Mr. Sumner answered by telegraph as follows.
Sharing the general grief in the loss of a rare and pure patriot,
I regret that public duties here seem to prevent me from uniting
with the Legislature in the honors they propose to his memory.
I am grateful to the Joint Committee for the opportunity they
offer me of commemorating a great example of genius, learning,
and eloquence, consecrated to patriotic service; but the probable
session of the Senate and the exigencies of public business
(which are always my first duty) make me fear that I cannot
respond to their summons. I mention with hesitation, but to
explain the rule which is with me obligatory, that, during my
long term in the Senate, I have never left my seat for a single
day, except while an invalid. Be good enough to accept my thanks
and sympathies.