Sumner provoked his beating. His speech was extremely insulting to the gentleman in question. Under the Code Duello, in use at the time, Preston Brooks was entitled to beat him, but I personally believe that it was a bit excessive. The times being what they were, with members of Congress on BOTH sides pulling pistols, this wasn’t extreme.
Sam Houston beat Congressman Stanberry years earlier, over a speech as well.
So you think that violence is an appropriate reaction to words. You think that, because someone insults your uncle, you're entitled to beat him unconscious. Good to know.
Under the Code Duello, in use at the time,...
In use where? In the Senate chamber?
Sam Houston beat Congressman Stanberry years earlier, over a speech as well.
True, but Houston approached Stanberry in the street and Stanberry was armed with pistols and a knife. He actually pushed one of the pistols into Houston's chest, but it misfired.
Duelling involved one-on-one combat between gentlemen, both armed. What Brooks did was attempt to beat an unarmed man to death. You can claim all the 'honor' you want but Brooks did try and kill an older man without giving him a chance to defend himself. Hardly the actions of a gentleman.