Robert Toombs Quotes

A collection of quotes by Robert Toombs.

Robert Toombs was an American politician and lawyer who played a prominent role in the antebellum and Civil War eras. He was born on July 2, 1810, in Washington County, Georgia. Toombs studied law at the University of Georgia and quickly gained recognition for his intellect and oratory skills.

As a member of the Whig Party, Toombs began his political career serving in the Georgia House of Representatives. Later, he was elected to the United States Congress, where he represented Georgia from 1845 to 1853. He firmly believed in states' rights and was a staunch advocate of slavery and southern interests.

Toombs played a pivotal role in the secession of Georgia from the Union. He vehemently opposed any compromise to preserve the Union and consistently urged the southern states to separate. In 1861, when the Confederacy was formed, Toombs was chosen to be the Secretary of State, but he resigned soon after over disagreements on military strategy.

During the Civil War, Toombs served as a brigadier general in the Confederate Army but retired from military service due to disagreements with Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy. After the war, he returned to practicing law in Georgia but never fully regained his political influence.

Robert Toombs passed away on December 15, 1885, in Washington, Georgia. He is remembered as a passionate defender of states' rights and slavery, whose fiery speeches and unwavering commitment to the southern cause left a lasting impact on American history.