Washington, June 4, 1860.
We have just had a four hours speech from Sumner on the “Barbarism
of Slavery.” In a literary point of view it was of course excellent. As a
bitter, denunciatory oration, it could hardly be exceeded in point of style and
finish. But, to me, many parts of it sounded harsh, vindictive, and slightly
brutal. It is all true that slavery tends to barbarism, but Mr. Sumner
furnishes no remedy for the evils he complains of. His speech has done the
Republicans no good. Its effect has been to exasperate the Southern members,
and render it utterly impossible for Mr. Sumner to exercise any influence here
for the good of his State. Mr. C. F. Adams made a manly, statesmanly speech in
the House of Representatives, four days ago, which was attentively listened to
by everybody. He read it, as did Mr. Sumner his.
Mr. Seward is now here, and made a speech in Executive
session the other day on the Mexican Treaty, that to my view showed more
intellectual vigor than did his speech which you heard. His speech to which I
refer was short, extemporaneous, and very able, converting almost the whole
Senate to his views.
The nomination of Lincoln strikes the mass of the people
with great favor. He is universally regarded as a scrupulously honest man, and
a genuine man of the people.
SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p.
127-8
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