shall be the first to advocate the removal of all disabilities under which you labor at present.
Yours truly,
Charles Sumner.
INTERRUPTION OF RIGHT OF PETITION.
Remarks in the Senate, on the Withdrawal of a Petition from Citizens of Virginia, May 24, 1866.