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, 5 x 8, July 28, 1871. Sumner writes to the widow of General James S. Wadsworth (born 1807), who was killed in battle during the Overland Campaign on May 8, 1864. In part: “In looking over an old letter-book I came upon the enclosed notes [not present] from Genl. Wadsworth, written from the camp. They illustrate his life at a critical moment & also illustrate the period. Thinking that they properly belong to his family, who will find in them new evidence of his patriotic wisdom, I commend them to your hands.” In fine, bright condition. R&R COA.
