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

[334] as in ‘Guido’ in Italian, or as in ‘guillotine’ in French? I detest the war spirit in Thiers's book. It is but little in advance of the cannibalism of New Zealand. What do you think of phrenology, and of animal magnet. ism? ‘Eothen’ is a vivid, picturesque book, by a man of genius.

What are you doing? When do you set your face Westward? I suppose Wheaton will be recalled; and I was told yesterday that Irving would be also, in all probability. . . .

Ever thine,

Chas.

To Thomas Crawford.

Boston, May 10, 1845.

my dear Crawford,—I suppose you have not yet received the letter from the students. I believe they postponed it till you are known to be in Boston. They confine their order to the limits of their pockets, and propose a bust only. I propose a statue. Quincy will make an admirable statue in his robes as President of the College; and the Library of the College is a beautiful hall. He should preside in marble to distant ages in that hall. Is there any tribute between a bust and a statue,—something above a bust, and below a statue,—that you can devise?

There are some difficulties in our plan, because the students will not join with us; and a bust and a statue together will not be required. I shall see Judge Story, and be advised by him. On your return to Boston, I shall desire your counsel.

Remember me to L——, whose ‘counterfeit presentment,’ Miss W——, is now in Boston.

Ever thine,

Charles Sumner.

To his brother George.

Boston, Sunday Morning, June 1, 1845.

dear George,—I am on a committee for determining the plan of our new Athenaeum,—a building which is to contain a library of one hundred thousand volumes, a picture gallery, a sculpture gallery, and a reading-room. wish you to send me any suggestions that occur to you with regard to such a building. I am anxious to secure a large, generous, hospitable vestibule, hall, and stairway. I remember the stairs (by Bernini, I think) which lead to the Vatican on the right of St. Peter's. Can you send me the measurements of these,—width, height, breadth? They were stairs of such exquisite proportions that you seemed to be borne aloft on wings. Pray send me every thing that occurs to you about the Athenaeum.

At the last meeting of our Prison Discipline Society, when the Secretary had made his annual report abusing the Philadelphia system, as is his wont, I came forward (in Park-Street Church) and answered him,—moving the reference of the report to a select committee. Of course, I am on that committee. We shall make a thorough report on the two systems. What is your