Letter from Charles Francis Adams to Samuel Downer concerning his role at the reunion

Letter from Charles Francis Adams to Samuel Downer concerning his role at the reunion

In this letter from Charles Francis Adams to Samuel Downer, Adams expresses his anxiety on being asked to speak at the reunion, fearing that he has so much to say that he will speak for too long and bore the audience. He hopes that Downer is only asking for brief reminiscences so that he does not have to say too much.

Downer, Samuel, 1807-1881

Reunions

Abolitionists

Abolition movement

Political parties

Invitations

Nostalgia

Public speaking

Anxiety

Adams, Charles Francis, 1807-1886

Hingham Public Library

1877 July 31

No known copyright restrictions

Contact host institution for more information

JPEG

3.30 MB

English

Correspondence

bpc-0049

folder4_10

Quincy (Mass.)

1848

1877 August 9

Hingham Public Library

Quincy 31 July 1877 

My Dear Mr Downer.

On reflecting upon your invitation I find myself in somewhat of a quandary as to your intentions in placing me in the Chair. If you expect me to say any thing, the Lord only knows where I shall stop. My recollection of that period is so full, and the papers in my possession are so abundant, that I know I should wear out the patience of every body in merely telling the story of that assembly.

If on the other hand you contemplate only brief reminiscences coming from different individuals who may stand ready to be called upon to say a word or two, I shall feel much relieved, and proceed accordingly

                                Very truly yrs[sic]

                                C. F. Adams

8” x 5”