SUMNER, CHARLES
Group of four letters to sculptor Horatio Greenough regarding his statue of Washington for the Capitol Rotunda. Four autograph letters signed "Charles Sumner", each a four page letter on the recto and verso of a bifolium, most with notes in the margins, the largest 10 1/4 x 8 inches (26.5 x 20 cm), the balance smaller. Each letter is addressed to Greenough at his studio in Florence, Italy and date from: 1) Berlin: 8 January 1839; 2) Vienna: 8 November 1839; 3) Boston: 28 February 1841; and 4) Boston: 16 September 1841; Accompanied by various transcriptions from the Lincoln Library and a letter from an early collector, late 1950s. Some splits to folds, minor old stains, small losses where opened, the right edge of the second letter with losses.
"Let me congratulate you on the completion of yr statue, & the distinction it has given you. From the hour, when you admitted me to see it, lighted by lamps & torches, I have not doubted for a moment the result. It will give you fame." An interesting correspondence between the Boston born sculptor and the long serving Senator from Massachusetts. The semi-nude statue caused quite a controversy once revealed in Washington and Greenough was subject to much harsh criticism but the final letter here affixes the printed "Act to provide for placing Greenough's statue of Washington in the Rotunda of the Capitol" which not only gave the statue its permanent placement but also reimbursed Greenough's expenses.