Charles Sumner

I have heard but one opinion of these speeches from every side: indeed, there can be but one,--that which expresses unmingled admiration and delight.

When I came to that answer of yours, 'Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?' I could not but cry out, 'That is just the thing!

I have read your speech of the 28th June with, I think, more thorough satisfaction and delight than any other in my life, not excepting even your first speech on the Fugitive Bill, for which I waited so impatiently, as your first great…

I have just read the full report of your speech with intense satisfaction.

You claimed not a tittle too much, and he deserved just that sort of treatment.

I liked and entirely approved the self-respect with which you put your own opinion side by side with the Virginian's and left it.

All your late efforts have been grand: see the benefit of being insulted.

The insolence of the presumption to stand between a man and his own conscientious interpretation of the Constitution, especially when they defiantly and every day dare everybody to tread on their coat-tails, at the price of treason and…

You had ample occasion, and now I hope you will keep up the war aggressively; never fail to attack them, in the right way, whenever they deserve it.

All our friends are delighted, and men, who, even up to this hour have withheld all words of commendation, are proud of your speech, and loud in their commendations.

I write to say to you that you have given the heaviest blow you ever struck to the slaveholding oligarchy.

I never felt so proud of you as now, and can't go to bed without first thanking you for the noble words which Apthorp has just read me of yours from the Transcript of to-night.

Sumner stood inimitable, and hurled back the taunts of his assailants with irresistible force.

I assure you that last week was the proudest week I ever saw.

It carried the war into the bowels of his opponents in a manner not ordinarily excusable, but, after the provocation which had been given, in this instance most abundantly justifiable.

Sumner has made more brilliant, classical, scholarly speeches, but never one more effective, nor one upon which his fame as Congressional debater can more creditably rest.

I have not been accustomed to praise the Senator who is now my theme; but that heart must be cold, and that judgment lamentably distorted, which could withhold from Mr.

This able, triumphant vindication, which covered the assailants with confusion, told with the more effect because it was unexpected.

They were glad to find the audacious pretensions of the slave-masters repelled in Congress.

Sumner replied at once, "Then let the Senator say the immoral courage.

It is true, the remonstrants and their representatives here are treated with indignity; but the great right of petition, the sword and buckler of the citizen, though thus dishonored, is not denied.

And now, giving to oblivion all these things, let me, as I close, dwell on a single aspect of this discussion, which will render it memorable.

He will find me ready to follow him in argument,--though I trust never to be led, even by his example, into any departure from those courtesies of debate which are essential to the harmony of every legislative body.

Thus, Sir, do I present the issue directly on this monstrous enactment.

Let the Senator answer this objection, if, in any way, by twist of learning, logic, or law, he can.