From the public papers of the time.
SENATE CHAMBER, March 5, 1860.
MY DEAR HOWE,--I am glad to know that you are moving in earnest
for a public statue to Horace Mann.
Absence, and not indifference, is my excuse for not associating
myself at first with this purpose. Though tardily, I do it
now most sincerely, and with my whole heart. I send you for
it one hundred dollars; but you will please not to measure my
interest in this tribute to a public benefactor by the sum which
I contribute. Were I able, it would be ten times as large. If
each person in Massachusetts who has been benefited by the vast
and generous labors of Horace Mann,--each person who hates
Intemperance, and who hates Slavery,--each person who loves
Education, and who loves humane efforts for the prisoner, the
poor, and the insane,--should contribute a mite only, then his
statue would be of gold. Why not at once appeal to good men, and
insist upon organization throughout the Commonwealth, reaching
into every School District, so that all may have an opportunity
to contribute? Pray do this, and if I can serve you any way
about it, command me, and believe me,
Always yours,