American politician (1811–1874) and Massachusetts senator best known as a radical Republican and a staunch opponent of slavery. Third-person ALS signed twice within the text, “Mr. Sumner,” one page, 7.75 x 8.5, August 11, 1855. Letter concerning a prisoner held without due process. In part: “Mr. Sumner occupied several weeks of this summer with a tour of the West, ascending the Mississippi to St. Paul &, then, from Detroit, visiting Lake Superior he learned by the newspapers that Passmore Williamson, an excellent citizen of Phila. had been flung into prison.” He later mentions the “indignation of Mr. Sumner.” Affixed to a slightly larger scrapbook page. Scattered creases and soiling, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a newspaper clipping of a letter by Sumner on the same topic. Passmore Williamson was an abolitionist who had helped a slave and her children escape in mid-July. He was found guilty of violating the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 and imprisoned, sparking outrage in abolitionist circles and attaining widespread press coverage. It was not until November that Williamson was released. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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