Volume 4 — NECESSITY OF UNION TO UPHOLD FREEDOM.
Reading edition
Letter to a Rhode Island Committee, March 26, 1853.
Washington, March 26, 1853.
Dear Sir,—I cannot promise myself the pleasure of being in Rhode Island at the time you propose, and am therefore constrained to decline the invitation with which you have honored me.
But let me assure you, that, in all our political contests, I see no question comparable in practical importance, as surely there is none equal in moral grandeur, to that which is presented by the Free Democracy, and which now enlists your sympathies.
Both the old parties unite in upholding Slavery. It becomes all good citizens to unite in upholding Freedom; nor should any one believe that his single vote may not exert an influence on the struggle.
Believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
George L. Clarke, Chairman of the State Central Committee of the Free Democracy of Rhode Island.