The North understand it better - they have told us for twenty years that their object was to pen up slavery within its present limits - surround it with a border of free States, and like the scorpion surrounded with fire, they will make it sting itself to death.

" 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.