Tide Turns Case 1

Lincoln’s Second Vice President

U.S. Senator Andrew Johnson from Tennessee remained loyal during the war.  His reward was President Lincoln appointing him as Military Governor of Tennessee.  In this capacity, Johnson, in the above letter, orders General George Thomas to move against enemy forces operating in the eastern part of the state. 

Lincoln ran for reelection in 1864 and chose Johnson as his running mate.  But many Republicans were disappointed with the President’s decision because Johnson held to his southern democrat roots.

After Lincoln’s assassination, Radical Republicans grew increasingly frustrated with Johnson’s policies against freed African Americans and efforts to remove Secretary of War Stanton, despite the Tenure of Office Act.  Tensions exploded in 1868, the House of Representatives impeached Johnson, and the Senate held a trial.  The tickets above allowed spectators to view the impeachment hearings.  The Senate acquitted Johnson, who continued as President until 1869.