M'arthur Democrat

Personal Attack on Mr. Sumner.
WASHINGTON, May 22.

Immediately after the adjournment of Congress to-day, while Mr. Sumner was still in the Senate Chamber, Mr. Brooks of South Carolina, entered and approached Mr. Sumner, accusing him of libeling South Carolina and his gray-headed relative, Mr. Butler. He then struck Mr. Sumner with his cane, Mr. Sumner fell. Mr. Brooks continued his blows till Mr. Sumner was deprived of the power of speech. Mr. Sumner was taken up and carried to his room. It had not been ascertained whether his wounds are serious or not.

When the attack was made Mr. Sumner called for help, but no one interfered until Mr. Brooks ceased his assault. Some eye-witnesses say that Brooks struck Mr. Sumner as many as fifty times over the head. Sumner was sitting in an arm chair when the assault was made, and had no opportunity to defend himself. The opinions expressed on the subject are various, many applauding the act, and others denouncing it as a cowardly attempt to beat down the freedom of speech. It will undoubtedly cause a great debate in the Senate to-morrow. Mr. Brooks has been arrested.

Complaint against Brooks was made on oath by Wm. Y. Leader. Brooks appeared before Justice Hollingshead and was held to bail in the sum of five hundred dollars for his appearance to-morrow afternoon. Sumner has two severe but not dangerous wounds on his head. Brooks' cane was shattered to pieces.

The Assault on Sumner—Additionals
WASHINGTON, May 23.

When the attack was made upon Mr. Sumner there were probably from 15 to 20 persons present, including Messrs. Crittenden, Foster, Toombs, Fitzpatrick, Murray, Morgan, and others members of Congress, Gov. Gorman and several officers of the Senate, and strangers. The attack was so sudden and unexpected that Mr. Sumner had no opportunity to place himself in defensive attitude. The first blow stunned him, and the stick, gutta percha, was broken into many pieces. He is better this morning and will probably be able to occupy his seat in a day or two— It appears that he did not call for help as was stated, being almost entirely unconscious after the first blow was inflicted.

By the time the assault terminated, Crittenden, Toombs, Murray and others interfered as soon as they could, and probably prevented further injury.

Great excitement was caused by the occurrence. Mr. Sumner sank to the floor, where he lay till he was raised by his friends. His wounds bled profusely. His physicians say they are the most serious flesh wounds they ever saw on a man's head, and deny his friends admission to him.

The assailant, Preston S. Brooks, is a Representative in the House from the Congressional district of South Carolina embracing Orangeburg, Barnwell, Beaufort and Colleton districts.

The investigation before a magistrate relative to Brooks' assault on Sumner is postponed till to-morrow afternoon, when it is supposed Sumner will be present. The proceedings in the Senate on the subject were brief and dignified. The hall of the House was densely crowded, an impression prevailing that many members were prepared for any emergency, and that serious consequences might accordingly result.