Preston Brooks Quotes

United States, Politician
August 5, 1819 – January, 27, 1857.

Preston Smith Brooks (August 5, 1819 – January 27, 1857) was an American 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.

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.

Preston Brooks
- Time
- Country
- History
If I desired to kill the senator why did I not do it? You all admit that I had him in my power.

Preston Brooks
- Why
- Power

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.

Preston Brooks
- Law
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.

Preston Brooks
- House
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.

Preston Brooks
- Good
- Respect
- Question
Whatever insults my State insults me.

Preston Brooks