This letter appeared in a Richmond paper.
Senate Chamber, June 22, 1868.
DEAR SIR,—I have your letter of the 18th, in reference to the eligibility of a colored man to Congress.
I know of no ground on which he could be excluded from his seat, if duly elected; and I should welcome the election of a competent representative of the colored race to either House of Congress as a final triumph of the cause of Equal Rights. Until this step is taken, our success is incomplete.
Yours truly,
Charles Sumner.