Letter on the Soldiers’ Monument at North Weymouth, Mass., July 2, 1868.
Senate Chamber, July 2, 1868.
MY DEAR SIR,—I wish that I could take part in the interesting ceremonies to which you invite me; but my duties will keep me here.
On the anniversary of the birth of our Nation you will commemorate the death of patriots who gave their lives that the Nation might live. Grateful to our fathers, who at the beginning did so much, we owe an equal debt to those who saved the original work.
The monument which you rear will be national in its character. Dedicated on the anniversary of Independence, it will have for its special object to guard forever the memory of those through whom the first fruits of Independence have been secured.
Our fathers established the National Independence; our recent heroes have made it perpetual through those vital principles which can never die. Honor to the fathers! Honor also to the sons, worthy of the fathers!
Accept my best wishes; believe me, my dear Sir, very faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
Gen. B. F. Pratt.