om Grant as late as March 18,
but he says not a word of his political intentions. So far as I
know, he would yet be glad of a change that would enable him to
remain as now. . . ."

On the 27th of February, 1868, Mr. Stevens made the following
report:

"The committee on reconstruction, to whom was referred, on the 27th
of January last, the following resolution:

'_Resolved_, That the committee on reconstruction be authorized
to inquire what combinations have been made or attempted to be made
to obstruct the due execution of the laws; and to that end the
committee have powers to send for persons and papers, and to examine
witnesses on oath, and report to this House what action, if any,
they may deem necessary; and that said committee have leave to
report at any time.'

"And to whom was also referred, on the 21st day of February, instant,
a communication from Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, dated
on said 21st day of February, together with a copy of a letter from
Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, to the said Edwin
M. Stanton, as follows:

'Executive Mansion, }
'Washington, D. C., February 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 the 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.
'Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, D. C.'

"And to whom was also referred by the House of Representatives the
following resolution, namely:

'_Resolved_, That Andrew Johnson, President of the United States,
be impeached of high crimes and misdemeanors.'

"Have considered the several subjects referred to them, and submit
the following report:

"That in addition to the papers referred to the committee, the
committee find that the President, on the 21st day of February,
1868, signed and issued 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, and papers, and