Theodore Parker to Charles Sumner, February 27, 1857

  R.R. Cars, Conn. River, February 27, 1857.

MY DEAR SUMNER,--God be thanked you are in your place once more! There has not been an anti-slavery speech made in Congress, unless by Giddings, since you were carried out of it; not one. Now that you bear yourself back again, I hope to hear a blast on that old war-trumpet which shall make the North ring again and the South tremble. How mean the Republicans look now-a-days! Think of Wilson wanting to have “these negro discussions stop.” What worse did Webster ever say in his drunkenness and wrath? I wish I could inspire into you a little of my bodily strength just now, for a day or two. Now is the time for a blow, and such a blow!
God bless you!