Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-04-25
The Conspiracy Of the Radical Leaders ana
the Impeachment Trial.


the Impeachment Trial.
That the present impeachment trial is
but the result of a conspiracy formed
fully three years ago by certain Radical
leaders, headed by the illustrious Ben
Butler himself, has for long time been
the opinion of President johnson and
many conservative Republicans, as well
as Democrats. Immediately after the
removal of President Lincoln by the
sssassin's bullet the conspiracy COM
menced, the object being either to control
Mr.. johnson by inducing him to reor-
ganize his Cabinet on more radical
basis, or, failing in that, to open regu-
lar war of the fercest character upon the
unyielding President Ben Butler at
that time was power in himself. He
had strong party at his back, and he
nd his party desired, not only to shape
tho policy Of the government, but like.
wise to enjoy the spoils Of Office. Butler,
especially, yearned to administer the
War Office or the State Department,
and accordingly laid plans to accomplish
his purpose. His friends backed him up
with all their influence, and Mr.. johnson
was pestered with entreaties to remove
either Mr.. Stanton or Mr.. Seward for
Benjamin's especial benefit Seward,
be it known, at this time was stretched on
his bed from the terrible wounds inflicted
by the assassin, and Lincoln was yet un-
buried. The extent of the patriotism OF
Butler and his friends will, therefore, be
comprehended. While Seward was every
hour expected to expire, Butler was
busily at work seeking to have the pros
| trate Secretary of State turned out OF
Office in order that he (Butler) might pro-
mote his indecent and uncomfortable
ambition. That I am not merely fabri-
eating sensational story, will be evil
denoed by the following letter, written to
Hon. Lewis d. Campbell, our late Min.
| ister to Mexico, by General j. K. Her.
bert, of Major General Buffers staff
WASHINGTON. April 10. 1865.
amy DEAR SIR: The greatest crime
Of centuries has thrown the robes OF Mr.
Lincoln upon your good friend, Mr..
johnson, about whom we slightly differed
when / was at your house. You will
agree with me, Think, that some change
ia the cabinet ought to be made, aud
probably will be. You also agree, ! sus'
pect, that Butler for any place, especially
War or State, is about the best man in
the country. Presuming these things, |
write to ask that you make the best
demonstration you can to that effect.
You can write Mr., johnson q letter that
would be of great weight with him. You
can induce other good men to do the
same; and, perhaps, after setting the
ball in motion at home, you could come
here in person. l wish you would. /
am certain you would do a public service,
and greatly oblige Butler aud bis friends.
| am confident / shall hear from you in
substantial effort. Be kind enough to
present my kind regards to Mrs. O. and
her daughter. Let me hear from you,
and believe me, faithfully yours,
| s-is osR 81. K HERBERT.
"Hon. Lewis D. Campbell, etc.. etc.
"P. S.-Why not see Taft, Hoadley
and the friends we met last year in Gin
cinpatip Wade, Chandler, Carter, Ju-
liam, and such as they, are doing all they
can for General y lrle tal
Mr.. Campbell had been for twenty years
the intimate, social and political friend OF
Andrew Johnson. and was supposed to
have powerful influence over the newly
elevated President Hence the favor OF
Campbell was solicited. 1t so happened
that while Herbert was writing his letter,
Campbell was on bis way to this city
from Cincinnati, 10 compliance with
request from Mr.. johnson. campbell ar
rived here on the day Lincoln's remains
were being removed from the White
House to the Cspito' On the same
evening or the next, Campbell met Her
bart in the street, who informed him that
he (Herbert) had just mailed an impor'
tant letter to him, directed to his resi-
dence iu Ohio. On inqziring 80 70 it'
purport, Campbell was Informed by Her
bert that Butler and several prominent
Radicals had several consultations FOL
the purpose Of taking steps 10 urgl
President johnson TO make an immedi
ate change Of bis whole Cabinet, ant
particularly, TO have Stanton and Sew
Ard removed, and 70 have General Bat
Ter placed either in the Department o
State OF Of War; that be had written Il
Mr.. Campbell for the purpose OF IN
ducing him to use his iuhaeuce With othei
proninsnt men in Ohio, 70 Aeeonplisl
the same end Mr. Campbell said u
reply, that as Mr.. Seward was lying a
tho point Of death, with bis throat cut b
an assassin, and his sos, Fredericl
Seward, Assistant Ssctstary Of State
Us supposed 10 be in dying condition
he Thought probably hy . kfils dels,
p-.-;Sanoe Himself would remove Mr.