Fight Between Congressmen Van Wyck and Hindman, 1860

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Congressman Charles Van Wyck's "True Democracy--History Vindicated," 1860
Fight Between Congressmen Van Wyck and Hindman, 1860
Assassination Attempt of Congressman Charles Van Wyck, 1861

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From page 3 of the Alexandria (Virginia) Gazette on April 2, 1860:

BY MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH.

Another Congressional Squabble.

WASHINGTON, March 31.-- A scene between two Congressmen which occurred this morning, occasions some excitement.  Mr. Van Wyck meeting Mr. Hindman on the avenue, held out his hand in friendly recognition, when Mr. Hindman refused to take it, making use of the words, as reported: "You d---d scoundrel, you have delivered a speech not only insulting to every Southern man, but to every gentleman."  At the same time making a movement with his left hand towards Mr. Van Wyck's face as if additionally to insult him.  It is said that a duel will result.

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From page 2 of the Albany (New York) Evening Journal on April 2, 1860:

From Washington.

CONGRESSIONAL ROW ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE--VAN WYCK, OF N.Y., AND HINDMAN, OF ARK.

Correspondence of the New York Express.

WASHINGTON, March 31.

This forenoon, Messrs. Van Wyck, of New York, (who charged the Southern people with deliberately burning their slaves, and the Southerners as sanctioning this cruelty) Stewart, of Pa., and Lovejoy, of Ill., stood upon the steps of the National Hotel.  Mr. Hindman, of Arkansas, approached the steps, Mr. Van Wyck offered his hand, and addressed Mr. H., who immediately struck at Mr. Van Wyck, exclaiming, in intense anger, "how dare you speak to me, you d---d son of a b---h."

Mutual friends immediately closed in and the two Members of Congress were separated.  No blow was struck, but the affray has excited great feeling.

For the last few weeks there has been an increase of feeling and excitement between Northern and Southern members, and with many only the most cold and formal recognition exists, while others do not speak at all.  Mr. Van Wyck's attack in debate upon the inhumanity of the whole South has made him especially obnoxious.