Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 09 (of 20)

"Charles Sumner: His Complete Works, Volume 09" by Charles Sumner is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume focuses on a selection of speeches and writings by Sumner, a prominent abolitionist and U.S. Senator, addressing themes of civil rights, the powers of Congress during the Civil War, and the complexities of legality surrounding slavery and rebellion. The content showcases Sumner's efforts to intertwine legal, moral, and political arguments in his quest for justice and equality. The opening of this volume introduces a pivotal speech delivered by Sumner on May 19, 1862, which advocates for the confiscation of property owned by rebels and the emancipation of slaves held by those in rebellion against the United States. Sumner employs historical and legal references to assert that the ongoing Civil War is both rebellion and war, thus justifying Congress’s powers to act against traitors, both as criminals and enemies. He emphasizes the importance of remaining aligned with constitutional principles while arguing for decisive action to secure the nation’s unity and freedom for enslaved individuals. His compelling rhetoric and the historical context set the stage for a broader discussion on civil rights and governmental authority during a time of national crisis. (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.