[Americana] Sumner, Charles. His Complete Works

Boston: Lea and Shepard, 1900. In 20 volumes. Statesman Edition, #391/1000 numbered sets. 8vo. With a three-page autograph letter, signed by Sumner to the Rev. R.C. Waterston, undated (but ca. 1846), bound in at front of first volume: "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, & particularly by individuals on it who have never contributed their full quota, & who are themselves rich, too. I have so far neglected my worldly affairs during these latter years, & 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. Brigham, 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 & responsibility of carrying the matter through--as far as it has gone, & 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 no claim; for you have already supplied more than your share but I submit the account to you, & ask your advice as to the course to be pursued. Ever sincerely yours, Charles Sumner." Three-quarter red levant over marbled paper-covered boards, spines stamped in gilt; top edges gilt, other edges untrimmed; matching marbled endpapers.

Republican Senator Charles Sumner writes to the Reverend Robert C. Waterston, regarding a commitment made to raise money for the public school system in Massachusetts, a cause Sumner championed alongside famous education reformer Horace Mann (1796-1859).

An attractive set in fine condition. This is the only complete set of this Statesman Edition we can locate in the auction record since 1964.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.