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

[246] likely to take place, consulted Sumner as to his wishes concerning the appointment, and found him disposed to accept it if offered to him. The new reporter was, however, appointed when Judge Story was absent. Sumner's name seldom appears on the court dockets of this period; and the assured income of a reporter offered attractions for one who had no liking for the practice of the law.

Sumner's circle of friends in New York was enlarged during his visits to that city, where he was the guest of his brother Albert, or a lodger at the Globe or Astor. His relations with Chancellor Kent continued to be most cordial; and with this learned jurist, now advanced in years, he talked of law and lawyers at home and abroad.¹ With the Chancellor's friend, Samuel B. Ruggles, he conversed concerning the future of the metropolis. With the Jays, William and John, father and son, he was in full sympathy on moral and political questions. He found in Benjamin D. Silliman a genial friend, with whom he had much in common as members of the same profession and interested in the same social circle. He delighted in the society of his friends on Bond Street, and shared with many others the enthusiasm which their wit and beauty inspired.² In September, after attending a wedding on Staten Island, he made a visit to the North River. He was first the guest of Mackenzie,—ever grateful to his defender,—and next, by the invitation of Mr. Harvey, passed four days at Hyde Park. Here had been the seat of Dr. David Hosack,³ an eminent surgeon, distinguished for his hospitality. His sons and daughters (of whom Mrs. Harvey was one) were then living with Mrs. Griffith, near their father's estate. Among the group of families living or visiting in this attractive region were the Hosacks, Langdons,⁴ Hones, Ogdens, Wilkeses, Livingstons,⁵ Lewises,⁶ Crugers, and Van Rensselaers. Sumner joined, on the day of his arrival, in an excursion to ‘the enchanted island,’⁷ just below Tivoli, the mistress of which—the daughter of ‘the Patroon’—added distinguished personal charms to the