Charles Sumner, his complete works, volume 14 (of 20)

Volume 14 — DELAY IN THE REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES.

Reading edition

Letter to an Applicant, May, 1866.

Illustration from Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 14 (of 20)

This letter was originally published in a Southern paper, but without the date.

Senate Chamber [May, 1866].

DEAR SIR,—I have your letter of the 19th in reference to the removal of your political disabilities.

I am not sure that the time has yet come to make exceptions to our general policy in individual cases. To do so would open the door to innumerable applications; and once open, it would be difficult to shut it.

I hope to meet such cases as yours by some general enactment; and as soon as the condition of the country will permit, I shall be the first to advocate the removal of all disabilities under which you labor at present.

Yours truly,

Charles Sumner.