The speech on the Barbarism of Slavery was followed by outbursts of
opinion which exhibit the state of the public mind at the time. There
was approval and opposition, and there was also menace of violence. As
this was promptly encountered, it could never be known to what extent
the plot had proceeded.
Mr. Sumner was at his lodgings, alone, on the fourth day after the
speech, when, about six o’clock, P. M., he received a visit from a
stranger, who opened conversation by saying that he was one of the
class recently slandered, being a Southern man and a slaveholder, and
that he had called for an explanation of the speech, and to hold its
author responsible. A few words ensued, in which the visitor became
still more offensive, when Mr. Sumner ordered him out of the room.
After some delay, he left, saying, in violent tone, that he was one
of four who had come from Virginia for the express purpose of holding
Mr. Sumner responsible, and that he would call upon him again with his
friends. Mr. Sumner sent at once to his colleague, Mr. Wilson, who
quickly joined him. While they were together, a person came to the door
who asked particularly to see Mr. Sumner alone, and when told that he
was not alone, declined to enter. About nine o’clock in the evening
three other persons came to the door, who asked to see Mr. Sumner
alone, and receiving the same answer, they sent word by the domestic
who opened the door, that Mr. ---- and two friends had called, but,
not finding him alone, they would call again in the morning, for a
private interview, and if they could not have it, they would cut his
d----d throat before the next night. Such a message, with the attendant
circumstances, put the friends of Mr. Sumner on their guard, and it
was determined, contrary to his desire, that one or more should sleep
in the house that night. Accordingly Hon. Anson Burlingame and Hon.
John Sherman, both Representatives, slept in the room opening into his
bedroom. In the morning other circumstances increased the suspicion
that personal injury was intended.
It was the desire of Mr. Sumner that this incident should be kept out
of the newspapers; but it became known, and caused no small excitement
at Washington, and through the country. It was the subject of
telegrams and of letters. The anxiety in Boston was shown in a letter,
under date of June 9, from his friend Hon. Edward L. Pierce, saying:--
“We have just heard of the threat of violence made to you last
evening. Dr. Howe and others meditate leaving for Washington
forthwith. I wish I could be there; but I feel assured that
there are enough to protect you, if you will only let them. Do
be careful, very careful. You will not be safe, until you have
arrived in the Free States on your way home.”