This scene is
to be found in the twenty-fourth chapter of "Dred,"--"Life in the
Swamps."
"The day had been sultry and it was now an hour or two past midnight,
when a thunder-storm, which had long been gathering and muttering in
the distant sky, began to develop its forces. A low, shivering sigh
crept through the woods, and swayed in weird whistlings the tops of
the pines; and sharp arrows of lightning came glittering down among
the branches, as if sent from the bow of some warlike angel. An army
of heavy clouds swept in a moment across the moon; then came a broad,
dazzling, blinding sheet of flame."
What particularly impressed Mrs. Stowe's daughters at the time was
their mother's perfect calmness, and the minute study of the storm.
She was on the alert to detect anything which might lead her to
correct her description.
Of this new story Charles Summer wrote from the senate chamber:--
MY DEAR MRS. STOWE,--I am rejoiced to learn, from your excellent
sister here, that you are occupied with another tale exposing slavery.
I feel that it will act directly upon pending questions, and help us
in our struggle for Kansas, and also to overthrow the slave-oligarchy
in the coming Presidential election. We need your help at once in our
struggle.
Ever sincerely yours,
CHARLES SUMNER.
Having finished this second great story of slavery, in the early
summer of 1856 Mrs.
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