I am gathering antebellum news accounts that show carry of firearms seems to have been common and unremarkable. Often these are incidents that end badly. "Man bites dog" news accounts.
An accidental discharge in the U.S. House of Representatives:
The gentleman from Virginia bad alluded to fact that a firearm had fallen on the floor. It was due to truth to say that, about the time he was talking somewhat excitedly in reference to the harsh and unjust remark by his colleague, a pistol in his breast-pocket accidentally fell to the floor. No man who knew him believed that he would use a pistol except in an honorable way. He regretted that this accident had occurred. He put the pistol in his pocket last night about twelve o'clock, to protect himself, if necessary, for he resided in the neighborhood of English Hill, where out rages have been committed, and wanted to feel secure in going home. Until he came to Washington, he bad never thought it necessary to be armed. He did not carry a pistol for any purpose here, but for his protection while passing through this sometimes violent city. He had seen occasions when, to protect one's self from insult, it was necessary to carry firearms.[1]
This was, of course, AFTER the infamous caning of Charles Sumner by Preston Brooks a mere three-and-a-half years earlier. Most notably, this was less than two months after Senator Charles Sumner was finally able to return to his position in the Senate Chamber.
ReplyDeleteAnd the fatal shooting of the headwaiter at Willard's Hotel by Rep. Philemon Herbert (D-CA), also in 1857. Like Brooks, Herbert was a "hot-blooded Southern gentleman", and like Brooks, he got away with it.
DeleteThe link is slightly messed up: ",last" is included in the address. The debate reprinted by that newspaper is interesting: it includes references to the Wilmot Proviso, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott decision, Lecompton constitution, and upcoming DNC in Charleston.
ReplyDeleteYes. I am minding a mill at the moment in the shop so I will fix later this morning.
Deletelink fixed
DeleteFunny, I spent the first 50 years of my life living in the DC suburbs and I had never heard of a neighborhood called "English Hill." Surprise:
ReplyDeleteOriginally, the northeastern part of Washington, D.C. above Judiciary Square was known as "English Hill" from E Street NE/NW on the South and 4th Street NW on the west all the way to Boundary Road. It was a rural area with almost no buildings and gravel sidewalks. This original settlement contracted to the area bordered by 4th Street NW, 1st NW, E Street NE/NW, H Street NE/NW. "Swampoodle" was the name of a smaller settlement along H Street between North Capitol Street and 1st NE but extended to take a big part of "English Hill".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swampoodle_(Washington,_D.C.)