Governor Banks of Massachusetts signs the order removing Judge Edward Greely Loring as Judge of Probate for Suffolk County

Governor Nathaniel Prentice Banks, the newly elected Republican governor of Massachusetts, signs the order removing Edward Greely Loring as Judge of Probate for Suffolk County. Judge Loring had become a particular target for abolitionists after his role in the rendition of Anthony Burns and Thomas Sims to southern slavery in 1851 under the terms of the federal Fugitive Slave Law. Several attempts had been made in 1855 and 1856 to legislate his removal in the Massachusetts house of representatives but the sitting governor had refused to remove him. The new "general address" of the Legislature had passed on March 11, 1858, and Governor Banks signs it on this day. (By John Osborne)