With such words of approbation from eminent leaders of the South, it was natural that other organs of opinion there should be stronger in their language. The people by formal acts, and the press by a succession of articles, signalized their adhesion.
The following extract from a letter of a young gentleman, said to be of “high respectability,” at Charleston, South Carolina, was communicated for publication.
“I suppose you have heard of the lambasting Mr. Brooks gave Mr. Sumner. Well, the Charlestonians have subscribed ten cents each and bought a splendid cane, with the words ‘_Hit him again_’ engraved on the head; and if Mr. Sumner troubles South Carolina or Mr. Brooks again, he will get something _engraved on his head_ which will be very apt to make him a _grave_ subject.”
At a meeting at Martin’s Depot, South Carolina, the following resolution was adopted.
“_Resolved_, If Northern fanatics will persist in meddling with our private institutions, we deem it expedient that Southern members should reply to them by the use of _gutta-percha_.”
At a meeting in Clinton, South Carolina, the following resolutions were adopted by acclamation.
“_Resolved_, That we, as a portion of the constituents of the Hon. Preston S. Brooks, do heartily agree with him in chastising, coolly and deliberately, the vile and lawless Sumner, of Massachusetts.
“_Resolved_, That, for the high respect and full appreciation of Colonel Brooks’s conduct, we present him a cane from the soil of his own Congressional district, with this inscription: ‘_Use knock-down arguments_’: feeling that none other can be effectual on a perverted mind and degenerate race.”
The Columbia _South Carolinian_, of May 28, spoke thus:--
“We learn that some of the gentlemen of Charleston have provided a suitable present, in the shape of a cane, to be given to Mr. Brooks, to show their appreciation of his late act of ‘hiding’ the Abolition Senator Sumner. It is to bear the inscription, ‘_Hit him again_.’ Meetings of approval and sanction will be held not only in Mr. Brooks’s district, but throughout the State at large, and a general and hearty response of approval will reëcho the words ‘_Well done_,’ from Washington to the Rio Grande.”