The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Charles Sumner, December 25th, 1865

by Carl Schurz and others

 

FROM CHARLES SUMNER

Washington, Xmas Day, [1865.] 

I am in the midst of your Report, which I find all that I expected; very able, elaborate, complete, full of facts and ideas.^[1] Let me suggest that in your speech you present a vivid, vigorous portraiture of the condition of things in the rebel States. Of course, this will not preclude a presentment also of the ideas involved.

Meeting Sir Fred. Bruce at dinner Sat. evening, I found he had been prodigiously impressed by the power of [Thaddeus] Stevens's speech. He evidently put it before [Henry J.] Raymond's.

Until the Committee gives us the facts Congress will occupy itself with the ideas. This discussion will go on for months. I do not see how it can be stopped; nor do I think it desirable to stop it. At last the evidence, as reported, will show the necessity of interference by Congress. Now, to my mind the single point to be reached is the assertion of jurisdiction by Congress.

One person will reach this point by one road and another by another road. Provided it is reached, it is not of much importance how this is accomplished. Therefore, I hope that all will speak and ventilate their theories; for, though differing, I feel sure that a large majority will concur in asserting Congressional jurisdiction; and this is the main thing.

Meanwhile, the President and Seward press their policy. Alas! alas! unhappy country. Good-bye.

1. On Jan. 6, 1866, Schurz wrote to Mrs. Schurz: “My Report scored a great success with the Members of Congress. Sumner proposed to the Senate to have 100,000 copies printed. The House also asked for it. The President expressed himself to a Senator in this way: ‘The only great mistake I have yet made was to send Schurz to the South.’—I believe it!”