Life and times of Andrew Johnson, seventeenth President of the United States. Written from a national stand-point

Front matter

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Preface

The author of the following pages throws himself on the generous forbearance of the reader, so far as any shortcomings of style, or of systematic arrangement, may be involved. Having thought much, and feeling very deeply as he does, in regard to the present state of the country, the author considers it a matter of very great importance that President Johnson's position, his relations to the parties engaged in the late unfortunate struggle, and his views and opinions in reference to the proper policy of the Government for the future, should be thoroughly understood and appreciated by the public. The author has waited, to see if some more competent pen would not undertake the task. Every one must admit that President Johnson's position is one of transcendent importance at the present time. From the very necessity of the case, the task devolves on him of having to readjust the component parts of a great empire shaken by the conflict of four years of war, without precedent to guide him, and with the public mind yet in a state of effervescence and anxiety. It is indispensable to the success of the Gov-

IV PKEFACE.

eminent, and the advancement of the public good, that the popular judgment should be enabled to decide fairly and impartially in regard to him. If his policy is the correct one, then it is all-important that public opinion should sustain him. There never has been, in the history of our Government, so great a necessity for harmonizing the public opinion of the country, as exists at the present time. War has had its triumphs, and now is the time for aiding peace in achieving its triumphs, also. If, on examination, it should appear that Mr. Johnson is the representative man to restore harmony, and the mutual dependence of the interests of the different sections of the country, then it is the patriotic duty of every good man to sustain him. The public mind is confused, agitated, disturbed, anxious. Every one is more or less nervous in regard to the future. All eyes are turned toward Mr. Johnson. Every one is solicitous of information concerning him. Confidence in his unselfish patriotism, his moderation, his conservatism, his nationality, would do more toward quieting all apprehensions as to the future, than any thing else. The object of the author is to present Mr. Johnson to the public mind just as he is — to convey a correct impression as to his character*— and to enable popular opinion to judge of his future course by an investigation of his conduct in the past.

Mr. Johnson is a man who, in the history of his political life, has evidently acted on a regular system. His course has not been one of versatility — of mere expedients. The public appetite is hungry for information in regard to him. In endeavoring to impart this information, the author has been conscientious in his desire to promote the public good. If it is to the interest of the people of this country to support,

PREFACE. V

and aid, and strengthen Mr. Johnson, then he who may be instrumental in convincing them of this, and of removing any erroneous impressions concerning him, will have done his country a service.

The author has been actuated with a desire to do justice to Mr. Johnson, as well as serve the public interests in conveying correct information. He admits his high admiration of Mr. Johnson's character — an admiration founded on a close study and rigid scrutiny of his political life. No matter how pure and patriotic his character may be — no matter how blameless and upright his administration of public affairs, yet he cannot expect to escape that censure and faultfinding which are the common lot of all men who reach such high eminence of position by their own force of character. Old party issues have disappeared, but new ones will take their places. They will be made for the occasion, if they do not necessarily arise. In a country like ours, where thought is untrammelled, and the press is free, parties must exist. We may expect to see new issues presented, and new combinations formed ; and as reflections, growing out of the war and its consequences, have superseded all other questions in the public mind, we may reasonably suppose that these new issues and combinations will have reference to the events of, and the results produced by, the late unhappy war. We have already foreshado wings of this ; and since the assemblage of Congress in December, 1865, we have already seen the elements of opposition assuming regular shape and form. His friends are already forewarned ; they owe it to Mr. Johnson, to justice, and to truth, that they should be forearmed also.

In order to properly appreciate the author's purpose in

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this humble effort, the reader must have in view the object and design aimed at. It is not to narrate startling adventures, nor to describe amusing and entertaining incidents in human affairs, nor to inculcate any peculiar views of government or politics. His object is to inform the public in regard to the character, morally, intellectually, and politically — of the man who now holds the highest executive position in the Government. His purpose is to calm and compose any anxiety or apprehension, in either section, as to the difficulties which beset the future, by affording an assurance that in Mr. Johnson we have a man for President whose whole public life has been uniform and consistent in sustaining and upholding the great principles of constitutional liberty, based, as they are, on the bights of the people. His further purpose is to warn Mr. Johnson's friends to be on their guard against the machinations of faction ; to avoid all conflicts, except in self-defence ; but still to be prepared to defend him when unjustly assailed, and, in defending him, to defend the cause of free government and a restored Union, with which his name will be identified to the latest posterity.

Chapter I

Practical working of our Free Institutions— Birth of Andrew Johnson— Parents —Jacob Johnson— His character and pursuits— Orphanage of Andrew Johnson— Apprenticed to a tailor— His studious habits— Goes to Laurens Court House, S. C— Moves to Greenville, Tenn.— In business— Marriage —Industry— Learning the alphabet— Chosen a Town Commissioner — Elected Mayor— Trustee of Rhea Academy— Chosen Member of the Tennessee Legislature— State of feeling in that body— Candidate for Presidential Elector— Elected State Senator— Chosen Representative in Congress.

