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 both sides, 4.5 x 7, January 22, 1855. Sumner writes to John Bailey. In part: “The bill for the payment of the French claims has already passed the Senate. It is now before the House. Its friends will use every effort to press it. I am not without hope that it may pass. But you will pardon me if I express a doubt whether any substantial measure of justice can be expected from the Congress which has passed the Nebraska bill. Be sure that I shall not neglect any effort in my power to promote it….” Matted and framed (so that both sides are visible) with a period engraving and two typed informational sheets to an overall size of 14.25 x 14.25. Faint show-through of writing and blot to one word, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
