Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 10 (of 20)

by Charles Sumner

"Charles Sumner: His Complete Works, Volume 10" by Charles Sumner is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive collection of Sumner's speeches and writings, focusing on his discourse regarding the American Civil War, emphasizing issues of foreign relations, slavery, and the moral responsibilities of the United States amid conflict. Sumner, a prominent abolitionist and senator from Massachusetts, utilizes this work to advocate for human rights and to denounce the institutions that support slavery. The opening portion introduces Sumner's speech delivered at Cooper Institute in New York on September 10, 1863, wherein he addresses the potential dangers posed by England and France to American sovereignty during the Civil War. He discusses the perilous situation of the Union amid calls for foreign recognition of the Confederacy and the complicity of these nations with slavery. Sumner outlines several key areas of concern, including the nature of foreign intervention and the moral implications of acknowledging a regime built on slavery. He sets forth a detailed critique of the actions and policies of the British and French governments, reinforcing his belief that every inch of support for the Confederacy is a betrayal of the principles of liberty and civil rights.