The most shocking moment of the animosity that arose in the late 1850s between the states took place in the hallowed halls of the senate. young representative avenged the honor of his "disgraced" uncle andrew butler by nearly caning to death outspoken massachusetts senator

Andrew Butler stated he hated slavery, but was then found at fault when he was having sexual intercourse with one of his slaves as well as fathering children from a slave. He was unable to rebut because he suffered a stroke. his nephew, Preston Brooks of the House of Representatives, heard what had happened and beat Massachusetts Senator Sumner with a cane until the man is unconscious. Southerners cheered Brooks actions but the House chose to censure or reprimand him