It seems to be only according to common prudence, that private enterprise, if enlisted now, should be regulated by the object in view. To this end, it is not necessary that it should assume a form calculated to awaken solicitude. The way is simple. If citizens are willing to unite in efforts of the Government, let them place their ships at its disposal, to be commissioned as national ships, and let the Government, on its part, offer bounty and prize money, in addition to pay and rations, for the capture of the Alabama and her piratical comrades. The motive power will thus be adapted to the object, while our country will be saved from all chance of additional complication, and also from the stigma of reviving a policy which civilization condemns. The argument of economy is sometimes pressed. But it is poor economy to employ an agency which in its very nature is inapplicable. Besides, I doubt if any success reasonably expected from such ships, called by the French _corsaires_, will be a compensation for the bad name they will give us, and the bad passions they will engender. I hope I do not take too great a liberty in sending you this sequel to our conversation. At all events, you will be pleased to accept my best wishes, and believe me, my dear Sir, with much regard, Very faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Esq., &c., &c., &c. UNITY FOR THE SAKE OF FREEDOM, AND FREEDOM FOR THE SAKE OF UNITY. LETTER TO A PUBLIC MEETING AT CLEVELAND, OHIO, MAY 18, 1863. WASHINGTON, May 18, 1863. GENTLEMEN,--It will not be in my power to take part in the generous meeting to assemble at Cleveland, but I pray you to accept my thanks for the cordial invitation with which you have honored me. If it were my privilege to speak on that occasion, I should urge upon my fellow-citizens everywhere the duty of _Unity for the sake of Freedom_, and also of _Freedom for the sake of Unity_. The two cannot be separated. They are mutually dependent. Let this people continue united, and Freedom must surely prevail. Let Freedom prevail, and this people cannot cease to be united. With such a cause, there is but one side and one duty. Whoever is for the Unity of the Republic must be for Freedom, and whoever is for Freedom must be for the Unity of the Republic. It is vain to think that one can be advanced without the other. Whoever is against one is against the other, and whoever is lukewarm for one is lukewarm for the other. We must be fervid and strong for both. This is not the time for doubt or hesitation. We must act at once and constantly, so that the Republic may be saved, while Slavery is scourged from this temple consecrated to Freedom. And this will be done. Believe me, Gentlemen, Very faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. PACIFIC RAILROAD.