Some years ago, there was a book called "1857" (sorry, I loaned the book to someone who didn't return it, so I cannot give you the information) and it was about the nastiness that led up to the War Between The States.
Often I have recalled that when actual physical violence broke out, the whole thing went bad quickly. I have often thought that the day will come when we will hear about fistfights in the Congress, and who will be surprised? I think that day is near, someone is going to smack someone and then the game will be on. I in no way advance this, but I do think it will happen. If it does, all bets are off.
The Republicans had better quit being "Mr. Nice Guy" to these people.
Is this the one?
America in 1857: A Nation on the Brink (Paperback)
by Kenneth M. Stampp
I found it on Amazon.com. Just put that title in the Search window.
Yep, that's it. Thanks, I had it before it came out in paperback.
I will purchase it again, because as I remember, it's darn near prophetic.
A good read anyway.