Volume 6 — TWO LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF WASHINGTON.
Reading edition
Letter to the Washington Monument Association of the First School District of Philadelphia, February 21, 1860.
Senate Chamber, February 21, 1860.
DEAR SIR,—It would be a pleasure to be with you at your celebration of the Birthday of Washington, according to the invitation with which you have honored me. But other duties will keep me away.
It is always a delight to listen to the praise of Washington, particularly when his full life is set forth, and he is shown in his real character, ever wise, firm, and true, teaching two commanding lessons: first, by the achievements and trials of a seven years’ war, that his fellow-countrymen should not be willing to be slaves; and, secondly, by the repeated declarations of his life, and especially by his great example in his last will and testament, that his fellow-countrymen should not be willing to be slave-masters. I do not know for which he is to be most honored.
Accept my thanks for the personal kindness of your letter, and believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
George F. Gordon, Esq.