Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-02-24

The War Depart nent being closed that day no
one was admitted but Senators and Members.
A sentinel kept guard at each OF the doors,
while at the main entrance on 17th street two
lieutenants and number of messengers were
on guard and refused admission to all. A
number of persons called to see officers on duty
in the building, and were admitted upon send
ing in their cards.
Shortly after the arrival of Gen. Thomas
several gentlemen sent cards to blm, but mes
seneers were unable to reach him in Mr.. Stan
tons room.
Mr.. r. Il. Merrick called at the Department.
! about twelve 0 clock for the purpose Of dellv-
ering certain papers to General Thomas, but
the messenger with MIR. Melricks card was re.
fused admission to Mr.. Stantons room and
Immediately thereafter an order was given that
no one be admitted, and all cards be sent to
Mr.. Stanton.
Col. VIM. G. Moore Private Secretary to
the President, next called to see Gen. Thomas,
but was refused admission.
Gen. Thomas remained in Mr. Stanton's
room until half past twelve, when he withdrew
and left the building.
During the interview Mr.. Stanton notified
General Thomas that he refused TO give up the
office of Secretary of War; that he would not
obey the authority of General L. as Secretary:
and had instructed all employees OF the De-
partment not to acknowledge or to recognize
him General I.) as Secretary.
In the House Of Representatives: on Satur-
day, Mr.. Stevens came in the House hall at 2
D. m, and got the floor to report on the mat
ter OF impeachment.
| The greatest excitement was at once mani
tested in the crowded galleries. The Speaker
warned the spectators that any violation OF the
rules by applause or otherwise would call for
punishment.
At five minutes past 2 p. NJ, Mr.. Stevens
rose, amid profound silence and made the fol-
lowing report from the Committee on Recon
struction:
"That, in addition to the papers referred to
the committee, the committee find that the
President on the 2lst day of February, 1868,
7 signed and ordered a commission or letter OF
authority to one Lorenzo Thomas directing and
authorizing said Thomas to act as Secretary of
War, ad interim, and to take possession of the
books, records, papers and other public prop
erty in the War Department, Of which the tol-
lowing is copy:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, Feb
ruary q, lS6S.-SIR: The Honorable Edwin
| Nj. Stanton having been removed from office
as Secretary Of the Department OF War, you
are hereby authorized and empowered to act as
Secretary OF War dd lnterln1, and will lmmedl-
ately enter upon the discharge Of the duties
pertaining to that office.
Mr.. Stanton has been instructed to transfer
to you all records, books papers and other
public property entrusted to his charge.
Respectfully yours.
lSigned ANDREW JOHNSON.
To Brevet Major Gen'l. Lorenzo Thomas, Ad-
iutant General u. S. Army, Washington,
D. G.
Official copy respectfully furnished to Hon.
Edwin M. Stanton.
[Signed] l.. THOMAS.
Secretary Of War, ad interim.
Upon the evidence collected by the commit
tee, which is hereafter presented, and in virtue
Of the powers with which they have been in.
vested by the House, they are of opinion that
Andrew johnson, President Of the United
States, be impcached Of high crimes and mis-
demeanors They therefore recommend to the
House the adoption Of the accompanying reso-
luton
[Signed] Thaddeus Stevens, Geo. S. Bout
well, John A Bingham, G. H. Hurlburt, John
T. Farnsworth, T. G. Beaman, Il. Z. Paine.
'.Resozred That Andrew johnson, Presl,.
dent of the United States, be impcachcd OF
high crimes and misdcmcanors.
| Mr. Stevens appeared anxious to bring the
matter to vote at once, declaring that he desired
no discussion Mr.. Brooks, Of New York, made
a very able and impressive speech IN oppos-
ton to this programme Of revolution, nc was
followed by Messrs. Spaulding, Bingham, and
Farnsworth, in speeches aarraIgnlng the PTesl,
dent but lacking everything that resembled
argument, or reasonable appeal to the judg-
mcnt of mcn. The House agreed, finally, that
the vote should be taken to day, thus giving
two davs consideration to the whole matter.
There were present at Secretary Stanton S
Office or Saturday morning Representatives
Morehcad and Kelley, from Pennsylvania !;
Van Horn and Van Wyck, Of New York !;
Dodge. of Iowa; Ames, of MASSACHUSETTS,: !:
MessrS. freeman Clark, Of New York, and
cx-member Columbus Dclano, of Ohio
About II. so o. m. General Lorenzo Thomas,
having Just been released on bail by Judge
CARTIER presented himself at the door OF the
DeDartlrcut and told Mr. Stanton that he
would like 10 see him. Mr.. Stanton told him
to proceed with anything be had to say.
General Thomas remarked he had come to
discharge his duties as Secretary OF War 0d
inteyine having heen ordered to do SO by the
President Of the United States. Mr.: Stanton
replied that he could do no such thing ana
ordered him to his room to perform his duIleS
as Adiutant General, General THOMAS repled
that he had been ordered by the President to
act as Secretary of War, and he inteoded to do
it, Mr.. Stanton again replied he should not,
and again ordered him to his OVID room' and
denied the power of the President to make any
such order. Gen Thomas said be would not 60;
that he should obey the orders of the Presldent,
and not obey the orders of Mr.. Stanton; Mr.;
Stanton remarked, Gas Secretary OF war
ordered you to repair to your own place as Ad;
infant General" Gen. Thomas ~ shall
not do So" Mr.. Stanton said, '"Then you
NAV may STAY there as long as you please, if the
President orders you, but you cannot act a;
Secretary of War. Gen. Thomas.-"l shal
act as Secretary of War.
Gen. Thomas then withdrew into room op
nos;ie, being Gen. Shriver's room, Mr.. Stan
otnlu fnllnHinn him After some