Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 14 (of 20)

This volume gathers a prolific stretch of speeches, letters, and congressional remarks delivered by a leading 19th‑century senator during the turbulent reconstruction era. In a series of Senate floor debates, he tackles the mechanics of electing senators, the reorganization of the Supreme Court, and urgent public‑health measures against cholera and cattle plague. His correspondence also reaches out to antislavery societies and petitions for equal rights, revealing a relentless commitment to full citizenship for formerly enslaved people.

Beyond the immediate post‑war politics, the collection explores broader national projects: proposals for a Niagara ship canal, the adoption of the metric system, and the commissioning of artwork for the Capitol. The senator’s sharp critiques of procedural shortcuts—such as secret voting for popular elections—stand alongside heartfelt tributes to fallen colleagues. Listeners will hear a vivid snapshot of a lawmaker wrestling with the promises and perils of rebuilding a divided nation.