Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 2

[225] will observe that nothing on the subject is embodied in the treaty. It is to be found in the correspondence, and is in the nature of an honorary engagement. Indeed, I understood that some of the rabid Southerners proposed to fasten a rider upon the ratification, of this sort: ‘Considering the engagement by Lord Ashburton on behalf of his Government not to apply the local law of the West Indies, &c., we hereby ratify, &c.’ Wise counsels prevailed; and their treaty escaped this defacement. Loving peace as I do, and hating slavery as I do, I feel embarrassed. I have hoped that nothing would occur to break the charm of the treaty, and to interfere with the establishment of complete harmony; but I revolt at any new sanction, even by implication, being extended to slavery.

Lord Ashburton and his suite spread a social charm over Washington, and filled everybody with friendly feelings toward England. Even J. Q. Adams relaxed in his opposition to all things English; and he confessed that this mission and the conduct of its members had made him for once doubt the uniform hostile intentions of England to the United States.

Choate thinks you were influenced by the desire to save all the money we owe your subjects. I told him there was a better and purer reason, in which I have faith,—a sincere conviction that a war between us will be inhuman and unchristian, and inconsistent with the civilization of the age. Bound up with this were undoubtedly motives of self-interest, suggested by the conviction that a war would be destructive to the material interests of the country.

Ever, ever yours,

C. S.

To Lord Morpeth, Albany.

Boston, Sept. 11, 1842.

my dear Morpeth,—We all bask in the sunshine of peace! The letter about the ‘Creole’ has not yet been published. Lord Ashburton's engagement for his government, if it prove to be as I understand it, will not be more agreeable to me than to you. It extends another sanction to slavery, instead of withdrawing from it all sustenance, and leaving it like a girdled tree. I bow to Webster's intellect: it is transcendent, magnificent. But he wants that divine afflatus,—those airs from heaven, which fan such a flame in the mind of Channing. I have never read despatches of a higher intellectual character than those that have come from Webster since he has been Secretary; and some of them have my most unqualified admiration, both as compositions and as expositions of the law of nations. But where slavery occurs, then he falls like Lucifer!

I note your programme for the North River; but I have been the length of that river three times, in the course of this summer, and my time is limited; so that I must see you in New York, in order to enjoy the last of you, and give you a parting ‘God speed!’ Let me know when you sail.

Do not fail to enjoy Catskill and West Point. They are both inexpressibly fine. I doubt if Theodore Sedgwick is at Stockbridge now. I wish you