The New York Times, June 11, 1860
Washington, Saturday, June 9.
Mr. Sumner Threatened with an Assault.
Many rumors, some of an extraordinary character, prevail as to Mr. SUMNER. It appears that early last night, an individual representing himself from Virginia called at his room, and imperiously demanded an explanation of certain parts of his recent speech. Mr. SUMNER gave him no satisfaction, and ordered him to depart, which he did, with threats. At a subsequent hour, three others called, halting in the passage-way, and sent up word that they wished to see him alone. They refused the invitation to enter his room, where Mr. SUMNER was surrounded by friends, and left, sending a threatening message by the servant that they would come with a force to assault him at 10 o’clock this morning, when Mr. SUMNER’s friends were again present. In view of these occurrences, some of them accompanied him from his residence to the Senate to-day, apprehensive of personal violence. They are determined to exercise watchfulness and precaution. The attention of the Chief of Police has been called, to the subject.
To-day information was lodged with Mayor BEERETT, without the knowledge of Mr. SUMNER, that the latter’s room was improperly invaded, and that threats had been made against his life. The Mayor promptly investigated the matter, and procured an affidavit as to who the principal party was, and the substance of the language he employed towards Mr. SUMNER.
Upon ascertaining the fact that the offender committed the act while in a state of intoxication, and did not intend any injury to Mr. SUMNER, and regretted having done so, and was gentleman enough to apologize to Mr. SUMNER for his conduct, the Mayor called upon Mr. SUMNER and informed him of the fact, and assured him that if an apology was not satisfactory, he would promptly arrest the party charged and hold him to bail for trial. Mr. SUMNER, being assured by some of his friends that the offender occupied a responsible position under the Government, and in their opinion did not intend to insult him, said he was quite willing to receive the apology of the person, and did not care to have him put under bonds considering his word as good as his bond.
Accordingly Mayor BEEBETT accompanied the gentleman, who gave his name as Capt. HENRY, to Mr. SUMNER’s room, about 9 o’clock to-night, and he duly apologized to Mr. SUMNER, which was accepted as satisfactory by the latter.