Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 4

[301] and homesteads; and in demanding these safeguards he declared himself undisturbed by any clamors which came in the shape of cries against ‘centralization,’ ‘consolidation,’ and ‘imperialism.’

The autumn elections resulted in an entire defeat of the President and in the return of a large Republican majority altogether opposed to his policy.¹ Meantime, during the summer and autumn public opinion in favor of suffrage for the negroes had advanced greatly, its progress in that direction being promoted by the alarming condition of the South.

It is necessary now to turn aside from the current of public affairs to relate two domestic events in Sumner's life, both occurring during the session of Congress which has been described,—the sundering of one family relation, and the beginning of another.

In the summer and autumn of 1865 it was evident that Sumner's mother would not long survive.² She had reached fourscore years, and her physical powers were waning. Her physician, from the beginning of the session in December, sent Charles (now the only surviving son), by his directions, weekly statements of her condition, while other reports came from Dr. Howe and other friends, and also from Miss Ford, a constant attendant and for many years living at intervals with the family. He had been looking for a summons during the session, which was to come before its close. The mother kept up to the last her interest in his career. He had been to her a good son; and she had lived, as she often said, in him and in what he was doing. In her last days her eyes brightened at the mention of his name and of his work. While at home, though his own tastes had been changed by his larger life, he never jarred on her simple ways of living, but conformed cheerfully to them; and she had nothing to recall of him but uniform dutifulness. His last note to her, written May 26, in part to quiet her fears on account of reports of his ill health, began with ‘My dearest mother,’ and ended ‘Good-by. God bless you always! Ever your affectionate Charles.’ It bade her not be concerned for him, as there was nothing serious in his case, being only overworked; and he hoped for the best as to her illness. It was read to her, and she