AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS) by SUMNER, Charles

Washington. Letter. Fine. An interesting two-page AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED by Sumner of @90 words on the rectos of a sheet folded in half to the author and orator George William Curtis regarding an article Curtis sent him called "The Ships." The letter is dated Feb. 12th, 71, though Sumner seems to have written "6" first and then a "7" over it. The content makes it fairly clear, however, that Sumner wrote this during the presidential term of U. S. Grant, with whom he had an antagonistic relationship. In part: "All reflecting people who have not lost conscience in subjects to the Executive are afflicted by the present state of things. Never have I known such [?] to the appointed power. Through this the President rules. Nobody dares [?],-- lest some friend should lose an office. 'Vengeance is thine' saith the Press." Sumner, perhaps the most influential man in public life after Lincoln at the end of the Civil War, was a notable advocate for emancipation of the slaves and later for civil rights. Curtis, editor of HARPER'S WEEKLY during the Civil War years and one of the most influential American journalists of any day, also was known for his speeches, one of which was a tribute to Sumner. Curtis also had the honor of helping Thoreau build his cabin on Walden Pond.