Laurence Keitt

Laurence Massillon Keitt was an American planter, lawyer, politician, and soldier who served as a U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 3rd congressional district from 1853 until 1861. A member of the Democratic Party, Keitt was known for his strong advocacy of states' rights and slavery, and he was associated with the group known as the Fire-Eaters, who promoted the secession of Southern states from the Union. His tenure in Congress was marked by notable incidents of legislative violence, including his involvement in the infamous caning of Senator Charles Sumner and a physical altercation with Representative Galusha Grow. Following South Carolina's secession, Keitt served in the Confederate Army, where he rose to the rank of colonel before being mortally wounded during the Civil War.

Early life and career

Laurence Keitt was born on October 4, 1824, at Puritan Farm in Orangeburg County, which is now part of Calhoun County, South Carolina. He pursued higher education at South Carolina College, graduating in 1843. Following his graduation, Keitt studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1845, subsequently beginning his legal practice in Orangeburg. His early career in politics began with his election to the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he served from 1848 until 1853. This experience laid the groundwork for his later political ambitions at the national level.

In 1853, Keitt was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 3rd District. He was a member of the Democratic Party, which at the time was largely aligned with pro-slavery interests in the South. Throughout his political career, Keitt was known for his staunch defense of slavery and states' rights, aligning himself with the more radical elements of the Democratic Party, which would later be termed the Fire-Eaters.

House tenure

Keitt's time in the House of Representatives was characterized by his vocal support for Southern interests and his opposition to anti-slavery measures. His tenure included four terms in office, beginning in 1853 and concluding in 1861. During this period, he became embroiled in several controversial incidents that highlighted the intense political climate leading up to the Civil War.

One of the most notable events during Keitt's congressional career occurred on May 22, 1856, when he assisted fellow South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks in an attack on Senator Charles Sumner. Sumner had delivered a speech that criticized the pro-slavery stance of his Southern colleagues, which Brooks interpreted as a personal affront to his family. During the attack, Keitt brandished a pistol and a cane to prevent other senators from intervening, thereby facilitating Brooks's assault on Sumner. This incident drew national attention and condemnation, leading to Keitt's censure by the House. In response, he resigned from his position to allow for a special election, which resulted in his re-election by constituents who supported his actions.

Keitt's confrontational style continued to manifest in subsequent incidents. In February 1858, he was involved in a physical altercation on the House floor with Republican Representative Galusha Grow. The conflict arose during a heated debate, and Keitt's attempt to choke Grow escalated into a brawl involving numerous representatives. Such incidents underscored the growing tensions within Congress as the nation moved closer to civil conflict.

As the political landscape shifted dramatically with the secession of Southern states, Keitt's position became increasingly precarious. He continued to serve in Congress until December 1860, when South Carolina seceded from the Union, marking a significant turning point in American history.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the House, Keitt was a vocal advocate for the interests of the Southern states, particularly in relation to slavery and states' rights. He was known for his fiery rhetoric and willingness to engage in physical confrontations to defend his views. His political philosophy was rooted in the belief that slavery was a positive institution and that the Southern states had the right to govern themselves independently of federal authority.

Keitt's legislative focus often aligned with the priorities of the Democratic Party's more radical factions, who sought to protect and expand the institution of slavery. He was involved in discussions and debates that revolved around the contentious issues of the day, including the expansion of slavery into new territories and the rights of states to secede from the Union. His political actions and statements reflected the deep divisions within the country, as he articulated a vision of the South as a confederation of sovereign states.

In addition to his legislative work, Keitt's role in the Provisional Confederate Congress from 1861 to 1862 further solidified his commitment to the Confederate cause. Following his resignation from the House, he continued to advocate for Southern interests during the Civil War, ultimately joining the Confederate Army as a colonel. His military service culminated in his participation in the Battle of Cold Harbor, where he was mortally wounded.

Keitt's life and career illustrate the complexities of American politics in the mid-19th century, particularly in relation to the issues of slavery and states' rights. His legacy is intertwined with the tumultuous events leading up to and during the Civil War, reflecting the broader struggles that defined this period in U.S. history. He passed away on June 2, 1864, and is buried in West End Cemetery in St. Matthews, South Carolina.