Autograph Letter Signed as secretary of war, to Major General Henry W. Halleck on War Department letterhead. Washington, D.C. April 26, 1866. 2 pp., 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. "I am still tugging at the oar as hopelessly & almost as painfully as a galley slave" Edwin Stanton's woeful letter to Lincoln's former chief of staff, General Halleck, alludes to the difficulties of Reconstruction and the contention between Stanton and President Andrew Johnson. The conflict between Stanton and Johnson would soon give rise to America's first presidential impeachment trial, following what nearly amounted to a coup d'tat.TranscriptPrivateMy dear Sir I avail myself of the opportunity of Mr Mears (?) kindness to say a few words to you.How often you are in my thoughts it would be bootless if possible to tell. The events that have happened since we parted & are daily transpiring are as strange as what we passed through together. You are fortunately afar off and at peace, while I am still tugging at the oar as hopelessly & almost as painfully as a galley slave. The newspapers tell you all, & more of public events are happening, the upshot you can guess at as well as any body else. No one can do more than guess. In regard to military affairs there seems a pretty strong probability that Congress will pass no Army bill this session. The contest over Shenks bill has become bitter and may end in nothing being done. The St. Louis Board appointed by Grant to regulate Brevets has dissatisfied more than are pleased, but that result would follow any effort at promotion. I hoped to have the adjutancy for Scott, and succeeded at first, but it was countermanded by the President on the next day & given to Taylor. There were fifteen candidates for the place.Your friends here are all well. Mrs. Halleck's father was here aashort time ago in apparent good health. I beg to be kindly remembered to her and would be very happy to hear from you Yours truly Edwin M Stanton Major General Halleck"Historical BackgroundThe conflict between Stanton and Johnson played a major part in Congress' effort to impeach President Andrew Johnson over his total opposition to Congressional Reconstruction plans. Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act on March 2, 1867, requiring Senate approval before the president could remove appointees - including cabinet members - from office. The legislation was intended to prevent Stanton's ouster. Johnson vetoed it, but his veto was overridden by Congress. The president's decision to fire Stanton was an act of defiance, and Congress, of course, refused to confirm the suspension. After Ulysses S. Grant declined Johnson's offer to take over the Cabinet position, the president appointed Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas. However, with the support of many in Congress, Stanton refused to accept the legitimacy of the dismissal and barricaded himself in the War Office. On February 24th, the House voted to impeach Johnson for "high crimes and misdemeanors." In what may be described as the closest America has come to a coup-de-etat, Stanton did not give up his post as Secretary of War until May of that year, after the Senate narrowly voted against the president's removal.The Tenure of Office Act was finally repealed in 1887 and in 1926 the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869) commenced his political life as an Ohio lawyer and antislavery Democrat. He served as U.S. Attorney General under President James Buchanan in the winter of 1860-1861 during which time he strengthened the Administration's resolve against secession. Appointed as Lincoln's Secretary of War in early 1862, Stanton brought civilian-style order to the Army and War Department, improving the efficiency of the armed forces. His earlier success as a Pittsburgh lawyer honed his skills in negotiation and communication, allowing him to work with Congress and the president to ensure appropriate involvement in the conduct of the war by. (See website for full description).

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Edwin Stanton ALS Prelude to Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
Publication Date: 1866
Binding: No binding
Condition: Very Good
Book Type: Autograph Letter Signed

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About the Seller Since 1988, I have been the largest buyer of important content American historic documents. Thousands of documents I have handled are in museum collections, including the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendments acquired for the Lincoln Museum of Fort Wayne, Indiana, now on display in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manuscript Society, and a member of the ABAA. References are available upon request. Starting Your Own Collection We have the expertise necessary to acquire individual items, or build a personalized collection for you. We can inspire you by creating a unique link to the historical figures, events or ideas that inspire you. Seth Kaller Inc. can handle or coordinate each aspect of the process such as: Pre-acquisition research, Physical inspection and purchasing, Auction representation, Authentication, Inventory and accounting reports, Conservation, Framing and display, and Collection management. Museum Quality\Private Ownership Most people know that markets exist for Impressionist paintings, fine English antiques, or rare coins. However, the field of historic documents has long been quietly dominated by a select few: J.P. Morgan, Henry Huntington, Malcolm Forbes. This is changing as more collectors discover the satisfaction of a personal, unique connection with history. Achieve Immortality! Become associated with your favorite museum, library, university or historical society. Important properties can be loaned for exhibition, placed on deposit or donated outright, to insure their survival for generations to come. We can handle all the arrangements for you, including working with tax attorneys and accountants, and coordinating insurance, transit, and proper acknowledgment.

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