Autographed Letter Signed soliciting witnesses for Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial
Washington: 1867.
Exceedingly rare and historically important two-page letter, 10 x 8 inches, Washington, January 22, 1867. Written on lined paper with "House Reps (Confidential)" at the top. In this correspondence, Ashley writes to W.G. Brownlow, the Governor of Tennessee, soliciting witnesses who will testify against President Andrew Johnson at his impeachment trial. In part: "...give me the names at once of all witnesses who can sustain any of the charges preferred against the President...let this be done promptly...If the Union men are (earnest) let them come forward with the facts...I hope your legislature will promptly enfranchise the loyal men of color and this same Tennessee from the fate of Maryland..." Several folds with light browning and foxing; small tear along one of the folds. Very good(-) condition.
Ashley was the democratic congressman and abolitionist who supervised the underground railroad and who drew the bill abolishing slavery, the first proposition to amend the constitution. Through his hatred for Republican Andrew Johnson, Ashley solicited charges and then introduced the Articles of Impeachment in 1867.
Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $3,000.00
Item #212358