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"Resolved, That we, the colored citizens of Boston, regard the recent brutal, cowardly and murderous assault in the Senate chamber of the nation, upon our distinguished Senator, Charles Sumner—eminent alike for his eloquence, scholarship and philanthropy, not less than for his Christian statesmanship—with feelings of abhorrence and indignation."

A meeting of Boston's Black citizens in Rev. Mr. Grimes' church on Southac street, held "for the purpose of making a public expression of their indignation at the assault on Chas. Sumner" (the paper gives no date; the card carries the Liberator's publication date). Deacon Coffin Pitts presided. Robert Morris, Esq., Rev. Mr. Grimes, Mr. Robert Johnson, Rev. Mr. Hall and Dr. J. S. Rock spoke. The Liberator says "a series of resolutions offered by Dr. Rock, were passed" and prints only this one, so the card is bylined to the meeting that passed it. The same Liberator page carries the Buffalo meeting's resolutions.

Read it in the original — The Liberator, June 27, 1856 (LoC scan) ↗

Next post: Preston S. Brooks, Jul 14, 1856 →

"I should have forfeited my own self-respect, and perhaps, the good opinion of my countrymen, if I had failed to resent such an injury, by calling the offender in question to a personal account. It was a personal affair, and in taking redress into my own hands, I meant no disrespect to the Senate of the United States, or to this House. [...] And now, Mr. Speaker, I announce to you and to this House, that I am no longer a member of the Thirty-fourth Congress."

The arc's coda, disclosed exception (July 14): the expulsion vote (121-95) fell short of two-thirds; Brooks resigned in defiance instead — and South Carolina's Fourth District re-elected him within weeks. Fragments joined with [...].

Read it in the original — 1856 pamphlet, Internet Archive ↗