Loading
Letter Removing Edwin Stanton as Secretary of War
Andrew Johnson1868
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, PA, United States
Andrew Johnson sent this letter to Edwin Stanton, informing him that he was being fired as secretary of war. A year earlier, Congress had adopted an act requiring the president to seek the Senate’s approval before removing certain officeholders. Johnson believed this was an unconstitutional restriction on his power and did not seek their approval.
Show lessRead more
Details
- Title: Letter Removing Edwin Stanton as Secretary of War
- Creator: Andrew Johnson
- Date Created: 1868
- Subject Keywords: Tenure of Office Act, impeachment, presidency
- Transcript:Executive Mansion. Washington, D.C. Febr'y 21, 1868. Sir By virtue of the power and authority vested in me, as President, by the Constitution and laws of the United States, you are hereby removed from office as Secretary for the Department of War, and your functions as such will terminate upon receipt of this communication. You will transfer to Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General of the Army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad interim, all records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and charge. Respectfully yours, Andrew Johnson To the Honorable Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, DCHide TranscriptShow Transcript
- Original Source: Library of Congress
- Rights: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Edwin McMasters Stanton Papers, 1818-1921
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
