American politician (1811–1874) best known as a Radical Republican and a staunch opponent of slavery. On May 22, 1856, Sumner was famously assaulted and severely beaten in the Senate chamber by South Carolina congressman Preston Brooks, who had taken offense at Sumner’s strongly worded attack on the authors of the Kansas-Nebraska Act—one of whom, Senator Andrew Butler, was Brooks’ cousin. Sumner’s injuries were so severe that he was unable to attend sessions of Congress for the next three years. ALS, one page, 4.75 x 8, January 2, 1863. Sumner writes to an unnamed gentleman. In full: “When the Conscription Act was under discussion originally I voted against obliging persons to bear arms who have conscientious scruples—& I shall so vote again.” A month later, on March 3, Lincoln signed into law the first federal draft in American history, the infamous Conscription Act. The most controversial provision—a “commutation fee” that enabled a draftee to buy his way out of military service by hiring a substitute or paying $300—caused a nationwide uproar. Derided for the patently unfair advantage it afforded wealthy, well-heeled draftees, the act was the direct catalyst for the infamous Draft Riots that rocked New York City over a three-day period in the following July, resulting in $1.5 million in damage and dozens of casualties. Sumner’s direct reference to conscientious objection—for which no exemption was ultimately included in the Act—is quite notable in light of this often-overlooked issue of contention. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, a few tiny tears and chips (tear just touching “u” of last name, chip just touching “r”), and scattered light soiling and wrinkling. The writing is clear and dark throughout. R&R COA.
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