May 30, 1856
Sumner’s speech, The Crime Against Kansas, is printed here, with numerous articles about the caning incident. Among the articles is one about a Faneuil Hall gathering at which a resolution is passed calling for the expulsion of Congressman Brooks, and an assertion that the assembled people regard “every blow inflicted on our Senator as a blow aimed at us”.
An account of the assault includes the following: “There were at least a dozen persons standing near at the time of the assault, which was so unexpected, as they say, they did not think of interfering….It is believed that Mr. Sumner almost certainly would have been killed but for the interference of Messsrs. Murray and Morgan, Representatives from New York…..Brooks was subsequently complained of by Wm. Y. Leader, and Justice Hollingshead held him to bail in the sum of five hundred dollars! to answer to the complaint.”
There is an article about Sumner’s statement before the investigating committee, and numerous other articles about the incident.
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