It was natural that the propagandists of Slavery, acting under dictation from Washington, should vote against Mr. Burlingame. It was natural that others, who allow themselves to be controlled by the rancors and jealousies of party, should do likewise. But it was hard that this blow at Freedom should be attempted in the name of Trade, and that merchants of Boston should be rallied against a candidate who had done so much to make Boston respectable. And yet this extraordinary conduct is not without parallel in history. The earliest antislavery effort of England was against the Barbary corsairs, and this, it is well known, was opposed by “the mercantile interest.” And this same “mercantile interest,” as you also know, set itself against the great antislavery enterprise of Clarkson and Wilberforce, when they demanded the suppression of the slave-trade. Such examples teach us not to be disappointed, when this interest is invoked against our efforts. But I rejoice to know that in Boston there are honorable exceptions, and, if anything be expected from me to-night, let it be a tribute to one of these. I propose the following toast. _The Merchants of Boston._--May they all appreciate the spirit of him among their number, who, when pressed to vote against Mr. Burlingame on mercantile grounds, nobly replied at once, “I am a merchant, but at the polls I mean to be a patriot.” Accept my thanks for the honor of your invitation, and believe me, dear Sir, Faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. JOSEPH STORY, Esq. THE LATE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OUR BUNKER HILL. LETTER TO A COMMITTEE AT WORCESTER, NOVEMBER 24, 1856. BOSTON, November 24, 1856. MY DEAR SIR,--Not willingly do I give up the opportunity of uniting with the gallant Republicans of Worcester in celebrating our recent victories; but my health, though vastly improved, has limitations which I cannot with prudence neglect, and these forbid the indulgence to which you kindly invite me. Please tender to the Republicans my cordial congratulations. Clearly do I see the beginning of the end. All New England, with New York, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, constitute an irresistible phalanx for Freedom, while our seeming reverse in the Presidential election is only another Bunker Hill. If toasts are in order at your festival, let me propose the following. _The late Presidential Election._--Like Bunker Hill, it teaches us our strength, and gives assurance of speedy triumph. Believe me, my dear Sir, faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. LET MASSACHUSETTS HELP KANSAS. LETTER TO JAMES REDPATH, ESQ., JANUARY 10, 1857. HANCOCK STREET, January 10, 1857.