Happy Charles Sumner Day
On May 22, 1856, abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner was attacked and nearly killed on the Senate floor by Congressman Preston Brooks. Sumner had insulted Brooks’ cousin in his “Crime Against Kansas” speech, and Brooks decided to retaliate. Sumner was seated at his desk when Brooks approached and began beating him with his cane, while a friend drew a pistol to prevent bystanders from intervening. Sumner was blinded by head trauma and his own blood almost immediately, and Brooks continued the attack even after the cane broke and Sumner lost consciousness.