![[ANDREW JOHNSON]. WADE, Benjamin (1800-1878), Senator. Letter signed ("B. F. Wade"), as President Pro Tem. of the Senate, TO CHIEF JUSTICE SALMON P. CHASE, Washington, 4 March 1868. 2 pages, 4to, Vice President Chamber's stationery, with Chase's autograph docket and endorsement on verso.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01840_0079_000(020217).jpg?w=1)
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[ANDREW JOHNSON]. WADE, Benjamin (1800-1878), Senator. Letter signed ("B. F. Wade"), as President Pro Tem. of the Senate, TO CHIEF JUSTICE SALMON P. CHASE, Washington, 4 March 1868. 2 pages, 4to, Vice President Chamber's stationery, with Chase's autograph docket and endorsement on verso.
SALMON P. CHASE IS CALLED TO PRESIDE OVER ANDREW JOHNSON'S IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
A highly dramatic document from the Johnson impeachment saga: the official summons to Chief Justice Samuel Chase from President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Benjamin F. Wade, to preside over the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson. "The House of Representatives having exhibited 'Articles of Impeachment' against Andrew Johnson President of the United States, and said Articles having been laid before the Senate by the manager's appointed by the House, it becomes my duty under the rules of the Senate in such a case to notify you that on the fifth day of March instant at one o'clock afternoon the Senate at their Senate Chamber in the City of Washington proceed to consider the said Articles of Impeachment; at which time and place you are notified to be present and preside over the Senate during the consideration of said Articles and upon the trial of said Andrew Johnson."
Chase's endorsement provides a dramatic, real-time recollection: "March 5. Received the within notice at 10 past 12 while sitting in the Supreme Court & hearing argument. On consultation with the Judges the argument was suspended & the Court took a recess. The Chief Justice then accompanied a committee of the Senate to the Senate Chamber where the oath was administered to him." Although sworn in on the 5th, proceedings did not get underway until 30 March, and, with adjournments and continuations, votes on the Articles did not take place until mid-May. That was more than enough time for Johnson and his supporters to work out deals with various Senators and to sow doubts about Johnson's Constitutional successor if convicted: the radical Ben Wade. With the Vice-Presidency vacant, Wade, as President Pro Tem of the Senate, was next in line for the White House.
SALMON P. CHASE IS CALLED TO PRESIDE OVER ANDREW JOHNSON'S IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
A highly dramatic document from the Johnson impeachment saga: the official summons to Chief Justice Samuel Chase from President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Benjamin F. Wade, to preside over the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson. "The House of Representatives having exhibited 'Articles of Impeachment' against Andrew Johnson President of the United States, and said Articles having been laid before the Senate by the manager's appointed by the House, it becomes my duty under the rules of the Senate in such a case to notify you that on the fifth day of March instant at one o'clock afternoon the Senate at their Senate Chamber in the City of Washington proceed to consider the said Articles of Impeachment; at which time and place you are notified to be present and preside over the Senate during the consideration of said Articles and upon the trial of said Andrew Johnson."
Chase's endorsement provides a dramatic, real-time recollection: "March 5. Received the within notice at 10 past 12 while sitting in the Supreme Court & hearing argument. On consultation with the Judges the argument was suspended & the Court took a recess. The Chief Justice then accompanied a committee of the Senate to the Senate Chamber where the oath was administered to him." Although sworn in on the 5th, proceedings did not get underway until 30 March, and, with adjournments and continuations, votes on the Articles did not take place until mid-May. That was more than enough time for Johnson and his supporters to work out deals with various Senators and to sow doubts about Johnson's Constitutional successor if convicted: the radical Ben Wade. With the Vice-Presidency vacant, Wade, as President Pro Tem of the Senate, was next in line for the White House.