A centrist whose main motivation for abolishing slavery was to preserve the Union, he had often tussled with the abolitionist Sumner due to their different perspectives—albeit collaborating with him on many bills. “The relationship of Trumbull to Sumner was analogous to the leaders of two absolutely independent guerrilla bands,” Trumbull’s biographer wrote. “They fought a common enemy, but each in his own way.” Trumbull demanded
