“You have ever been in the foremost rank in guarding and
defending the rights of the colored people of this country
with a sacred jealousy. I hail with inexpressible joy
your manly, bold, and intelligent avowal of their civil
and political rights, on the opening of the session of
Congress. I feel assured that they will be opposed, and
strongly opposed; but God grant to you, and the other
fearless champions of Freedom’s cause, strength and ability
to successfully defeat all opposition!”
Hon. Theophilus Parsons, the learned Law Professor and law
writer, wrote from Cambridge:--
“Congress has hard work before it,--about as hard as
Grant had to take Richmond; but I suppose it will be done
somehow.”
Hon. Charles W. Upham, a scholar and writer, formerly
Representative in Congress from the Essex District in
Massachusetts, wrote from Salem:--
“Stick to the noble ground you have taken, and let reason
and events put the President in harmony with you and the
people.”
With such voices from the people the great work of the session
began.
The bad spirit which belonged to the days of Slavery seemed
also to return. The following, to Mr. Sumner from ----, dated
“Paymaster General’s Office, Washington, December 11, 1865,”
recalled other days.
“I conceive it to be my duty to impart the following
information, in which you may be interested.
“Calling your name yesterday, in conversation with a
citizen of this city, he casually remarked that you
would probably be killed before the expiration of this
session,--that two or three were sworn against you.
“I paid no apparent attention to the remark at the time,
nor asked any question with regard to it; but, if I can
serve you in the matter any further, I am at your command.”
Mr. Sumner did not notice this letter, or follow it with any
inquiry. He was accustomed to such reports.