Chapter II

First Speech in the House of Representatives— Extract— Remarks on the Annexation of Texas— High considerations of National policy and duty urged— The People of Texas— Significant passage of the Speech— Possible germ of future National policy in regard to the Colored race— Questions before Congress— Notice to Great Britain respecting Oregon — Mr. Johnson's position— Extract showing bis views and feelings— Contends for the whole of Oregon, ...... 1°

Chapter III

His Address to the House on the veto power of the President— The rationale of the veto is the protection of the rights of the People— Speech on the Admission of California— Extract— Anxiety for the restoration of kind

feelings between the North and the South Fears of the usurpation of

power by the General Government— Speech on the proposition to dispossess Texas by military power of a portion of territory— Rights of States- Speech on the payment of Money to Mexico— Watchful jealousy over the public Treasury, ....••• 23

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Chapter IV

Author of the Homestead Law— Illustration of what may be accomplished by determination, perseverance, and tenacity of purpose — Introduces the Homestead Bill into Congress in 1845— It would bring Money into the Treasury— Speech in 1850— Rejoice the heart of the poor man— Progress of the Bill— Mr. Johnson regarded as its father— Speech in 1852— Objections examined— Passage of the Bill by the House, . . Page 35

Chapter V

Prophetic Remark on the Action of the Tennessee Legislature — Candidate for Governor of the State — " Gerrymandering," origin of the word — Discussion before the People — His Service as Governor— Elected to the United States Senate— His first Speech in the Senate— Views on the Independence of the Senatorial Character— On the Expenses of the Government — On Standing Armies — Touching Remarks alluding to his Native and his Adopted State ...... 48

Chapter VI

Discussion on Resolutions of the Tennessee Legislature — Charge of Prejudice against Mr. Johnson unfounded. — Views on the Qualification of Voters under the Constitution— Views on Extravagant Appropriations— Predictions of the result of the Homestead Policy— Efforts for Retrenchment measures— Constitutional Objections to the Pacific Railroad Bill— Views on Presidential Conventions— Cost of a Pacific Railroad — The true philosophy of Mr. Johnson's Political Creed ..... 61

Chapter VII

The South must contend for its Rights in the Union— The Union must be Maintained at all Hazards — Passage of the Homestead Bill in the Senate — Veto of Mr. Buchanan— Speech of Mr. Johnson— Passage of the Bill over the Veto— One peculiarity in all his great Speeches — Views on the Smithsonian Institution— Key to his Character as a Public Man— Resolutions relative to the distribution of Official Patronage — Remarks on the Clerical Force in the Public Offices— Corrupt Practices of Members of Congress— Amendments to Bills moved by Mr. Johnson — Opposition to the Voting of books — Efforts to guard the Character of Congress against any grounds for Suspicion ......... 75

Chapter VIII

Public Opinion of Congressional Character— The " Gardiner claim "—Indignation of Mr. Johnson — Denounces it in the House — The Position he assumed— Bearing of his Views at the present time— His watchful Vigi-

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lance over the Treasury — Views on the Increase of Salaries — His Position on the Tariff Question — The Object to present his Views and settled Opinions — His open-hearted Candor and Freedom from Prevarication — Sympathy for the People — Effects of the Homestead Act — Opposition to the Know-Nothing Movement — Union Character of that Movement.

Chapter IX

Schemes of Mischief culminating in 1860 — Democratic Convention at Charleston — Split of the Democratic Party — Nomination and Election of Mr. Lincoln — Course of Mr. Johnson — Appeals to his Southern Brethren — Speech on the constitutional relations between the States and the General Government — Earnestness of Mr. Johnson's Views and his Anxiety to save the Union — Extracts from his Speech. . . 107

Chapter X

Second Speech exposing the heresy of Secession — Evils and Disasters foretold — The only man from eleven States contending for the Union — Warnings to his friends in Tennessee — Acquiesces in the Election of Mr. Lincoln — Reasons — Urges Guaranties for Slavery — Supports the Crittenden Compromise — Charges against Mr. Johnson — Proved to be Slanders — Resolution offered by him in the Senate on the objects of the "War . . 125

Chapter XI

Speech on the Joint Resolution to make valid certain acts of President Lincoln — Philosophy of the Speech — Efforts of Southern Members to get out of Congress before a Compromise could be made — Charge that the Free States would amend the Constitution when in a Majority, and abolish Slavery — How did Congress do? — Fixed Purpose to break up the Government — Real Cause — We must Succeed . . ... 142

Chapter XII

Addresses to the People of Kentucky and Ohio — Appointed Military Governor of Tennessee — Appeal to the People of that State — Its Spirit — His Stringent Rule as Military Governor — State of Affairs around him — His Firmness when Nashville was threatened — Opposes the Evacuation of the City — Conferences with President Lincoln on the Reorganization of the State Government — His View of the Status of Tennessee — Proclamationffor an Election — Letter Accepting the Nomination as Vice-President — Speech on the Capture of Richmond — Assassination of President Lincoln — Mr. Johnson becomes President — His Remarks on taking the Oath of Office — Reception of the British Minister, ..... 154

CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII

The Strangeness of Life — Contemplate Andrew Johnson in Greeneville at Nineteen Years of Age — His Feeling and Impulses — Order of his Genius — His Life in 1826 — Ditto in 1865 — His accession to his present Position not the mere result of Accident — His Self-reliance — His Progress — His First Speech — His Youthful Wife — Her Transfer to the White House — Tests by which President Johnson may be Tried — Regard for Truthfulness — His Candor and Sincerity — His Industry and Energy — Honesty and Fair Dealing in Private Life — Economy, .... Page 169

Chapter XIV

The Moral and Physical Bravery of President Johnson as Military Governor of Tennessee— His Position that Tennessee had never been out of the Union — Difficulties of his Position as Governor — His Early Adhesion to the Democratic Party — Philosophy of that Party — Charges against Mr. Johnson — That of being a Demagogue Examined — Of being a Cold, Heartless Man — Views of those who know Him — His Strong Attachment for the great Middle Class — His Plain, Unpretending, Unaffected Manners — His great Executive and Administrative Functions — His Clemency — His Moderation— His Respect for Northern People, . . . 187

Chapter XV

Difficulties which beset the President— The Qualities required for his Station — Old Party Issues said to be Dead — Issues of Greater Moment — Rationale of Mr. Lincoln's Call for Troops— Views of the Ultraists North and South — Fortunate thing for the South that Mr. Johnson has taken the Position he does — Fortunate for the North that Mr. Johnson Entertains the Views he does — Important that Harmony should be Restored between the two Sections as soon as Possible — Suffrage for the Blacks mooted — Vote of Connecticut, ........ 208

Chapter XVI

Course of Mr. Johnson relative to the Ins'titution of Slavery — Brief View of the Acts and Doings of the Secessionists — Nullification in South Carolina — New System of Political Ethics on the Question of Slavery — Origin of Slavery Propagandism on the part of the Ultra Men of the South — A Great Error committed by the South — The Pretext for Disunion — Commercial Conventions — Remark of Mr. Calhoun — Charleston Convention of 1860 — Rupture at Baltimore — Views of Mr. Lincoln — State of Parties in Congress— Views of the Secessionists — Slavery might have been Saved to the South and put beyond the reach of Danger. 222

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Chapter XVII

Mr. Johnson's Position on the Slavery Question — The very Men under whose Administration the Institution should disappear— The Truth of History — How was the Slavery Agitation kept up at the South?— Circumstances attending the Inauguration of the Conflict — Union Men in the South- Action of Mr. Buchanan— Effect on the South— Position of Mr. Lincoln — What it cost in the South to be a Union Man — Feelings of the Southern People, ....... Page 241

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Object of President Johnson in the continued Occupation of the South by national Troops— Decision of the President that the Acts of States in Secession are null and void— His Views— The Appointment of Provisional Governors — The Exercise of the Pardoning Power — The Public Law of Christendom — His Pardons no mere Capricious Exercise of Power — Difculties of his Position— The Problem of the Future, . . 258

Chapter XIX

Difficulties of President Johnson's Situation— The next Presidency— Requisites for a successful Statesman — What constitutes a Demagogue — State Elections—President Johnson supported by both Parties— His Nomination for the Vice-Presidency — His Views unchanged — Relations to the Republican Party — Views on Reconstruction — Disaffection — President Johnson's Sense of Duty — Address to the Montana Delegation — Address to Delegates of the Virginia Legislature, ..... 276

CHAPTER.XX.

President Johnson's Position— If he Falters he is Lost — The Misfortune of the South in 1861 — President Johnson badly treated — Approval of his Plan by both Parties at the North— The Southern People regarded the Requirements as Final and Conclusive — Veto of the Freedmen's Bureau Bill — Sentiments of the North— Meeting in Washington to sustain the President, ......... 296

Chapter XXI

His Opinion of General Jackson — Great Men the Representatives of some cardinal Principle — Washington — Clay — The Rights of the People the great Standpoint of President Johnson's Character — His Construction of the Constitution — A Moral Lesson in the Study of his Life and Character — Influence upon the Youths of the Country — His Manners and Bearing — Personal Appearance — Family — His Difficult Task — Attempts of Factions to Use him — American, Roman, English, French, and German civilization.

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Chapter XXII

The Close of the War— An Article in the "London Quarterly Review"— Cause for Indignation at the Course of the British Government and People—It Encouraged the South to Persist— It could have Stopped the War— Proposed Mediation of the Emperor of the French— Jealousy and Alarm of Great Britain at the Growing Power of the United States — Statements of the "Review" Examined— Its Fling at President Johnson—Wishes and Hopes of the Reviewer . . Page 330