The following correspondence, with its brief introduction, is
copied from _Galignani’s Messenger_ at Paris.
“SENATOR SUMNER, OF MASSACHUSETTS.--This distinguished
American statesman and orator has been tendered a public
dinner by the American merchants residing at Paris, in the
following complimentary terms.
“PARIS, April 28, 1857.
“DEAR SIR,--The American merchants residing in Paris,
desirous of expressing their high regard and admiration
for your noble independence and distinguished services as
a Senator of the United States, respectfully invite you to
meet them at a public dinner, to be given at such a time
during your sojourn in Paris as may be most convenient to
yourself.
“Though well aware that you are habitually accustomed to
decline all similar requests, we earnestly hope you will
yield to our wishes.
“As citizens of the great Republic, representing many
States, and all actively engaged in commercial life, we
tender you this tribute, as an evidence of our appreciation
of your elevated patriotism, unbending integrity, and
spotless honor.
“With the highest esteem, we have the honor to be your
friends and fellow-citizens.
“JOHN MUNROE,
B. G. WAINWRIGHT,
ELLIOT C. COWDIN,
SAMUEL P. HOLMES,
A. P. MONTANT,
THOMAS N. DALE,
G. F. T. REED,
JAMES W. TUCKER,
GEORGE T. RICHARDS,
A. K. P. COOPER,
GEORGE MILNE,
C. L. SHARPSTEEN,
HENRY WOODS,
W. ENDICOTT, JR.,
JOHN C. MARTIN,
WALTER H. LEWIS,
GEORGE L. TODD,
DAVID LANE,
V. MUMFORD MOORE,
J. H. DEMING,
JOS. D. B. CURTIS.”
To this invitation Mr. Sumner returned the following reply.
HÔTEL DE LA PAIX, RUE DE LA PAIX,
April 30, 1857.
GENTLEMEN,--I have been honored by your communication of
the 28th April, where, after referring to my services
as Senator of the United States, in language generous
beyond the ordinary experience of political life, you are
pleased to invite me, in the name of the American merchants
residing in Paris, to a public dinner, at such time as may
be most convenient to myself.
The voice of hospitality is pleasant in a strange land.
But the hospitality which you offer is enhanced by the
character and number of those who unite in it, among whom
I recognize well-known names, intimately associated with
the commerce of my country in one of its most important
outposts.
There is one aspect in which your invitation is especially
grateful. It is this. If I have been able to do anything
not unworthy of your approbation, it is because I never
failed, whether in majorities or minorities, against all
obloquy, and at every hazard, to uphold those principles of
Liberty which, just in proportion as they prevail under our
Constitution, make us an example to the nations. And since
my public course cannot be unknown to you, I am permitted
to infer that the public testimony with which you now honor
me is offered in some measure to those principles,--dearer
to me than any personal distinction,--with which I am proud
to know that my name is associated.
The invitation you send me, coming from such a source,
couched in terms so flattering, and possessing such an
import, presents a temptation difficult to resist. But
I am admonished by the state of my health, which is yet
far from its natural vigor, that I must not listen to it,
except to express my gratitude. In making this excuse,
let me fortify myself by the confession that I left home
mainly to withdraw from the excitements of public life, and
particularly from all public speaking, in the assurance
that by such withdrawal, accompanied by that relaxation
which is found in change of pursuit, my convalescence would
be completed. The good physician under whose advice I have
acted would not admit that by crossing the sea I had been
able at once to alter all the conditions under which his
advice was given.
I cannot turn coldly from the opportunity you offer
me. My heart overflows with best wishes for yourselves
individually, and also for the commerce which you conduct,
mingled with aspirations that your influence may always add
to the welfare and just renown of our country. As American
merchants at Paris, you are representatives of the United
States on a foreign mission, without diplomatic salary or
diplomatic privilege. But it belongs to the felicity of
your position that what you do well for yourselves will be
well for your country, and, more than any diplomacy, will
contribute to strengthen the friendly ties of two powerful
nations. Pardon the allusion, when I add that you are
the daily industrious workmen in that mighty loom whose
frame stands on the coasts of opposite continents, whose
threads are Atlantic voyages, whose colors are the various
enterprises and activities of a beneficent commerce,
and whose well-wrought product is a radiant, speaking
tissue,--more beautiful to the mind’s eye than any fabric
of rarest French skill, more marvellous than any tapestry
woven for kings,--where every color mingles with every
thread in completest harmony and on the grandest scale, to
display the triumphs and the blessings of Peace.
Accept the assurance of the sincere regard with which I
have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your faithful servant and fellow-citizen,