LETTER TO THE GERMAN REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF NEW YORK, FEBRUARY
25, 1862.
Mr. Sumner’s letter is in reply to the following resolutions,
communicated to him by the Secretary of the Committee.
“The German Republican Central Committee of the City and
County of New York, at their regular monthly meeting, held
at head-quarters, February 14th, 1862, unanimously
“_Resolved_, That the thanks of this Committee are hereby
tendered to the Hon. Charles Sumner, United States Senator
from Massachusetts, for the ‘Resolutions declaratory of the
relations between the United States and the territory once
occupied by certain States, and now usurped by pretended
Governments without constitutional or legal right,’
introduced by him into the United States Senate.
“_Resolved_, That we consider these Resolutions as
embodying sound constitutional doctrine, conclusive logical
argumentation, and the only true basis upon which the Union
can be permanently reconstructed.”
SENATE CHAMBER, February 25, 1862.
SIR,--I have had the honor to receive the Resolutions unanimously
adopted by the German Republican Central Committee of New York,
declaring their adhesion to certain principles presented by me
to the Senate on the relation between the United States and the
territory once occupied by certain States, and now usurped by
pretended Governments without constitutional or legal right.
I pray you to let the Committee know my gratitude for the prompt
and generous support they have given to these principles. Our
German fellow-citizens, throughout the long contest with Slavery,
have not only been earnest and true, but have always seen the
great question in its just character and importance. Without
them our cause would not have triumphed at the last Presidential
election. It is only natural, therefore, that they should
continue to guard and advance this cause.
Where so many hesitate and fail, it is most gratifying to find a
Committee so distinguished as yours ready again to enter into the
contest for Human Rights.
Accept the assurance of the respect with which I have the honor
to be, Sir,
Faithfully yours,