American politician (1811–1874) best known as a radical Republican and a staunch opponent of slavery. ALS, two pages both sides, 9.25 x 7.25, February 21, 1844. Sumner references several authors, including Dana and Longfellow, in this letter likely sent to John Jay, Jr., an attorney, diplomat, and grandson of Supreme Court Justice John Jay. In part: “And now I take the pen, that I may secure for my friend Mr. Dana, whose ‘2 years before the mast’ I know you admire, the pleasure of your acquaintance. He will pass a few days in New York; & I think, you may see much of each other…I read your discourse before the Orphan Soc. with delight, & listened to it again last Sunday, as it was distilled from the honeyed lips of Mrs. Longfellow. She read it to her husband instead of a sermon. His eyes are much better. He has written a little poem which I admire very much, of 10 or 11 stanzas, entitled ‘The Arsenal at Springfield,’ a place of arms which we visited this summer.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, brushes to a few words, and handwriting visible on opposing sides, and scattered light toning. RRAuction COA.
