Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 05 (of 20)

This volume gathers a striking series of public addresses, private letters, and Senate speeches that reveal a steadfast commitment to ending slavery in the United States. Listeners hear the impassioned voice of a statesman who frames politics as an extension of moral philosophy, urging the North to shoulder its special duties. The opening address to a New York audience in 1855 sets the tone, blending philosophical quotations with a clear call for humane action.

The collection then moves through a whirlwind of correspondence—letters to activists, newspaper publishers, and political committees—plus fiery debates over Kansas, appropriation bills, and treaty abrogations. Each piece showcases Sumner’s eloquence, his strategic use of rhetoric, and his unyielding belief that liberty and justice must guide legislation. For anyone interested in the turbulent pre‑Civil War era, these documents offer an immersive glimpse into the arguments, anxieties, and hopes that shaped a pivotal moment in American history.