Sumner, Charles (1811-1874) to Frederick Douglass
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00470.02 Author/Creator: Sumner, Charles (1811-1874) Place Written: Nahant, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa December 1870 Pagination: 2 p. ; 17.8 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
Dated "Thursday." [Henry Wadsworth] Longfellow (who had a home in Nahant) informed Sumner that false words about Douglass had been attributed to Sumner. Sumner clarifies that he stated that whatever Douglass may think of the "Presidential indignity" every one had a right to expresss their opinion "inas much as it concerned race."
Sumner was a United States Senator from Massachusetts, who during the Civil War was known for his ardent abolitionism.
Nahant
Thursday
Dear Mr. Douglass,
Since my note of this mor[ni]ng, Mr. Longfellow has read to me what purports to be an interview where are attributed to me words about you which never crossed my lips. I said that, whatever Mr Douglass [2] might think of the Presidential indignity, every body has a liberty to express an opinion on it inasmuch as it concerned race.
I write this because I am determined that no ill-will or carelessness of others shall make trouble between us.
Ever sincerely yours,
Charles Sumner
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