He had also taken the precaution to have two of his friends ready to prevent any interference before the punishment was completed.

Toombs of Georgia witnessed a part of the assault and expressed approval of the act, and everywhere throughout the South, in the public press, in legislative halls, in public meetings, Brooks was hailed as a hero.

The resolution for his expulsion introduced in the House received the support of only one vote from south of Mason and Dixon's Line.

A large majority favored the resolution, but not the required two-thirds majority.

Brooks, however, thought best to resign but was triumphantly returned to his seat with only six votes against him.