[Grand Old Partisan]

Thaddeus Stevens offered to defend Jefferson Davis against a treason charge, and would have tried to get him off on a technicality, not by arguing that his actions were legal. Stevens was against punishing anyome, though he did want land (over 200 acres per person) of rebellious plantation lords given to the ex-slaves.

Lincoln did indeed offer the 1864 VP nomination to Butler, who turned him down, so he had to go with another War Democrat, Andrew Johnson.

As to Gideion Welles, there were indeed some Republicans who sided with Andrew Johnson (seven Republican Senators voted to acquit him), but they were a small minority. Much more indicative of GOP sentiment toward the Tennesseee Democrat was Charles Sumner's take on Johnson replacing Lincoln: "By the murder of Lincoln the rebellion has vaulted into the presidential chair."

[nolu chan]

Thaddeus Stevens offered to defend Jefferson Davis against a treason charge, and would have tried to get him off on a technicality, not by arguing that his actions were legal.

As defense counsel, Thaddeus Stevens would have had no legal authority to dictate the defense. He would have been legally obligated to follow the will of the client.

Clearly, the defense set forth by Jefferson Davis and Charles O'Conor and the Dream Team of that day was the correct one. The Government, knowing they would lose, caved in.

As for giving away land, why not welcome the ex-slaves with a grant of land in the North or in the territories. There was plenty of land to be offered. When they could not unconstitutionally give away somebody else's land, they never did give up a square inch of their own land, now did they? Rather they passed laws to keep Blacks from settling in their states.

If Andrew Johnson was part of the Rebellion, please explain why Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party made him the Vice-President.

Welles offered a rather good description of the the plans and designs of the Radicals led by Thaddeus Stevens.

[rustbucket]

Much more indicative of GOP sentiment toward the Tennesseee Democrat was Charles Sumner's take on Johnson replacing Lincoln: "By the murder of Lincoln the rebellion has vaulted into the presidential chair."

Some rebel. From the Memphis Avalanche as reported in the January 9, 1861, Jackson Mississippian:

Andy Johnson Burnt in Effigy in Nashville!

HUNG AT GRAND JUNCTION

The defunct body shipped North after being shot, drawn, and quartered -- "unwept, unhonored, and hung," and will be hung at Jackson to-morrow.