Lot 1276

CHARLES SUMNER'S SPEECH: 'THE BARBARISM OF SLAVERY', JUNE 4, 1860

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CHARLES SUMNER'S SPEECH: 'THE BARBARISM OF SLAVERY', JUNE 4, 1860

Estimate: $200 - $300

Current Bid: $100

(2 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

CHARLES SUMNER'S SPEECH: 'THE BARBARISM OF SLAVERY', JUNE 4, 1860
Rare imprint: 'The Barbarism of Slavery. Speech of Hon. Charles Sumner, on the Bill for the Admission of Kansas as a Free State. In the United States Senate, June 4, 1860', (Washington: Buell & Blanchard). First edition, 32pp. 8vo., unbound signatures in printed self-wrappers. Untrimmed. Slight toning, else near fine. This edition without the 'Appendix' and response following the text on p.32 which refers to an earlier assault upon Mr. Sumner by a Representative from South Carolina, Sumner's response, and a letter from Josiah Quincy to Mr. Sumner. Senator Charles Sumner delivered his landmark speech, 'The Barbarism of Slavery,' in the U.S. Senate on June 4, 1860. It was a monumental, four-hour address that marked his major return to the Senate floor after a three-year recovery from the 1856 caning he received. The speech was delivered during the debate over the admission of Kansas to the Union as a free state. It is considered the most comprehensive anti-slavery argument made in Congress, defining slavery not just as a political issue, but as a destructive, barbaric force. Despite warnings from colleagues to moderate his tone, Sumner was defiant, using intense rhetoric to denounce the institution. He claimed slavery stifled economic development in the South, characterizing it as a blight on progress.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000