Letter from Charles Francis Adams to Samuel Downer about speaking at the reunion

Letter from Charles Francis Adams to Samuel Downer about speaking at the reunion

In this letter Charles Francis Adams responds to a request from Samuel Downer to speak at the Free Soil Party Reunion. Adams expresses reluctance to speak publicly since he is older and his nerves are shaken easily. He says that one of his biggest problems is that his voice is weakened and does not carry well through the air. He is also worried about being portrayed negatively by the press. He states that if Downer can not find another suitable candidate for speaking, he would be willing speak.

Downer, Samuel, 1807-1881

Reunions

Abolitionists

Abolition movement

Political parties

Invitations

Public speaking

Anxiety

Older people

Journalism

Adams, Charles Francis, 1807-1886

Hingham Public Library

1877 July 27

No known copyright restrictions

Contact host institution for more information

JPEG

5.90 MB

5.74 MB

English

Correspondence

bpc-0028a

folder3_07a

bpc-0028b

folder3_07b

Quincy (Mass.)

1877 August 9

Hingham Public Library

                Quincy 27 July 1877

My Dear Mr Downer

Your second note reached me yesterday. It somewhat changes the nature of the invitation you were kind enough to send me, and places me in a more conspicuous situation than I altogether covet. The progress of age has a good deal shaken my nerves; and there is no such thing as escaping from the claws of the press, which catch up and display to the public without remorse whatever may be casually said whether good or bad, wise or unwise. Still if you can hit upon no more suitable person I will not flinch from the trial for a short time. One of my chief troubles is the weakening of my voice which does not go very far in the open air - And this always warns me to be short. With these explanations I leave the matter wholly in your hands

                Very truly your’s

                C. F. Adams

8" x 10"