Description:

Charles Sumner Declines an Invitation Due to Illness, Two Years Prior to Caning

2pp of a bifolium, measuring 5" x 8", Boston, dated November 22, 1854. A short letter signed "Charles Sumner", addressed to Reverend T. W. Higginson, sending his regrets about attending an event due to illness. Reading in full:

"I am now in the hands of my physician & am admonished by him that I cannot expect to perform my public engagements this week. I have postponed this notice until reluctantly satisfied that my physical condition left me no alternative. With sorrow I renounce the opportunity, afforded by the invitation of your committee, to address the people of Worcester as an interesting occasion & as a subject near to my heart." With flattened mail folds and areas of soiling on the blank back page. Boldly signed, very fine.

Charles Sumner (1811-1874) was a Massachusetts Senator, known for his powerful oratory skills. He was the leader of the anti-slavery movement in the state and of the Radical Republicans in the U.S. Senate. Sumner is widely remembered has having been nearly killed after delivering an anti-slavery speech "The Crime Against Kansas", in which he insulted South Carolina Senator Andrew Butler. On May 22, 1856, Butler's first cousin once removed, Preston Brooks, attacked Sumner unprovoked on the floor of the Senate and nearly beat him to death with a gold-headed cane. The episode became a polarizing incident in America, as Sumner became a martyr in the North and Brooks a hero in the South.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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