His Complete Works
Item #61236
SUMNER, Charles. His Complete Works. Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1900. 1st ed. 20 Vols. Bound in 1/2-red morocco and marbled boards, raised spine bands, gilt starburst ornaments, marbled endpapers, T.e.gs. One of 1000 numbered sets. Fine. The "Statesman Edition." Tipped in is a 3-page autograph letter from Sumner to "My dear Waterston." "Yesterday I read the enclosed account, which will explain itself. It seems to me rather hard that I should be left in the lurch by our committee, and particularly by individuals on it who have never contributed their full quota, and who are themselves rich, too. I have so far neglected my worldly affairs during these latter years, and have been called upon so frequently for contributions, that I am less able than any member of the committee to pay this deficiency out of my own pocket. Nor do I think it just that Mr. Bingham, or Mr. Brooks, or Mr. Thayer, all of whom were originally responsible with me, and who have not contributed their full share, should let this be cast upon me. I have had the labor and responsibility of carrying the matter through, as far as it has gone, and secured contributions much beyond my portion. It seems to me, therefore, that I may properly devolve upon the members of the committee above named the duty of meeting this deficit. Upon you there is not claim, for your have already supplied more than your share; but I submit the account to you, and ask your advice as to the course to be pursued. Ever sincerely yours, Charles Sumner." Sumner was the lead member of a committee formed to honor Horace Mann for his contributions to education. The committee decided, after originally planning a statue to honor Mann, to raise $5000 for two normal schools in Massachusetts with the funds to be matched by the state. Although Sumner did his part, his labors were not matched by the other committee members. Because not all the pledges he had raised had come in after a year of effort, he was asked to meet his note. Still, the project was successful and the monies were raised. The project itself was dear to Horace Mann, who wrote Sumner on 6 August 1846, urging him to go to the dedication of "the new Normal Schoolhouse at Bridgewater ... The active and leading agency you have had in executing measures which have led to this beneficial result would make your absence on that occasion a matter of.
Price: $3,000.00