File:Charles Sumner to Richard Henry Dana Sr., 19 August 1853 (61701e73-af9b-4c6e-980d-005c99129323).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1002/9.3-159#010

[pencil annotation:] Bought by H.W.L. Dana, May 17, 1934, Anderson Galleries.
[endorsed, upper left corner:]
Charles Sumner, Aug
19th 1853
[lower left corner:] Richard H. Dana
Newport R.I.
Aug. 19th ‘53
My dear Sir,
Yr pleasant letter followed & cheered me here, where after my summer’s work I am finding rest. Many thanks for the welcome you promise. I hope to enjoy an evng. on your little beach before the season closes.
I suppose Richard is now in Canada. I trust he will [p. 2] reach Quebec before Lord Elgin’s departure. They would like each other, I am sure. He is an accomplished nobleman, with that ripe culture which charms & satisfies.
You must have new delight in Richard’s great success as a public character. He came forward in the Convention with [crossed out word: all] the steadiness of an experienced debater. Whenever he spoke all listened. Everybody felt that he was sincere, while his reasons were given with such cleanness & [p. 3] simplicity that all could understand. In his passage with Hillard he was calm, firm, and courteous. I think no member of the Convention has impressed himself so strongly upon the Commonwealth.
I have always been fascinated by Richard’s style, both in speaking & writing. Its cleanness & accuracy fill me with envy. It is in admirable harmony with his thoughts. The Convention was an open field for his power. People, who did not know him, were taken by surprise. I was not.
[p. 4] I have just read Tuckerman’s memoir of Greenough, a graceful and affecting tribute to a remarkable man. The passage fragments from Greenough are marked by great force &, at times, originality of thought. His obligation to Allston & to you brother Edmund are recorded.
I am glad of your sympathy in what I said at Plymouth & of yr tolerance for the Representative speech. Believe me, my dear Mr. Dana, with kind regard,
Very Sincerely Yours,
Charles Sumner

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