Secession Era Editorials Project

The Assault on Senator Sumner a Pre - Meditated Affair.

Springfield, Illinois, State Journal [Republican]

(27 May 1856)

It seems that the assault upon Senator Sumner, among the Nebraska men, was a pre-meditated affair, and Senator Douglas was doubtless its principal instigator.

The New York Herald , a paper of Southern proclivities, says:

Mr. Brooks waited at the Porter's Lodge almost an hour yesterday, and as long this morning, hoping to meet Mr. Sumner, with a view to attack him. Failing in this, he entered the Senate chamber to-day, just as that body adjourned, and seeing several ladies present, seated himself on the opposite side to Mr. Sumner. -- Soon all disappeared but one. He then requested a friend to get her out, when he immediately approached Mr. Sumner , and said in a quiet tone of voice. --

"Mr. Sumner , I have read your speech with great care, and with as much impartiality as I am capable of, and I feel it my duty to say to you that you have published a libel on my State, and uttered a slander upon a relative: who is aged and absent and I am come to punish you."

At the concluding words, Mr. Sumner attempted to spring to his feet, showing fight, but whilst in the act, was struck by Col. Brooks a backhanded blow across the head, with a gutta percha cane near an inch thick, but hollow, and he continued striking him right and left until the stick was broken into fragments, and Mr . Sumner was prostrate and bleeding on the floor. No one took hold of Col. B. during the time, so quick was the operation; but immediately afterwards Mr. Crittenden caught him around the body and arms.

Mr. Keitt, of South Carolina, did not interfere, only to keep persons off.

Senator Toombs declared that it was the proper place to have chastised Mr. Sumner .

When the attack was made there were probably fifteen or twenty persons present, including Messrs. Crittenden , Foster , Toombs , Fitzpatrick , Murray , Morgan , and other members of Congress together with Governor Gorman , several officers of the Senate, and some strangers. This attack was so sudden and unexpected, that Mr . Sumner had no opportunity whatever to place himself in a defensive attitude. This first blow given him by Mr. Brooks stunned him, and the thick gutta percha stick which was used by Mr . Brooks was broken into many pieces by the time the assault terminated. Messrs Crittenden , Toombs Murray and others interfered as soon as they could, and probably prevented further damage. The greatest excitement prevailed. Mr. Sumner sank perfectly unconscious to the floor, where he lay, bloody and dreadfully bruised, till raised by his friends. Mr. Sumner's physicians said his wounds are the most severe flesh wounds that they ever saw on a man's head, and deny his friends admission to him.