t on the charges then made
was entirely justified. This imposing process was not authorized
for misconduct, immorality, intoxication or neglect of duties, such
as were alleged in the report of the committee, but only for high
crimes or misdemeanors. The House properly made this distinction,
and here the accusations against the President would have ended,
but for his attempt, in violation of the constitution and law, to
place General Lorenzo Thomas in an important office without the
advice and consent of the Senate, then in session.

In the latter part of 1867, and the early part of 1868, I became
involved in a controversy, between President Johnson, General Grant
and General Sherman, which caused the last-named serious embarrassment.
As much of the correspondence between these parties has been
published in the "Sherman Letters," I at first thought it best not
to make any reference to the matter, but upon reflection, and to
explain subsequent events, I insert the letters in their order.

General Sherman was summoned to Washington, by the President, and
upon his arrival there wrote me the following letter:

"Washington, October 11, 1867.
"Dear Brother:--I have no doubt that you have been duly concerned
about my being summoned to Washington.

"It was imprudently done by the President without going through
Grant. But I think I have smoothed it over so that Grant does not
feel hurt. I cannot place myself in a situation even partially
antagonistic with Grant. We must work together. Mr. Johnson has
not offered me anything, only has talked over every subject, and
because I listen to him patiently, and make short and decisive
answers, he says he would like to have me here. Still he does not
oppose my going back home. . . .

"On Monday I will start for St. Louis by the Atlantic and G. W.
road, and pass Mansfield Tuesday. Can't you meet me and ride some
miles? I have been away from home so much, and must go right along
to Fort Laramie, that I cannot well stop at Cleveland or Mansfield,
and would like to see you for an hour or so to hear your views of
the coming events. . . .

"Yours affectionately,
"W. T. Sherman."

And on his return to St. Louis he continues:

. . . "I have always talked kindly to the President, and have
advised Grant to do so. I do think that it is best for all hands
that his administration be allowed to run out its course without
threatened or attempted violence. Whoever begins viol