SENATOR SUMNER PHYSICALLY ATTACKED ON SENATE FLOOR
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 22, 1856, Senator Charles Sumner* (R-Massachusetts) was physically attacked by Congressman Preston Brooks** (D-South Carolina) as he sat at his desk on the chamber floor.
Just days earlier, the Senator had given a speech critical of the institution of slavery and of Congressman Brooks' cousin, Senator Andrew Butler*** (D-South Carolina).
The speech included these words...
"The Senator from South Carolina has chosen a mistress who, though ugly to others, is always lovely to him...I mean the harlot, slavery."
Brooks entered the Senate chamber carrying a wooden cane. He walked up to the Senator and began beating him viciously over the head and shoulders. Mr. Sumner was unable to get up from his desk which was bolted to the floor.
Preston Brooks became an instant hero in the South and received numerous new canes to replace the one he used to beat Charles Sumner. One of these bore the inscription "Hit Him Again!"
*Charles Sumner (1811-1874) was born in Boston & educated at the Latin School & Harvard. CS served in the US Senate 1851-1874 & was Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee 1861-1871.
**Preston Smith Brooks (1819-1857) was born in Edgefield SC & educated at the University of South Carolina. PSB served in the Mexican War & US House of Representatives 1853-1857.
***Andrew Pickens Butler (1796-1857) was born in Edgefield SC & graduated from South Carolina College (USC). APB served in the SC Senate 1824-1833 & US Senate 1846-1857.
