The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-04-21
L MP FAC HI M Il NJ Il
PROGRESS OF THE TRIAL.
WASHINGTON, April 10.
SENATE.

II mE. -OuEtiS fesuM6u lh6 OpeHiHg
argument for the defence, which be con
lclnded at 2;15, when the Senate took 8
recess.
| After the recess Gen. Thomas was
Isworn, and on examination by Mr.. Stan
lbery, testified as to his rank iu the army
land his appointment as adjutant Genera
lin March, 1861. He remained in Office
latter Stanton's appointment; was sent By
Ihim to various parts Of the country K
lorganixe and inspecttroops, and organized
|about $4,000 colored troops. His las
Especial duty as Adjutant General, by or
der Of the President, February 13, 1868
ISaw the President soon afterwards.
/ Mr.. Butler objected to the question.
| What was the conversation? Witnes:
then stated that on the morning of Feb
III, he received note from the private
Secretary Of the President asking hin
to come to the White House. He. went
and the President handed him papers, be-
ling letter to Stanton and his letter. Of
authority. Never saw the papers before
Had no hand in preparing them. The
President said to him: / intend to sup
port the Constitution and laws, and ex.
pect to do the same. Witness went td
the war Department with General Viii.
Hams and demanded possession. Stanton
asked if time would be granted to remove
his papers. Gen, Grant was present aud
showed him his appointment as Secretary
ad interim. Witness then retired to his
room. The same day be received let
ter from Stanton forbidding him to issue
any orders as Secretary of Var ad iate-
rim, which letter witness proceeded to
| read.
| Mr.. Stanbery--What was said in col
versation between you and the President,
subsequently, on the same day?
Mr.. Butler objected, and argued at
some length that the conversation relating
to the act could Dot be put in evidence,
if it occurred subsequent to the commits
sion.
| The Chief Jusece then submitted to
the Senate the question of admitting Mr..
Thomas testimonSin regard to the con-
versation. The yeas and nays resulted
40 to 10. So the evidence was ad-
mitted.
| Witness stated to the President that he
had delivered the communication to Stan
ton, and told him what answer had been
made The President then said TO him;
Very we'll, 60 on, take possession and
obey the orders. This was all that oc.
curred. Did not see the President again
that evening. Next morning the witness
was arrested. Went with the Marshal
to the White House. Told the Presi.
dent he was in CUSTODY, and on what
charge. The President replied Very
well, that is just where | want it, in
1ICourt. The witness then left. At his
hotel, on giving bail, he asked Judge
1 Carter if he was in the meantime sus.
pended from his functions, The Judge
} replied in the negative, and explained the
effect Of giving bail. The witness ther
narrated the circumstances and converse.
Itions which occurred after he went to the
4 War Office. The same morning, after the
members of Congress who witnessed hi:
interview with Stanton, had retired
Thomas said to Stanton The next timt
i you have me arrested, do It after break
i fast. have had nothing this morning tt
eat and drink. CLaughter) Stanton, il
'Ia playful manner, ran his hand through
witness hair. Well, I think, General
we have little something here. Where
upon General Shriver produced bottle
and General Stanton divided it's contents
about a spoonful, into two parts, and the,
took drink together. Subsequently
some full bottles were brought, and this
was all the force used that day. [Grea
laughter,
j Mr., Stanbery asked if the Presidenf
had ever directed him to use force Of
threats to obtain possession of the Wa
i Department,
i Objection was made and answered BY
Butler and Evarts, without any di
vision.
The Senate allowed the question to b.
lput, and General Thomas replied in ths
negative. When questioned as to hi!
conversation with Mr.. Burleigh, he sale
never invited him to come to his Office
| Had said to him or Wilkinson that h'
would call on General Grant, or kick tn,
jdoors down. Knows nothing whatever
labont Karsener. Supposes he may hay,
lseen him four years ago, when he was il
! ct home. Karsener introduced himself a
|, Ian old acquaintance, hung on him b.
the hand while he made the remark, sew
) eral times repeated, about Delaware hav
!, ling her eyes upon him (Thomas). Kar
flsener then asked him when he was goin,
. to kick that fellow out, and he adopte,
: Karsener's words, and said he would d
. lit in few days. Never thought abou
kicking Stanton out.
VI Cross examination, from March, 1863
) to February, 13, 186S-Did not perform
Office duties of Adjutant General. MI
Stanton took to the President Genera
!, Grants commendation to relieyethe wit
lness, but there was no unpleasant feel
: ings between them. Had no intimatiol
) before the 18th Of February that th
= President wished to make him Secretar
: OF war ad interim. Swore by mistake t
E the contrary when examined by the Hous
committee, but corrected his evidence af
iterwards. He swore then he had reeeiy
a ed an intimation to that effect, about tw
/. weeks previously, from Colonel Moore
Il Told the President at the time of receiy
Fl ing his appointment he would obey or
d ders. Did not expect toreceive any par
nl ticular order when be received The not
from Colonel Moore, February 1st H