We have not sought this conflict; we have sought too long to avoid it; our forbearance has been construed into weakness, our magnanimity into fear, until the vindication of our manhood, as well as the defence of our rights, is required at our hands.

" He delivered a farewell address in the Senate (January 7 1861) in which he said: “We want no negro equality no negro citizenship; we want no negro race to degrade our own; and as one man [we] would meet you upon the border with the sword in one hand and the torch in the other. "


Early life
Born near Washington Wilkes County Georgia Robert Augustus Toombs was the fifth child of Catherine Huling and Robert Toombs.

Clawson says he was "a bullish politician whose blend of acerbic wit fiery demeanor and political tact aroused the full spectrum of emotions from his constituents and colleagues. [he] could not balance his volatile personality with his otherwise keen political skill.