The Barbarism of Slavery by Charles Sumner / SOLD

The Barbarism of Slavery by Charles Sumner - Inventory Number: HIS 241 / SOLD

Scarce original paper printed copy, measuring 6” x9” of the infamous speech given by Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner. He was a leader of anti-slavery movements in his state. In 1856, Sumner made a lengthy speech in the Senate denouncing slavery and slave owners. He denounced two Democrat senators, Stephen Douglas and Andrew Butler. Butler had a cousin in the House of Representatives, Preston Brooks. Two days after the fiery speech, Brooks approached Sumner who was seated at his desk in the Senate chamber. Brooks beat Sumner with a heavy cane until his weapon broke apart. Sumner was rendered unconscious. When others tried to intervene, Brooks fellow Democrat, Laurence Keitt, held them back with a pistol.  Accompanied by a period steel engraving of Sumner for display.

Aftermath of Sumner’s Speech

Brooks became a hero in the South with many sending him new canes to replace the one he broke on Sumner’s body. The Northern states were outraged. The speech became famous and over a million copies were distributed. Sumner himself suffered for several years from the beating. Part of his troubles seem now to be post-traumatic shock.

Inventory Number: HIS 241 / SOLD