Charles Sumner to Abraham Lincoln, August 7, 1863

Boston 7th Aug '63

My dear Sir,

The London Star, from which the above passage comes, is edited by a son-in-law of John Bright.

I find every where consternation at the idea that the Proclamation can be forgotten or abandoned. Of course, Mr Seward's speech has had a tendency to excite distrust, which has been increased by reports that some of the Cabinet wished the Govt. to turn from the Proclamation.

Mr Thurlow Weed has increased those anxieties by the overtures which he has made in the Even'g Journal.

For myself, I have seen but one way from the beginning, & that way becomes brighter as we proceed. It is by doing justice to the black man. Then shall we deserve success.

But I did not intend a sermon. My object was simply to call attention to the extract from the London paper which stands by us always.

Sincerely yours,

Charles Sumner