Charles Sumner: “In respectful earnestness I must say, that, if, at the end of all the blood that has been shed and the treasure…”

“In respectful earnestness I must say, that, if, at the end of all the blood that has been shed and the treasure expended, the unfortunate negro is to be left in the hands of his infuriated and disappointed former owners to legislate and fix his status, God help him! for his cup of bitterness will overflow indeed.”