The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
»Overt Obstruction of Congress

back to the Andrew Johnson Home Page


 
Editorial
Harper's Weekly, January 4, 1868, page 2

go to the previous article in this section
go to the next article in this section


GENERAL GRANT’S LETTER
The letter of General Grant to the President upon the removal of Stanton and Sheridan is characteristic of the man. It shows the same supreme good sense which distinguishes Grant as it did Lincoln; the same sagacity and moderation, but clearness and firmness which endear him more and more to the country. In regard to Mr. Stanton the General reminds the President that the Tenure of Office Bill was intended especially to protect the Secretary of War, and concludes quietly: "The meaning of the law may be explained away by an astute lawyer, but common-sense and the views of the loyal people will give to it the effect intended by its framers." In speaking of Sheridan he gives him high praise in saying: "He is universally and deservedly beloved by the people who sustained this Government through its trials, and feared by those who would still be the enemies of the Government."

It seems to be impossible for any man to pretend further that he does not know what Grant’s views and sympathies are. Could he make them more clear, could he awaken profounder public confidence if he should write a letter advocating certain details of policy? On the contrary, if there be any thing which would disturb the feeling which the vast body of faithful Union men in the country entertain for General Grant, it would be a letter from him "defining his position." Deep and permanent faith in public men at such a period as this is not founded upon what they say for a particular purpose, but is the result of the impression of their whole career.

This letter, written under a strong sense of public duty, shows that the General’s opinion of the policy of reconstruction which has been adopted is that of the most intelligent men in the country. Supporting his friend Sheridan against the rebel pressure to which the President gladly yielded, he says that the assertion constantly made that the administration was dissatisfied with Sheridan "emboldened the opponents of the laws of Congress within his command to oppose him in every way in their power, and has rendered necessary measures which otherwise may never have been necessary." Those laws are to be repealed, or they are to control reconstruction. The Democratic Party will go into the election clamoring for its repeal, and insulting Sheridan and all the "satraps" who enforced the law. The Republican Party will insist that the principle of the law, namely, the equal rights of all the citizens, shall continue to inspire reconstruction. One of the two parties will succeed. There will not be a new party, and, of course, if the Republicans repeal the law they retire from the contest. Can there be any doubt, then, that General Grant will be the Republican candidate as the representative of the Republican policy? He will be the President elected by the principle which maintained the war to its triumphal close.

Articles Related to Overt Obstruction of Congress:
Congress
February 2, 1867, page 67
February 16, 1867, page 99
March 16, 1867, page 163


How Long?
June 29, 1867, page 402


Reconstruction and Obstruction
July 6, 1867, page 418


The Summer Session
July 6, 1867, page 418


The Fortieth Congress
July 17, 1867, page 467


Thanks to the District Commanders
July 27, 1867, page 467


Impeachment Postponed
July 27, 1867, page 467


A Desperate Man
August 13, 1867, page 546


The Secretary of War
August 24, 1867, page 530


Samson Agonistes at Washington (cartoon)
August 24, 1867, page 544


The Stanton Imbroglio (illustrated satire)
August 24, 1867, page 542


Secretary Grant
August 31, 1867, page 546


Southern Reconstruction
August 31, 1867, page 547


The Political Situation
September 7, 1867, page 562


General Thomas
September 7, 1867, page 563


Southern Reconstruction
September 7, 1867, page 563


The General and the President
September 14, 1867, page 578


General Sickles Also
September 14, 1867, page 579


Southern Reconstruction
September 21, 1867, page 595


The President’s Intentions
September 28, 1867, page 610


Impeachment
October 5, 1867, page 626


The Main Question
October 5, 1867, pages 626-627


Suspension during Impeachment
October 19, 1867, page 658


"Disregarding" The Law
November 2, 1867, page 691


Impeachment
December 14, 1867, page 786


General Grant’s Testimony
December 14, 1867, page 786


The President’s Message
December 14, 1867, page 787


General Grant’s Letter
January 1, 1868, page 2


Secretary Stanton’s Restoration
January 25, 1868, page 51


Reconstruction Measures
January 25, 1868, page 51


The President, Mr. Stanton and General Grant
February 1, 1868, page 66


Romeo (Seward) to Mercutio (Johnson) (cartoon)
February 1, 1868, page 76


The War Office
February 1, 1868, page 77


Secretary’s Room in the War Department (illus)
February 1, 1868, page 77


The New Reconstruction Bill
February 8, 1868, page 83

 

Website design © 1998-2005 HarpWeek, LLC
All Content © 1998-2005 HarpWeek, LLC
Please submit questions to webmaster@harpweek.com