Chapter 22: England again, and the voyage home.—March 17 to May 3, 1840. —Age 29.
Sumner's English friends greeted him warmly, and filled his brief sojourn in London with entertainments. It was pleasant to meet again those dearest to him,—Ingham, Morpeth, and Parkes,—and also to renew his association with Austin, Sydney Smith, Milman, Hayward, Milnes, Inglis, the Grotes, Rogers, and others. He failed to see Lord Brougham, who was at the time absent. On his last day in London, he dined with Hallam.Among the many expressions of regret at parting with him, and of interest in his welfare, were the following:—
James S. Wortley wrote, April 3, from Liverpool, where he was then attending the Northern Circuit:—
The members of our Circuit all join with me in regretting that they have missed you, and in wishing you every happiness and prosperity upon your return to your own land. I shall always rejoice in hearing good news of your fortunes; and if ever you can return among us, I can assure you of a warm and hearty welcome. You have had better opportunities of seeing all classes of society, and all that is interesting among us, than any other of your countrymen, and I trust that your experience may not disincline you to revisit us.
Mrs. Montagu wrote:—
And now comes the saddest word that can be written,—farewell. We shall long and kindly remember you. You have made an impression on this country, equally honorable to England and to you.We have convinced you that we know how to value truth and dignified simplicity, and you have taught us to think much more highly of your country,—from which we have hitherto seen no such men. We can only desire you not to forget us entirely, but to let us hear that you are happy and well. May God bless and prosper you!
Choosing his homeward voyage by a sailing vessel as less expensive than one by steamer, he left London, Friday, April 3,
