They had no right, as it seems to me, to prosecute me in these Halls; nor have you the right in law or under the Constitution, as I respectfully submit, to take jurisdiction over offenses committed against them.
About Preston Brooks
Preston Smith Brookswas an American slaveholder, politician and member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina, serving from 1853 until his resignation in July 1856 and again from August 1856 until his death.
A member of the Democratic Party, Brooks was a strong advocate of slavery and states’ rights to enforce slavery nationally.
More quotes from Preston Brooks
They had no right, as it seems to me, to prosecute me in these Halls; nor have you the right in law or under the Constitution, as I respectfully submit, to take jurisdiction over offenses committed against them.
South Carolina politician.
But if I had committed a breach of privilege, it was the privilege of the Senate, and not of this House, which was violated. I was answerable there and not here.
South Carolina politician.
I should have forfeited my own self-respect, and perhaps the good opinion of my countrymen, if I had failed to resent such an injury by calling the offender in question to a personal account.
South Carolina politician.
But, sir, they have written me down upon the history of the country as worthy of expulsion, and in no unkindness I must tell them that for all future time my self-respect requires that I shall pass them as strangers.
South Carolina politician.
If I desired to kill the senator why did I not do it? You all admit that I had him in my power.
South Carolina politician.
Whatever insults my State insults me.
South Carolina politician.