Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 13 (of 20)

"Charles Sumner: His Complete Works, Volume 13" by Charles Sumner is a historical collection written in the late 19th century. This volume compiles a series of speeches and legislative proposals made by Sumner during a crucial period of American history, particularly focusing on Reconstruction and civil rights for the formerly enslaved population. It sheds light on significant political battles of the time, addressing issues such as suffrage for colored citizens, the reinstatement of a republican form of government, and the implications of the Constitutional amendment abolishing slavery. The opening of this volume sets the stage for a detailed exploration of legislative efforts and political discourses that took place in Congress beginning December 4, 1865. It outlines various bills and resolutions proposed by Sumner, aimed at securing rights and protections for freedmen and ensuring that state governments adhere to republican principles. For instance, Sumner advocates for laws to guarantee equal rights, protect jury trials for colored persons, and reinforce the constitutional amendments that abolish slavery. Additionally, it hints at the contentious political environment during this period, with references to resistance from President Johnson and the perilous conditions faced by both Sumner and African Americans as they strive for justice and equality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Sumner was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman who represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate from 1851 until his death in 1874. Before and during the American Civil War, he was a leading American advocate for the abolition of slavery. He chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1861 to 1871, until he lost the position following a dispute with President Ulysses S. Grant over the attempted annexation of Santo Domingo. After breaking with Grant, he joined the Liberal Republican Party, spending his final two years in the Senate alienated from his party. Sumner had a controversial and divisive legacy for many years after his death, but in recent decades, his historical reputation has improved in recognition of his early support for racial equality.